Ball to close British Columbia food can plant; 40 jobs affected

Ball to close Canadian can plant

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Food and beverage bottler Ball Corp. said Wednesday that it will close a British Columbia plant that makes cans for the salmon industry, affecting 40 jobs.

The Richmond plant, which produces steel food cans, will close down during the first quarter of 2011. The company said the move will save money and help it better meet the demands of its customers.

The company will take a $7 million charge related to the closure, $3 million of which will be recorded during the first quarter. After shedding the building and land, Ball said it will realize a net gain of $8 million.

The plant opened in 1985 and serves the Alaskan and Canadian salmon industries. The 40 employees will be offered outplacement and severance.