Design

Owens-Illinois has said it is "well on the way" to re-establishing its leadership position in the container glass industry thanks to increased sales and better factory performance.

The company, which sold its plastic packaging operations to Rexam in June, recorded a 14% rise in sales to £975m ($1.99bn) for the second quarter of the year, compared with the same period last year. Net earnings soared by 250% to £73m.

Chief executive Al Stroucken said he was "encouraged" by the results and the commitment shown by employees. But he warned there was "still a way to go" and the path would not always be smooth.

O-I's share price has tripled in value over the past 12 months after climbing steadily.

O-I has two UK plants, in Harlow, Essex, and Alloa, central Scotland.

The firm has been at the forefront of glass lightweighting efforts, producing a 299g amber glass container for Adnams 500ml beer bottles.