Glass Container Company, a Moldova-based independent glass products manufacturer, announced the launch of a comprehensive upgrade of existing production facilities. The €17 million project is co-financed by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and Mobiabanca - Groupe Société Générale, as part of the European Investment Bank’s Filière du Vin project, which jointly committed €12.5 million in loans. The financing is supported by a guarantee and technical assistance program funded by the European Union, IPN reports.

In a press release, the company said the project, structured in two phases, will increase the output of GCC’s furnace from 50 to 80 thousand tons per year once fully completed. Jointly with Glass Container Prim, GCC’s sister-organization, total pull capacity will increase from the current 100 thousand tons, to 160 thousand tons per year, with the number of production sections increasing from 36 to 56.

The reconstruction will support GCC’s transition to NNPB technology, as well as includes single, double and triple gob functionality. This will enable GCC to expand their segment capabilities to small format jars, large containers, light beer bottles, as well as tap high-growth market niches including mineral water and baby food, among others.

“As consumers increasingly shift away from plastic packaging, the glass market has seen a robust growth over the last years, which is expected to continue in the mid to long term. With over 60% of our production exported to 28 countries worldwide, we have already demonstrated our competitiveness in servicing more distant geographies,” said Oleg Baban, GCC CEO.

Scope of work includes full reconstruction of existing GCC furnace, installation of two modern 10 section IS machines, energy saving LEHRS, quality control and packaging equipment.