St-Prex

“Without doubt, the closure of St-Prex was one of the most difficult moments in recent years,” comments CEO Johann Reiter. ”It was a very painful decision – not only on account of this plant’s historical significance, but also, and above all, because of the consequences it had for our on-site employees, many of whom had been with us for many years. This was a very distressing experience for all of us.” 

In May 2024, Vetropack announced the closure of the plant, marking the end of 113 years of glass production. In June, the company began the organised shutdown of production, two months earlier than planned due to safety reasons. Vetropack implemented a social plan to support employees affected by the job losses during the transition. Cooperation with the unemployment insurance fund and the career counseling service set up on site also paid off: most of the employees from the St-Prex plant found new jobs, while others took well-deserved retirement. At the same time, the transfer of the St-Prex production to neighbouring sites in Austria and Italy went smoothly.

Machinery to Nemšová and Kremsmünster

In early spring, the machines embarked on the next phase of their operational life. In February, a ten-station AIS 211 machine and a twelve-station AIS 214 machine, along with all accessories, were transported to Italy for dismantling and repair. Vetropack plans to reinstall the AIS 211 machine at the Nemšová site next year and the AIS 214 machine in Kremsmünster. The remaining two production machines from St-Prex were sold to an Indian company. “We associate many memories with these machines. The dismantling, which also took place in difficult external conditions – such as low temperatures – is anything but easy for us,” says Production Supervisor Jose-Maria Cipriano. “However, I am pleased that a new use has been found for the machines.” All IS control systems, laboratory measuring equipment, and spare parts have also been relocated within the Group.

Commitment in Switzerland remains unchanged

Switzerland remains a key market for Vetropack. “Of course, the closure of the last container glass plant in Switzerland also marks a watershed with implications that go beyond our Group,” says Johann Reiter. “However, we made one thing clear from the outset: even though we’re closing the plant in St-Prex, that does not mean we’re withdrawing from our home market. On the contrary: Switzerland remains an important market for us, and we will continue to supply our customers there exactly as we did before. As a pioneer of glass recycling in Switzerland, the Vetropack Group will remain active in glass recycling.”