O-I’s Plant Manager Development Programme brings together plant managers from around the world
O-I’s Jaroslaw (Poland) plant has hosted the final phase of training in the company’s global Plant Manager Development Programme.
Owens-Illinois (O-I) is the world’s largest glass container manufacturer, and its Plant Manager Development Programme brings together plant managers from O-I’s operations around the world along with talent from the next level of supervisors, with a focus on transforming O-I into the food and drinks industry’s preferred supplier.
O-I plant leaders address complex technical challenges in an industry which supplies high quality, precision-designed glass packaging to the most exciting and famous food and drinks brands in the world.
This year’s cohort brings the total number of programme graduates to nearly 100.
John Webb, O-I’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer, said: “O-I is unique in being the only truly global glassmaker and this programme introduces participants to global subject matter experts from whom they can learn first-hand. Our goal is to make O-I the most attractive glass company in the world to work for. PMDP plays a part by providing plant leaders with a global network of their own and training them not just in operations and technology but also in leadership and business management. Over half the programme consists of leadership topics because these are the men and women who will take our company forward.”
In the final element of the programme, 21 managers from five continents and 13 countries took part in a week of workshops in Europe at O-I’s plant at Jaroslaw, which produces bottles for the very demanding baby-food industry. This cohort has already spent a week in each of two other O-I locations, Perrysburg in the US and Lima in Peru.
The Plant Manager Development Programmes works in parallel with leadership and skills training for individuals at all levels of the company. Pablo Vercelli, Vice President, HR for O-I Europe, said, “In addition to their leadership skills, participants benefit from operational exercises which improve consistency and manufacturing excellence in all our plants. We’re transforming our business as we innovate to meet our clients’ ever-evolving needs to help build their brands, produce sustainable packaging and become valued partners. And, as we transform, our people can also seize the opportunity to change.”
O-I generated revenues of USD 6.9bn in 2017, and employs more than 26,500 people at 78 plants in 23 countries.