Alcoa CSI produces plastic and aluminium bottle closures and packaging machinery for the beverage and food industries worldwide. The new facility has the capability to produce 800 million closures per year and had already begun shipment to customers.
This is Alcoa's first operating facility in Egypt.
"This plant supports Alcoa's aim of meeting our customers' needs for prompt, competitive closure supply," said Eduardo Gemelli, general Manager of Alcoa CSI Europe, who is also responsible for CSI Egypt.
"The facility also provides a solid base to support Alcoa's future growth and development in Africa."
The Egypt project follows Alcoa CSI's recent expansion into Asia. The division recently completed the construction of a new plant in Hangzhou, China, feeding growing demand for closures in both the domestic and Japanese markets.
The 8,125 square metre plant, situated a few hundred kilometres south of Shanghai produces plastic closures primarily for export to beverage producers in Japan as well as smaller beverage producers in the domestic market. The site was chosen for its close proximity to both Japan and industrial hubs on the eastern board.
"This is a growth opportunity that we have made the most of," said Alcoa spokesman Kevin Lowery. "We set up production facilities either where the companies are or else wherever we can provide the best opportunities and service for those companies."
Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI), a part of Alcoa, is a world leader of closures and closure application systems. Major markets include carbonated soft drinks, food, juice and isotonic, bottled water, beer and dairy products.
In its 27 locations and offices worldwide, Alcoa CSI employs nearly 3,000 people, who produced and sold in excess of 55 billion closures during 2003.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. In addition to aluminium products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap aluminium foil, Alcoa wheels, and Baco household wraps.