Ardagh Glass is to invest €450 million in its manufacturing facilities over the next three years to strengthen its competitive position in the European glass container industry.

The investment programme follows an in-depth review of Ardagh’s manufacturing footprint and is focussed on delivering improved business performance and on satisfying the future needs of customers.

Production volumes will remain unchanged in a restorative programme that includes restructuring of the group’s manufacturing operations and a reduction in manning in some regions. The programme involves the closure of some facilities in Germany, the UK and Poland. However, such closures will be balanced by the reopening of other previously closed capacity in Germany and the UK; and by the construction of a new furnace in the Netherlands.

The investment programme is very significant for Ardagh and its stakeholders. It is expected to result in considerable operating gains and to strengthen Ardagh’s position as one of Europe’s leading glass container manufacturers.