Permit will allow bottle company to increase production
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – State approval of an air quality permit will allow a local glass manufacturer to increase its daily production. “We were having to produce at a lower level because of a tonnage restriction,” said Michael McCartney, general manager for Anchor Glass Container Corp. on Monday. “Now that the (permit) has been approved we are allowed to increase the number of bottles we produce each day.”
The increase in production, however, does not translate into more jobs at the South Connellsville plant, McCartney added.
“All it does is allow us to produce more beer bottles,” he said.
The plant produces glass bottle containers for various companies, including Anheiser-Busch, Rolling Rock, Yuengling and United Distillers, makers of Smirnoff Ice and other products.
Anchor Glass, headquartered in Tampa, Fla., is one of the largest manufacturers of glass containers in the U.S. with nine glass producing plants, one mould manufacturing plant, one central repair plant and three sales offices located throughout the U.S.
Charles Duritsa, southwest regional director for the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said that the air quality plan meets imposed regulations at all levels.
“Our analysis shows that the facility will be in compliance with federal and state air quality regulations and be able to increase its glass production,” he said.
The issuance of the permit came five years after the company initially sought DEP approval, according to Joseph Clemins, Anchor environmental engineer.
Although the manufacturer does have overall air quality approval to operate, it is required to obtain subsequent permission when changes occur in the level of production.
“There were some wrenches thrown into it that caused some problems,” he said, speculating a top-level administrative change and financial difficulties may have impeded the approval. “The state was not in any hurry to approve the permit. But, when I came on a year ago, I made it a top priority.”
The furnace that operates the production equipment was re-outfitted with a decorating machine, while the permit was being reviewed by the state, which could have also contributed to the lengthy process, said Clemins.
With the latest permit, production will be increased by nine percent.
“Every bottle does count,” said Clemins.