A Spain-based manufacturer of aluminium bottles and aerosol cans has been acquired by Ball Corporation as it expands its impact-extruded container business.

The acquisition of Alucan – which operates two plants: its original facility at Llinars del Vallés near Barcelona, and a new one at Lummen in Belgium opened in 2021 – will enable Ball to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging across Europe, said the US-based canmaker that is a global leader in the manufacture of beverage cans.

The value of the deal to buy Alucan was not revealed.

Alucan’s business will add large-diameter aerosol can and impact-extruded bottle capabilities to support Ball’s existing reusable-bottle customers. It also allows Ball to diversify its customer base, cross-sell with food and beverage manufacturers, and expand its bottle products for the personal and home care sectors in Europe.

Jay Billings, president of Ball Growth Ventures, commented: “We are excited to welcome Alucan to Ball. Alucan has built a strong reputation over many years as the leading specialty impact-extruded aerosol and bottle producer in Europe.

“By integrating Alucan’s expertise, we can offer greater flexibility, innovation, and capacity to help our customers bring new products to market faster and more sustainably, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner in driving our customers’ success.”

With the acquisition of the two Alucan plants, Ball now operates ten bottle and aerosol can plants worldwide: two in the North and Central America, one in South America, six in Europe and one in India.

Alucan’s history dates back to the 1970s when as Cebal it was operated by French multinational Pechiney. It was later adsorbed by Canadian aluminium group Alcan. Since 2007 Alucan has been independent.