Can the can

Alcan is proposing to ‘restructure’ its packaging portfolio in Europe, a move that would cause job losses in its food, tobacco and beauty packaging businesses.

The proposed restructuring effort would include the closure of its packaging business at its Mühltal and Roth Food Packaging Facilities with the resultant loss of 211 jobs, the closure Alcan Packaging Amsterdam, with the loss of 47 employees, and a ‘reorganisation’ in several European countries, which could lead to a reduction of approximately 100 more positions. Production from the closed plants would be transferred to other Alcan plants.

The company said that it might also consider divesting its Beauty Packaging Plant located in Provins, France, as well as its Food Packaging Plant in Zaragoza, Spain as part of its strategy to concentrate its investments on its core businesses.

“This proposed realignment is necessary to create favourable conditions for future growth and expansion. Maintaining competitiveness is the best insurance for long term sustainable employment,” said Christel—Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Packaging.