Ball Corporation invests $9m to expand use of wind power

Ball Corporation is investing $9 million to install three new wind turbines at its Findlay, Ohio beverage packaging plant.

The three new turbines will join the three other turbines present at the facility, and together the six turbines will provide approximately 30% of the plant’s power.

Financing for the project was provided by wind energy company One Energy, and Construction of the new turbines will begin by the end of 2018.

Glenn Jost, the company’s Findlay plant manager said: “Ball’s sustainability progress is powered by projects throughout our company, and our expansion of the use of wind power in Findlay is yet another example.

“By expanding our use of wind turbines to deliver power to our plant, Ball is increasing its support of renewable energy while ensuring a fixed-rate cost for a significant amount of our Findlay power needs for decades.

“This adds to the sustainability advantage of metal packaging compared to other substrates, like plastics and glass.”

Ball and One Energy will also create three an additional three $5,000 ‘Megawatt Scholarships’ in Findlay, to be awarded each year the turbines are in operation. 

The scholarships will be awarded to local high school graduates pursuing a two-year or four-year higher education degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

“Support of STEM education is critical to Ball’s ability to provide products that help sustain our planet.

“The critical importance of STEM learning – particularly for disadvantaged students – will be key to ensuring companies have the talent they need to thrive.

“That includes our efforts to further develop our Findlay workforce pipeline for engineering positions, and for other STEM roles at Ball.”