Leading European metal packaging group Impress has acquired Alcan’s 310-strong canmaking and decorative tinplate container facility, Alcan Packaging Sutton (APS), in Sutton-in-Ashfield, England, in a move which it says gives it “a viable long-term position in the UK food can market”, Europe’s second largest.

One of the UK’s leading can suppliers to the food and petfood sectors, and a major producer of printed speciality containers, the Sutton operation has a turnover of some €60m, with a particular strength in low cost draw and wall iron food can technology.

Alcan has also announced the sale of its Laffon plant in Venegono, Italy, which makes mass-market press powder packaging, to the factory’s general manager, Luca Rossi. The site employs 115. Neither purchase price has been disclosed.