Packaging company announces expansion before takeover

France-based Alcan Packaging has started production trials at a new €17 million (US$24.4 million) flexible packaging plant in the Czech Republic as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe, according to www.foodproductiondaily.com.

The announcement on the plant came shortly before the European Commission gave its approval to the proposed US$2.025 billion takeover by Australian company Amcor.

Amcor unveiled its anticipated reorganization with the formation of seven major business units, including a Rigid Plastics division that would consist of what was previously Amcor PET Packaging, Bericap closures - North America and Alcan Packaging Pharma Plastics (Rigids).

The combined Amcor and Alcan Packaging businesses in Europe currently have sales of approximately US$4.8 billion across 75 plants.