Ball unveils plans for new manufacturing facilities in UK and Russia

Ball Corporation is planning to build new aluminium beverage packaging plants in the UK and Russia, in a move to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity.

According to Ball, each of the planned facilities would produce billions of cans every year – across a range of formats and sizes – from 2023, and provide up to 200 skilled jobs.

The news follows the announcement earlier this year of Ball’s plans for a new €170 million aluminium can plant in the Czech Republic, which will help boost its output in the EMEA region.

Ball has submitted a formal application to North Northamptonshire Council and expects to break ground on the newly announced UK facility later this year, following a period of public consultation on the plans.

The plant – representing Ball’s third beverage can manufacturing site in the UK – will be located at the Segro Park Kettering Gateway in Northamptonshire. The planned facility will supply cans for domestic customers in categories such as hard seltzer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.

Meanwhile, to serve the fast-growing Russian market, Ball is planning to build a plant in Ulyanovsk in the west of the country.

The Ulynavosk plant will extend Ball’s manufacturing footprint in Russia to four facilities and will supply customers in categories including beer and energy drinks.

“With the demand for our infinitely recyclable aluminium packaging growing fast in an expanding number of categories, we are acting now to support our customers in the UK and Russia,” said Carey Causey, president, Ball beverage packaging EMEA.

“The pandemic and changing consumption patterns mean that consumers are enjoying more of their favourite beverages at home and on the go and want to buy products in packages that they know will be recycled and can contribute to a truly circular economy.”