EU opal-glass production to increase

The Gerresheimer Group, an international manufacturer of glass packaging for perfume and cosmetics, is to expand its opal-glass production in Belgium. New high-performance smelting and production facilities were commissioned by the company's subsidiary - Nouvelles Verreries des Momignies - yesterday.

"The technically advanced opal-glass plant not only complements our comprehensive product range in the cosmetics sector but in the future it will also enhance our ability to offer our customers the highest quality across all product and service categories," said executive vice president of the moulding glass packaging division Bruno Bürkel.

In the future it is claimed that the new facility will be able to produce around 150 million containers annually.

The new facilities, which replace an older plant, are thought to increase the market importance of opal glass for the company, which already supplies flacons, pots and vials to customers in the cosmetics industry worldwide.

Gerresheimer offers these markets a complete service spectrum, ranging from creative development to the shaping, colouring and finishing of glass.

The Gerresheimer Group is an international supplier of packaging and system solutions made from glass and plastic, especially for the market segments of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The company manufactures in 17 locations in Europe and America and employs 5,400 people worldwide.

Sales total €550 million, three quarters of which is achieved outside of Germany.