Ardagh increases can capacity in U.S.

To address the increased demand for infinitely recyclable beverage cans, Ardagh Group will be adding two new high-speed beverage can manufacturing lines at its Olive Branch, Mississippi, facility. The new lines will begin production by the end of 2020.

According to Claude Marbach, CEO, Ardagh Metal – Beverage North America, the new production capacity complements a growing Ardagh beverage can manufacturing network. “This is one of a number of significant capacity expansion investments we are initiating to meet growing demand, as consumers and customers increasingly recognise the sustainability advantages of beverage cans,” he said. “Beverage cans deliver high recycled content rates, often driving the effectiveness of municipal recycling systems due to the inherent value of aluminum. And with ideal filling, distribution and retail display economics, beverage cans enable customers to further build their brand and bottom line.”

The Ardagh Olive Branch facility, built in 1988 on more than 20 acres of land, will also be adding more than 80 new jobs as part of the capacity expansion, increasing the number of teammates at the plant to more than 200.

The plant’s new production will initially focus on the company’s Ardagh Sleek™ line, package sizes recognized across growing beverage categories such as hard seltzers, beer, energy drinks and teas. The additional capacity strengthens a full range of product sizes available to customers from a network of eight beverage can and end manufacturing locations throughout the U.S.