Ball Corporation mulls closure of US facility

Ball Corporation is considering shuttering a beverage packaging plant in Wallkill, New York, that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

The can manufacturer says that it has notified employees and the relevant union about the potential closure. 

The plant – which opened in 1972 – produces a number of unique can sizes that are only supplied by Ball. 

However, the company says that space, land and equipment limitations make expansion and upgrades to the site difficult, and it is considering moving production to other facilities that can produce the same sizes.

“Contemplating a plant closure is never easy as it impacts our people,” said Kathleen Pitre, president, beverage packaging North and Central America.

She continued: “Because of our extensive plant network, we have the ability to modify existing lines to produce these unique sizes. We are exploring the best way to match the growing and changing needs of our contracted customers with our extensive plant footprint.”