Sapulpa Glass Plant To Stop Production, Cites Drop In Demand

SAPULPA, Oklahoma - A drop in demand for several products packaged in glass bottles and jars is prompting a Sapulpa glass plant to stop production.

Verallia North America says the down time will begin on or about September 16 and will continue through December.

The Sapulpa plant makes beer bottles.

In a statement, Gina L. Behrman, Director of Corporate Communications, says sales and inventory levels will determine when the plant will restart production:

Demand has slowed for several products packaged in glass bottles and jars this year. Verallia North America's plants have been working very hard to overcome these challenges, but its Sapulpa, Oklahoma, facility is now being impacted.

Accordingly, the decision has been made to take downtime beginning on or about September 16, 2013, in Sapulpa, which is currently expected to continue through December, given the present weak demand for the beer bottles the plant has been producing for many years and current inventory levels.

Accordingly, it is the intent to drain one of the glass furnaces in Sapulpa, which allows the company to minimize issues during a furnace restart.

The Company will continue to monitor sales and inventory levels, as well as explore new opportunities to determine a restart date.

The glass plant is located at 1000 North Mission Street in Sapulpa.