An investment agreement to construct Uzbekistan’s first beverage can plant has been signed with the government by Arnest Packaging Solutions, a division of Russia’s Arnest Group.

The project, estimated to cost around USD100 million, is part of Arnest’s broader strategy to expand its market footprint outside Russia. The facility, expected to open in autumn 2025, will have a production capacity of more than 1.5 billion cans a year and is expected to create more than 200 jobs. This move aligns with the company’s efforts to increase its presence in export markets, particularly in Central Asia.

The move is said to be part of Arnest’s broader expansion strategy, which includes actively modernising its production facilities in Russia and scaling up its aluminium packaging output.

In a statement reported by Interfax, chief executive of Arnest Packaging Solutions Alexander Isayev said: “Localising production in Uzbekistan will significantly strengthen the company’s presence on export markets in EAEU [Eurasian Economic Union] countries, Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as make it possible to free up export volumes made in Russia and redirect them to meet the demand of the Russian market.”

Arnest acquired its beverage can business from Ball Corporation, following the attacks on Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent withdrawal of foreign-owned business interests.

The business comprised three beverage can plants: one located at Naro Fominsk near Moscow, one near St Petersburg and a third at Argayash in the Chelyabinsk region. With a combined capacity of about 5.5 billion cans a year these plants supplied about 70% of the demand for beer and beverage cans in the Russian Federation.

Arnest has also acquired all of Unilever’s assets in Russia, including the conglomerate’s four factories and its business in Belarus, ending its presence in Russia. The terms of the deal, completed on 10 October, was not disclosed.