The Glass Container Industry: Growth and Opportunities

Januar/Februar 2009 — …what an exciting year! A good year for the Glass Industry: the global growth rate for glass came close to the growth rate of PET, which is already slowing down. As a result, the demand for glass exceeded all expectations, to the extent that shortages of glass prevailed in some regions, allowing the Glass Industry to adjust prices to a level which not only offset the rising energy cost, but also opening up the opportunity for new investments.

What is good for the Glass Industry is also good for Emhart Glass. Therefore, it can be no surprise that 2008 was yet another stellar year for us. Sales exceeded even the record performance of 2007.

But this is not the only exciting fact about 2008. The launch of the new Emhart Glass SIS machine was crowned with success: many customers obviously appreciate the option of a new standard machine for the price of a reconditioned machine. Our Research Center in Windsor delivered first promising results, which will lead to better products, services and processes in the future.

Last but not least, in 2008 we were able to attract world class glass production experts to join our Technical Services Group. This now allows us to offer in Technical Service Agreements new productivity services to our customers. Which gives evidence to Emhart Glass´ future direction: to serve the Glass Industry as a solutions provider, with a product offering that includes top quality machines, but goes far beyond. We invite our customers to challenge and verify this claim in 2009 and beyond!

Martin Jetter
President