Ball will sign a long-term supply arrangement and aims to assume a minority stake in the mill
Manna Capital and Ball have partnered for new aluminum can sheet rolling mill and recycling centre in New Mexico. (Credit: Ball Corporation)
Investment firm Manna Capital Partners and aluminium beverage packaging firm Ball Corporation have partnered for a new aluminium can sheet rolling mill and recycling centre in Los Lunas, New Mexico in the US.
Under the agreement, Manna will construct and operate the mill and Ball will take a minority equity position in the mill.
Ball also signed a long-term supply agreement to create a new sustainable domestic supply chain for the growing beverage packaging market.
Manna Capital Partners managing partner Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgeman said: “At Manna, we are always looking for new ways to invest in companies that are doing good for the planet and people, while improving opportunities that support minority owned-business enterprises.
“We look forward to partnering with Ball, a leader in the beverage packaging industry, to improve supply chain efficiencies through domestic production of more sustainable aluminium.”
The packaging firm said that aluminium is considered the best beverage packaging material of choice because it is infinitely recyclable and economically valued, allowing for circularity where resources can be reused.
Under the long-term supply agreements, Ball and other important customers of the new factory will be provided with high recycled content aluminium can sheets.
Ball Corporation president and CEO Dan Fisher said: “Further increasing recycled content in our products is key to boosting our sustainability and securing a domestic supply of our key raw material.
“This alliance complements the significant manufacturing investments Ball has made across the Southwest US since 2020 to meet the growing demand for sustainable beverage packaging, and we look forward to teaming up with Manna and its management team to help create a truly circular economy for aluminium can sheet, bring skilled jobs to the region, and help our customers meet their sustainability commitments.”
Additional investment in used beverage can (UBC) recycling infrastructure is expected to supply the rolling mill with adequate scrap material.
The mill is scheduled to open in 2026 and scale up additional production over several years.