Crown opens three new can facilities in China

PHILADELPHIA – Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK), a leading supplier of metal packaging products worldwide, announced today the official opening and commercialization of three of its Chinese facilities in Heshan in Guangdong province, Ziyang in Sichuan province, and Putian in Fujian province.

“These new plants will primarily supply local customers, although they may also be called upon to serve other parts of the country,” said Jozef Salaerts, President of CROWN Asia Pacific. “As brand owners and consumers continue to recognize the many benefits aluminum beverage cans bring, demand for the package continues to increase. Crown is committed to supporting our customers’ growth, and we are pleased that we are working together to meet both new and existing demand.”

Cans in production at the Putian facility in Fujian province, one of three beverage can plants recently opened by Crown in China

The Heshan facility currently operates one can line and one end line, with an initial annual production capacity of approximately 725 million two-piece 330ml and 355ml beverage cans and 1.4 billion 202-diameter ends. Production of ends began in June 2012, while beverage can production started in October 2012. The facility will also have the ability to produce 500ml beverage cans.

The Ziyang facility began producing beverage cans at the end of July 2012. One can line is currently in operation, giving the plant an annual production capacity of approximately 650 million two-piece 330ml and 355ml beverage cans.

The Putian facility operates two lines and is able to produce 150ml, 330ml and 500ml two-piece cans. The first line began production in April 2012 while the second line started operations this year in February. The plant has an initial annual production capacity of 1.4 billion 330ml beverage cans.

The Heshan and Ziyang plants had their official opening ceremonies in July 0, and Putian in August.