Ball Packaging Europe will expand its beverage can manufacturing plant in Oss, Netherlands, a move that will increase its production capacity.

As part of the expansion, the company will install a new production line at its existing can production site.

The proposed production line will become operational in May 2015 and it will have capacity to manufacture 50-centiliter aluminium cans.

Ball Packaging Europe president Colin Gillis said: "In the Benelux countries, more and more breweries are choosing cans for their beer packaging.

"The Oss plant is the only beverage can manufacturing facility in the Netherlands, and this expansion will strengthen its position as a logistical hub for our business in the Benelux area and throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa."

According to the company, the expansion is expected to create additional jobs in the region.

Ball also plans to continue to invest in training and education for its employees and in support of community projects.

Earlier in May, the company has outlined plans to establish a new one-line beverage can manufacturing plant in Myanmar, which is expected to begin production in mid-2015.

The capacity of the Myanmar plant will be contracted to Coca-Cola Pinya Beverages, under long-term agreements. It will also supply other local, regional and multi-national customers.

Press Release:
http://www.ball-europe.com/1798.html

Ball today announced the expansion of its beverage can manufacturing plant in Oss, Netherlands. The company will build an additional production line for 50-centiliter aluminium cans at the existing plant location.

"In the Benelux countries, more and more breweries are choosing cans for their beer packaging," said Colin Gillis, president, Ball Packaging Europe. "The Oss plant is the only beverage can manufacturing facility in the Netherlands, and this expansion will strengthen its position as a logistical hub for our business in the Benelux area and throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa."

Ball, already a major employer in Oss, will bring additional jobs to the region as a result of the expansion. The company also will continue to invest in training and education for its employees and in support of community projects.

Historical milestones of Oss can production site:

* 1953: Foundation of steel can factory by Thomassen & Drijver
* 1971: Implementation of first two-piece beverage can line in Europe
* 1997: Installation of first aluminium line
* 2005: Switch to aluminium only production
* 2008: Production of the 25th billion can
* 2012: First run of 20-centiliter and 33-centiliter aluminium sleek cans
* 2013: 60th anniversary of only Dutch beverage can plant
2014: Start of expansion project to build third production line and new warehouse

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