BROOMFIELD, Colo. (AP) — Ball Corp. plans to end production at its metal beverage packaging plants in Columbus, Ohio, and Gainesville, Fla., by the end of the year, affecting about 235 employees.
Executive Raymond J. Seabrook said Wednesday the moves come as demand for standard 12-ounce beverage cans shrinks and demand for specialty beverage can packaging grows. The Columbus plant makes standard 12-ounce cans while the Gainesville plant makes beverage can ends for standard can sizes.
Ball expects to record a total after-tax charge of about $30 million in the third quarter, primarily for employee severance and benefits, facility shutdown costs and other actions.
Broomfield, Colo.-based Ball says the roughly 110 plant employees in Columbus and 125 employees in Gainesville can apply for open positions at Ball.
Ball employs more than 14,500 people worldwide.