Arglass partially runs plant using solar

Arglass is powering part of its operations with renewable energy generated by a solar installation.

The glass container manufacturer, based in Valdosta, Georgia, started running part of its plant, including its VF-1 furnace, on a 10,000-plus solar panel array.

The approximately $10 million installation is mounted on trackers that follow the sun across the day.

It was developed and financed by Cherry Street Energy, an Atlanta-based independent power provider.

The project is Georgia’s largest ground-mounted customer-sited solar tracking system.

Jose Diego-Arozamena, Chief Executive Officer of Arglass, said: “The future of American manufacturing depends on innovation — not only in how we make products, but in how we power our operations.

“This investment reinforces Arglass’s commitment to the principles on which our company was founded — flexibility, efficiency and sustainability.

“By combining advanced production technology with large-scale renewable energy generation, we are strengthening our energy independence, improving long-term cost predictability and reducing the carbon intensity of our operations.

“These investments help us build a more resilient manufacturing platform for our customers, enabling the consumer brands we serve to meet their packaging, supply chain and sustainability goals with confidence.

“We are proud to demonstrate that world-class manufacturing, environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness are not competing priorities — they are essential ingredients for long-term success.”

The project was originally developed by Carrick-Williams Companies, a Chattanooga-based renewable energy developer, and was acquired by Cherry Street Energy in 2025.

It was executed through a Solar Energy Procurement Agreement.

Under the agreement, Cherry Street Energy financed, developed, owns, operates and maintains the system.

The company will serve as Arglass’s third-party energy provider for the next 30 years.

The panels maximise energy production and help power operations at Arglass’s VF-1 furnace.

Michael Chanin, CEO of Cherry Street Energy, said: “Solar technology is versatile in its implementation — it’s not just for rooftops.

“Arglass is benefitting from that versatility by reimagining a portion of the company’s land to reliably produce energy that will provide meaningful support for the facility’s daytime operations.”