Ball opens new production line in Serbia
Ball Packaging Europe has officially opened a new production line at its plant in the Belgrade district of Zemun, Serbia.
The can maker says it will contribute significantly to the growth of Serbian foreign trade and economic development, with a doubling of can production fully designated for export.
The new production line, which is worth €35 million, was officially opened by Boris Tadic, President of the Republic of Serbia, in the presence of other state officials, global and local representatives of Ball Corporation – the parent company of Ball Packaging Europe – and local business partners. The leading international beverage can producer’s latest investment in Serbia is set to create 50 new jobs and will boost production from 750 million to over 1.5 billion aluminium beverage cans a year for distribution to markets in the region and the European Union.
“Ongoing investment in technology development and production capacity, together with investment in human resources, has laid the foundation for the strong global results achieved by Ball, says John Hayes, president and CEO of Ball Corporation. “The factory in Serbia has so far justified our investment. We hope we will continue to do business here successfully into the future.”
President of Ball Packaging Europe, Gerrit Heske, added: “The plant in Zemun has previously achieved excellent results and features on the list of the most successful Ball factories in Europe.” He now hopes other investors in Serbia will follow the example of Ball Packaging Europe and continue to invest in production.
“New investment, aside from confirming the strength and efficiency of our business, leads to growth and expansion into new markets,” notes David Banjai, director of the Ball Packaging Europe Belgrade factory. “Currently, production is mainly for export to 12 European countries. Now the aim is to further expand our business into new markets and also to take advantage of favourable trade arrangements with Serbia’s neighbouring countries.”
The official opening was attended by 250 guests. Serbian president Boris Tadic, alongside the management of Ball Corporation and Ball Packaging Europe, the manager of the Belgrade production plant, planted tree saplings as symbols of longevity and durability to mark the launch of operations at the new production line.
