Rexam to Close Steel Can Plant

Rexam, the global consumer packaging company, announces that it has entered into negotiations with employee representatives to close its beverage can making plant in Dunkirk, France, to balance capacity in the European market.

There will be no impact on Rexam's ability to meet customer requirements.

The Dunkirk plant manufactures 33cl and 50cl steel cans and has an annual capacity of approximately 1.1bn cans.

The overall European capacity reduction programme announced at Rexam's half year results, including the closure of the Dmitrov plant in Russia in August, will incur an exceptional cost of £54m, of which £25m are expected to be cash costs, arising mainly in 2010, and will generate savings of £20m in 2010.