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More than 50 years manufacturing glass packaging

Our history

Since 1965, the Vidrala Group has been working to incorporate the latest technological developments in the production of containers so that they can contribute to society. A successful track record that has made us a champion company in the sale and manufacture of glass containers. 

1965

Vidrala began operations in Llodio (Álava - Spain). Since its birth, the Vidrala Group has experienced strong growth, incorporating the latest technological developments in manufacturing and finished product control into its facilities, which makes us a reference in our sector.

1966

Creation of Vidrerías de Álava S.A.

Creation of Vidrierías de Álava S.A., starting its production activity in 1966 with one furnace and two machines, with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year and a dozen products.

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1967

Initial shipments

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1977

Press-blow technology

 Start using the press-blow technique for moulding of light bottles, which will allow Vidrala to lead the national market technologically, reducing the average weight of its containers.

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1981

Production reached 130,000 tonnes per year

The process of transforming its furnaces began, which led to energy savings of 50%, while maintaining production capacity. The company changed its name to Vidrala S.A.

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A greenfield in Albacete

Crisnova, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vidrala, begins operations in Caudete (Albacete) with a furnace and a production capacity of 95,000 tonnes per year. The Vidrala Group now has an annual capacity of 225,000 tonnes, with three melting furnaces.

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1995

Third furnace
at Aiala 

A third furnace is brought into operation at Aiala, increasing its annual production capacity by 110,000 tonnes, bringing the Group's total to 340,000 tonnes per year.

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1998

We expand production in Albacete

The second Crisnova furnace starts operating, bringing the Group's annual production to 450,000 tonnes.

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2003

Acquisition in Portugal 

Ricardo Gallo, Vidro de Embalagem, a 100-year-old Portuguese company located in Marinha Grande, is acquired, thus initiating the internalisation of the Group. Production capacity is increased to 610,000 tonnes per year.

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2005

Acquisitions in Barcelona and Italy

At the beginning of the year, the BSN Glasspack plant in Castellar del Vallés (Spain) and the Avir plant in Corsico (Italy) are acquired from O-I, following the Group's strategic plan and reaching a production capacity in the Iberian Peninsula of 805,000 tonnes per year and 950,000 tonnes for the Group as a whole.

The companies Valvitrum S.A. and Cortico Vetro S.r.l. are created.

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2007

Acquisition in Belgium

Acquisition of Manufacture du Verre SA, a Belgian glassmaker founded on 4 June 2000 following the acquisition of the Verlipack production facilities.

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2012

Natura

Launch of the natura range of sustainable lightweight bottles. 

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2015

Acquisition of Encirc

Vidrala becomes the 4th European operator offering a complete service including, in addition to the manufacture of glass containers, filling processes and logistics services.

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2017

Leaders in the Iberian market 

Vidrala acquires Santos Barosa, a glass container manufacturer that operates a large production centre located in Marinha Grande, Portugal, from where it produces more than 1,600 million containers per year. The integration of this business complements Vidrala's leading position in the Iberian market.

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2019

Sale of MD Verre

Vidrala formalises the sale of its glass container manufacturing activity in Ghlin (Belgium) - carried out through the companies MD Verre S.A. and Omega Immobilière et Financière S.A.

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2023

Acquisition of
“The Park” 

Acquisition of the beverage packaging and logistics business known as "The Park" (United Kingdom).

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2023

Acquisition of the Vidroporto

Vidrala continues its internationalisation process, gradually growing in the Latin American market. The acquisition represents a relevant step for the long-term strategy as it boosts the diversification of the business towards the growing Brazilian market and implies a potential development base in regions that will offer interesting opportunities.

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