Ball has announced the acquisition of its partners’ 60% interest in a former joint venture metal beverage can plant in Qingdao, China, for which construction is underway.

The new plant will supply both 330ml and 500ml cans and is on schedule to start operations by the end of 2011.

Ball is also building an expanded plant in the region to meet growing customer demand.

The equipment from the existing facility will be relocated to another Ball plant in China.