Crown Holdings subsidiary to double production capacity at 2 plants in Brazil

Crown Holdings unit to expand 2 plants in Brazil

PHILADELPHIA — Metal packaging maker Crown Holdings Inc. on Tuesday said its Brazilian subsidiary will expand two plants in the South American nation, doubling their capacity.

Both the plant in Estancia and the one in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, will add a line making beverage cans, the company said. Growing demand for canned beer and soft drinks in that country is driving the expansion.

When complete, each plant will be able to produce 1.8 billion cans per year in multiple sizes, bringing Crown’s total production capacity in Brazil to about 6 billion cans across four plants. Estancia and Ponta Grossa have room for additional expansion.

The company is looking to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, both of which will be held in Brazil, for further growth.

Crown Holdings rose 17 cents to $27.61.