Ball ceasing production in North America
Ball Corporation has announced that it will cease production at the company’s Weirton, West Virginia, flat sheet production and end-making plant by the first quarter of 2017.
The plant’s capacity will be supplied by other Ball facilities. Ball expects to record a total after-tax charge of approximately $21 million, primarily for employee severance and benefits, facility shut down costs, and asset impairment and disposal costs. The majority of the charge is expected to be recorded during the remainder of 2016.
Jim Peterson, chief operating officer at global food and household products packaging, said: “We are continuing our efforts to maximise 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.”
Weirton employees will be provided benefits in accordance with the effects bargaining process and Ball policies and will be able to apply for open positions within Ball.
