Ardagh Invests $250M to Supply ConAgra Foods Can Packaging

LUXEMBOURGArdagh Group, a global leader in glass and metal packaging solutions, has entered into a supply agreement with ConAgra Foods to supply substantially all of their U.S. food can requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

As part of the agreement, Ardagh Group will invest more than $250 million to construct two new state-of-the-art drawn-and-wall-ironed (DWI) can making facilities to convert the majority of ConAgra Foods shelf-sized cans from traditional three-piece can technology to Ardaghs flexible DWI technology. The new facilities also will have the capability to manufacture Ardaghs uniquely developed pressurized thin-wall DWI food cans recently launched in Europe. We are delighted that ConAgra Foods chose to partner with Ardagh to leverage its innovative metal packaging solutions. Our approach to DWI will allow ConAgra Foods to convert many lower-volume, specialty shelf sizes to this process, something that has not been feasible with the traditional DWI installations," James Willich, Ardagh Group Metal Americas CEO, said.