Crown Holdings Inc., a leading supplier of metal packaging products worldwide, celebrated the opening of its new beverage can manufacturing plant in Nichols, New York with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 9. The state-of-the-art plant, which marks the industry’s first greenfield facility in the United States in more than 20 years, will support the country’s growing demand for specialty beverage cans. Specialty cans, defined as sizes other than the standard diameter for 12-ounce beverages, have become a popular format for a variety of categories including soft drinks, beer, ready-to-drink teas, coffee, sparkling waters, wine and spirits, juices and other functional beverages.
“Beverage cans remain a valued, trusted format with consumers around the world due to their portability, durability and sustainability. In the United States, demand for specialty can sizes is flourishing as brand owners seek to refresh their packaging mix and increase appeal to different demographics,” said Timothy J. Donahue, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown. “This new facility reflects Crown’s commitment to support its customers with capacity when and where they need it and underscores our philosophy of delivering innovative metal packaging that responds to demands of modern consumers. On behalf of Crown, I would like to thank our many partners that supported this initiative, including New York’s Empire State Development, Tioga County, the Town of Nichols and New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG).”
Situated in the Tioga County Industrial Park in the Town of Nichols, the facility produces two-piece aluminum cans in a range of sizes and is set to create more than 160 new jobs by 2018. Crown’s presence in New York also provides the potential for further development in the Southern Tier Region, where efforts to grow the advanced manufacturing sector are underway.
"Through innovative and strategic investments in advanced manufacturing, New York is driving economic growth in the Southern Tier and across the state," said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. "Crown Holdings' new facility will create good-paying jobs in Tioga County, advance the state's growing manufacturing industry, and support a stronger, more viable economy for years to come."
Construction on the 533,853 square foot building began in December 2015 and commercial shipments began in late January 2017. The plant’s second manufacturing line was completed in April 2017. Crown currently operates fifteen beverage can plants in North America, manufacturing aluminum cans ranging in size from 7.5-ounce to 16-ounce, as well as a variety of beverage can ends.
"The jobs of tomorrow are being created before our very eyes,” said New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “I applaud the Governor's commitment to this region and this announcement is further proof that the Southern Tier Soaring economic development plan is a sound one. As our economy grows, the Department of Labor stands ready to serve as the connection between local job seekers and the private sector companies that are increasingly expanding in and relocating to the State of New York."
"Crown Holdings' decision to choose Tioga County to build its first new U.S. plant in decades demonstrates the tangible success being generated by the Southern Tier Soaring economic development plan,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we are attracting major projects and significant private sector investment, which is leading to new jobs while growing local and regional economies throughout New York State."
“NYSEG is pleased to support Crown’s growth and development in Tioga County and the Southern Tier,” stated Mark S. Lynch, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric). “Since 2010, NYSEG and RG&E have provided more than $75 million to growing companies across New York through our economic development programs.”
"We're thrilled to see new doors open to opportunity in Tioga County through Crown Holdings,” stated Senator Fred Akshar. “Economic growth like this is only possible thanks to the hard work and tenacity of our local community leaders. I applaud Economic Development Director Lee Ann Tinney, the Tioga County IDA, our local Empire State Development staff and our local elected officials for working closely together for years to help transform a possibility into a tangible success story."
"When an international corporation makes a commitment to our community such as this impressive new facility, it is a wonderful reminder and affirmation of all we have to offer,” said Assemblyman Chris Friend. “Our people and community resources offer a strong world-class competitive asset that we are proud and grateful to be recognized."
"It was in June of 2015 that Tioga County first planted the seeds of our partnership with Crown, and I anticipate that we will continue to nurture this relationship in the coming years,” said Martha Sauerbrey, Chair, Tioga County Legislature. “I am pleased to officially welcome Crown to Tioga County as we look forward to celebrating their great results and important achievements in the Southern Tier."
"For the Tioga County IDA it has been exciting to have been a part of a project such as this one with Crown,” said Ralph Kelsey, Tioga County IDA Board Chair. “The capital investment Crown has made in Tioga County, and the jobs that have come along with the investment, will have a positive financial impact on all of us for years to come. What we see here today only came about because of people like Lee Ann Tinney and her staff, as well as Bryant Myers, who worked hard as a team to pull various organizations and state agencies together to make this project happen."
The opening of the new facility coincides with Crown’s 125th anniversary year. The Company was founded in 1892 when William Painter changed the trajectory of the beverage industry with the invention of the bottle cap (also known as the crown cork). Today, Crown operates 146 facilities in 36 countries and has a diversified metal packaging technology portfolio that serves the beverage, food, personal care, household and luxury markets. About Crown Holdings, Inc.
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