Rexam, a leading global can maker, proudly announces the completed construction and inauguration of its new wall-to-wall manufacturing plant in Widnau, Switzerland. The hi-tech plant will produce a range of Slim and Sleek™ cans to meet global growth in energy drinks and marks the culmination of collaborative working and innovative thinking, with environmental consideration as its core. The plant, which represents an investment of £115 million over 3 years, will have a capacity to produce 2.2 billion cans per year and starts up with one line operational with a further 2 lines to come on stream.

Taking only 30 months from ground-breaking to completion the can making plant is situated alongside the Rauch Trading can filling plant. Transferring cans directly between the plant and adjoining filling area through wall-to-wall operations will significantly reduce associated transport costs, regional traffic and CO2 emissions.

Due to challenges of space constraints and proximity to other businesses, Rexam has implemented innovative solutions to achieve effective, yet sustainable, operations. Examples include the plant washer being positioned on a mezzanine floor and the fully automated warehouse being installed on the plant’s roof. To restrict vibrations from machinery, both the cupper and bodymaker have been placed on 120 tonne blocks of concrete supported by large springs.

Commenting on the plant, Graham Chipchase, Rexam’s Chief Executive, says, “We aim to build strong, sustainable relationships with our customers. Our investment in this cutting edge facility in Widnau epitomises that goal by supporting one of our major customers with their growth ambitions. In addition the location, wall-to-wall with the filling partner, illustrates our commitment to sustainable operations through minimising logistics, freight costs and environmental effects. Rexam are proud to have built this plant in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland and to welcome Widnau to our worldwide network.”

Iain Percival, Sector Director for Rexam Europe, adds, “Throughout both the construction process and the training of the plant’s new employees, the team at Widnau has drawn on the experience of their Rexam colleagues at other plants and offices across Europe. Just as Rexam tries to foster a collaborative working relationship with customers, we do encourage collaborative working internally as well, working together as a One Rexam team. This shared experience has resulted in the delivery of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will deliver quality, speed and increased environmental efficiency, while maintaining focus on the safety of operations at all times.”

 

rexam.com

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