British can maker Rexam has inaugurated its new£115m wall-to-wall manufacturing plant in Widnau, Switzerland.
Located alongside the Rauch Trading can filling plant, the new facility will be capable of producing 2.2 billion Slim and Sleek cans every year.
The company will initially put one production line into service, which will be followed by the commissioning of two other lines at the facility.
The Widnau plant will produce cans in 200ml, 250ml and 355ml sizes.
Rexam CEO Graham Chipchase said: "Our investment in this cutting edge facility in Widnau epitomizes that goal by supporting one of our major customers with their growth ambitions.
"In addition the location, wall-to-wall with the filling partner, illustrates our commitment to sustainable operations through minimizing logistics, freight costs and environmental effects. Rexam are proud to have built this plant in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland and to welcome Widnau to our worldwide network."
The company will be able to transfer cans between the plant and adjoining filling area through wall-to-wall operations, thereby reducing associated transport costs, regional traffic and CO2 emissions.
Rexam Europe sector director Iain Percival said: "Throughout both the construction process and the training of the plant's new employees, the team at Widnau has drawn on the experience of their Rexam colleagues at other plants and offices across Europe.
"Just as Rexam tries to foster a collaborative working relationship with customers, we do encourage collaborative working internally as well, working together as a One Rexam team."
Rexam has placed the plant washer on a mezzanine floor and installed the fully automated warehouse on the plant's roof in a bid to overcome space constraint challenges.
Both the cupper and bodymaker have been placed on 120 tonne blocks of concrete supported by large springs to avoid vibrations from machinery.
Image: Rexam has opened new Widnau plant in Switzerland. Photo: courtesy of Rexam PLC.
