Upgrade will enable us to stay ahead of market demand, say Ardagh

Ardagh Group has invested €4m in a food can line in its Ukrainian facility, predicting rapid expansion in the region.

The three piece metal can making equipment will enable sales expansion to target the food and dairy industries in Ukraine and Moldova.

The line, which has been operational from early this year, produces steel cans in a variety of sizes.

Ardagh said it had made the move as they saw the market as an area of opportunity and wanted to stay ahead of market demand.

The new line at the Bila Tserkva site will produce more than 100mn cans a year but when asked about total capacity a spokesperson declined to comment.

Tim Clarke, sales director for Ardagh, Metal Food Europe, said: “We are delighted to be making this important investment. It shows our commitment to this exciting and challenging market, where we have been active for a number of years.

“Our aim is to further grow and develop our food can production in this region, and this is a significant step towards achieving our ambitions.”

Ardagh Group operates 91 manufacturing plants in 25 countries, employing 15,000 people and has global sales in excess of €3.5bn.