Sapulpa glass plant shutting one of three furnaces for rest of year
By JOHN STANCAVAGE World Business Columnist on Sep 5, 2013, at 2:33 AM Updated on 9/05/13 at 3:49 AM
Manufacturing
In just 12 years, natural gas plant builder Thomas Russell Co. grew from a Tulsa startup to a $750 million company.
Matrix Service Co. of Tulsa will build oil and natural gas storage terminals for TransCanada Corp. over the next five years, the Tulsa-based energy construction firm announced Wednesday.
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Verallia North America's glass plant in Sapulpa is shutting down one furnace for the rest of the year because of slack demand.
The company confirmed the decision Wednesday. The majority of the 350 employees will not be affected, spokeswoman Gina Behrman said in a telephone interview.
Behrman said she did not have a total number of employees that would be laid off. The plant has two other furnaces that will remain in use, she said.
"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 facility is now being impacted," she said in an emailed statement.
"Accordingly, the decision has been made to take downtime beginning on or about Sept. 16 in Sapulpa, which is currently expected to continue through December."
The plant, located near Interstate 44 and Oklahoma 66, has produced beer bottles for many years. It opened in 1913.
"The company will continue to monitor sales and inventory levels, as well as explore new opportunities to determine a restart date," Behrman said.
Muncie, Ind.-based Verallia designs, develops and produces glass bottles and jars for the wine, beer, beverage, spirits and food containers markets. The company operates 13 plants and a distribution center.
John Stancavage 918-581-8314
john.stancavage@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Sapulpa glass firm cuts production
Manufacturing
In just 12 years, natural gas plant builder Thomas Russell Co. grew from a Tulsa startup to a $750 million company.
Matrix Service Co. of Tulsa will build oil and natural gas storage terminals for TransCanada Corp. over the next five years, the Tulsa-based energy construction firm announced Wednesday.
CONTACT THE REPORTER
918-581-8314
Email
