When completed, the facility is expected to become the largest in the UK with a production capacity of more than one billion cans annually and employ up to 200 people
The can-making plant will be ready by January 2023. (Credit: Analogicus/Pixabay)
Sustainable packaging solutions provider Ball Corporation has started construction on a new can-making facility in Kettering, UK.
The plant is spread across 56,000m² with additional space for future expansion in SEGRO Park, Kettering Gateway.
When completed, the new plant is expected to become the largest beverage facility in the UK with a production capacity of more than one billion cans annually and employ up to 200 people.
Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA president Carey Causey said: “As environmental awareness increases, consumers are insisting on more sustainable drinks packaging.
“This new facility – in one of the UK’s best-known manufacturing locations – will help us to support our customers’ growth, creating fully recyclable cans, which can play a role in a truly circular economy and support the local community.”
Set to be completed in January 2023, the facility will be constructed as per the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Sustainability and Environmental Standards.
The plant features sustainable elements such as a rainwater harvesting system and the use of technology to mitigate machinery exhaust emissions, which will help the facility uses 20% less energy usage and 70% less water than traditional can-making processes.
The Kettering factory will take the list of the can-making facility in the UK to three, joining Milton Keynes and Wakefield and the total number of facilities in the EMEA area to 26.
In July last year, Ball agreed with the Metals segment of En+ Group to develop ultra-low carbon aerosols and other containers.
Ball, based in the US, manufactures aluminium packaging for beverage, personal care, and home items, as well as aerospace and other technology and services for the US government.