TOLEDO, Ohio/ July 1, 2003/Owens-Illinois Plastics Group has launched a joint project with Husky Injection Molding Systems in Ontario, Canada, to develop higher cavitation multi-layer PET injection systems.

The companies say that the technology could lead to PET with up to 144 cavities and that the higher cavitation system will be installed in 2004.

The new system will incorporate new technology that should substantially simplify the present equipment and provide a much higher per capita output. Various cavitation options will be made available on the new PET injection moulding platforms from Husky.

O-I’s SurShot multi-layer injection technology is currently one of the leading multi-layer PET technologies worldwide, with billions of containers produced and sold throughout the world. This new generation of equipment is aimed at maintaining this leadership position in the future, the companies say.

About Owens Illinois

Owens-Illinois is a leading manufacturer of plastic containers, glass containers and closure systems for the food and beverage industry. O-I’s Plastic Group, Plastic Containers offers a selection of materials, processes and innovations to address a wide variety of packaging demands and is the leading packaging supplier in North America in each of the markets it serves, in addition to serving other leading global markets.

About Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.

Husky is one of the leading suppliers of injection molding equipment and services for the plastics industry. Husky designs and manufacture the industry's most comprehensive range of injection molding equipment, including machines, PET preform molds, hot runners and robots. In addition, their value-added services include factory planning, customer training, integration of production systems and project management for turnkey factories. In fiscal 2002, sales were US$581 million with 2600 people employed worldwide.