Ball Corporation has officially begun construction of its plant in SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway in the UK, where it will produce over one million cans in the first year of operation.

The planned Kettering plant will represent Ball’s third beverage can manufacturing facility in the UK, adding capacity to its established plants in Milton Keynes and Wakefield. 

The plant will supply cans for domestic customers in a growing range of categories, which now includes hard seltzers, wines, ready to drink cocktails, together with pure and enhanced water brands.

Carey Causey, President, Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA said: “With the demand for our infinitely recyclable aluminium packaging growing fast in an expanding number of categories, we are acting now to support our customers in the UK.

“The pandemic and changing consumption patterns mean that consumers are enjoying more of their favourite beverages at home and on-the-go and want to buy products in packages that they know will be recycled and can contribute to a truly circular economy.”

The facility is projected to be completed in time for the beginning of 2023, and will lead to approximately 200 new jobs in the local area.