Ball Corporation, supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, has announced its plan to close its flat sheet production and can end-making plant in Weirton, West Virginia, the US.
The decision to shout down production by the first quarter of 2017 is a part of the company's strategy to maximize value of existing business by redistributing production services within its system.
Employing close to 300 people, the Weirton plant produces lithography and coating for flat sheet tinplate as well as can ends.
Upon closure, the plant's capacity will be supplied by other Ball facilities.
Ball Corporation global food and household products packaging COO Jim Peterson said: "We are continuing our efforts to maximize value in our existing business by redistributing production services within our system, ensuring these services are strategically located near our customers and suppliers, and investing in the quality of our production services in their new locations.
"While closing a plant is always difficult, this decision will allow us to remain competitive in a changing market and to continue delivering first-class products to our customers."
The firm expects to record nearly $21m in total after-tax charge for employee severance and benefits, facility shut down costs, and asset impairment and disposal costs.
Last year, the company announced plans to close its beverage packaging end-making plant in Bristol, Virginia.
The Bristol plant, which employs close to 230 people, produces beverage can ends in a variety of sizes.
Image: Ball intends to redistribute production services within its system. Photo: courtesy of artzenter/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
