The UK’s largest aluminium can plant in Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK, owned by Ball, has been recognised for its work on sustainability, community engagement and employee-led culture, winning two categories at the NNBN awards on October 6 taking place at the Kettering Plant Hotel.

The NNBN Business Awards acknowledge and celebrate innovative, hardworking, and enterprising businesses across the County of Northamptonshire. Ball Beverage Packaging was awarded first place in both the Business of the Year and The Green Award categories.

These awards celebrate the work the global aluminium packaging manufacturer has done over the last 18 months. 

The Kettering plant which started production activities in February this year, is a cutting-edge facility which created over 170 jobs in the region and is expecting to produce more than one billion fully recyclable Aluminium cans by 2024.

Upon its opening, the plant became the largest aluminium beverage facility in the UK and is a model for future greenfield sites.

Whilst integrating Ball’s sustainability strategy through resource efficient equipment, low-carbon transportation, community engagement and Diversity and Inclusion, the plant also focuses on building capacity where its customers are located.

Innovative technologies make the Kettering plant the most advanced facility of its type, demanding 20 per cent less energy and 70 per cent less water than traditional can-making processes.

Jason Bridger, Manager of the Kettering Plant Factory, said: “It is an honour to have the work of our team here at Kettering recognised at the NNBN awards. We all share the same goal of creating a greener, more sustainable business and constantly strive to make our workplace inclusive and welcoming.

“To achieve two awards in under a year since opening shows the innovation, determination, and hard work of every employee to achieve such a great workplace and embody the Ball ethos so quickly. I am looking forward to continuing to meet our sustainability commitments and engage with the local community through the Community Impact goals.

“Many thanks to the NNBN for this recognition and congratulations to our team here at Kettering.”

NNBN Director Simon Cox said: “Thank you to everyone who supported us with our first NNBN Awards evening and a huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists. What incredible talent, resilience, creativity and innovation we have here in Northamptonshire, and what a privilege to be able to share and celebrate this.”

NNBN Co-Director Marie Baker said: “Thank you again to our judges and our sponsors and to everyone who has supported these awards. The feedback has been exceptional, and we already have exciting plans for 2024. Congratulations to all our winners.”