Packaging products supplier Crown Holdings has opened its first beverage can manufacturing facility in Nichols, New York, US.
The facility will support the company in harnessing the growing demand for specialty beverage cans in the US.
Construction on the 533,853ft² building began in December 2015 and commercial shipments started earlier this year. Second manufacturing line at the facility was completed this April.
There has been a growing demand for such speciality cans in the recent years from several beverage-makers in the areas of soft drinks, beers, ready-to-drink teas, coffee, sparkling waters, wines and spirits, juices and other functional beverages.
The new facility is located in Tioga County Industrial Park in Nichols and it produces two-piece aluminium cans in a range of sizes. The plant is expected to create about 160 new jobs by 2018.
Crown says that its presence in New York has a significant potential for further development in the Southern Tier region, where efforts are underway for the growth of advanced manufacturing sector.
Crown president and CEO Timothy Donahue said: "Beverage cans remain a valued, trusted format with consumers around the world due to their portability, durability and sustainability. In the United States, demand for specialty can sizes is flourishing as brand owners seek to refresh their packaging mix and increase appeal to different demographics.
"This new facility reflects Crown's commitment to support its customers with capacity when and where they need it and underscores our philosophy of delivering innovative metal packaging that responds to demands of modern consumers.
Presently, Crown around operates 146 facilities in 36 countries. In North America alone, it has 15 beverage can plants where aluminum cans that range between sizes of 7.5-ounce and 16-ounce are produced.
