Ball Packaging Europe

Belgrade, Serbia

In response to the growing demand in the European market for beverage cans, Ball Packaging Europe hired Roeslein to manage and engineer the construction of a new Greenfield aluminum can plant in Belgrade, Serbia. The construction and opening of this facility from 2004-2005 led to the creation of over 300 new jobs. The plant produces more than 2 million beverage cans per day, and its central location provides Ball Packaging Europe the opportunity to serve a market of 60 to 70 million potential customers. In commenting on the company’s new investment, President of Ball Packaging Europe Jan Driessens stated: “This new production plant in Belgrade puts us in a good strategic position in one of the most promising growth markets in Europe.” Since the successful completion of the Belgrade facility, Ball has continued to hire Roeslein for their future projects.

For this project, Roeslein’s project management/engineering team coordinated all efforts with Ball. This included a unitized and pre-assembled manufacturing system with process piping, access platforms, support structures, and cable trays, while an on-site construction management team managed and supervised the installation, functional checkout, and commissioning. By adapting to Ball’s requirements, the team successfully incorporated grating versus solid decking for the platform surface, a first for Roeslein.

Although both parties consider this project a great success, it was not without its challenges. Freezing cold temperatures dipping to –20 degrees Centigrade made it impossible to pour concrete for many days, slowing installation and start-up. But the down time in the schedule enabled a stronger bond to develop between members of the Ball Packaging Europe and Roeslein teams. One of their favorite things to do was to go buy an item they deemed “Serbia Burgers.” Be warned, it was nearly impossible to finish one as they were as big as a dinner plate, stuffed with a beef and lamb patty, grilled onions, creamy dressing, salad, peppers, garlic, and eggplant, all in a pillowy pita. They quickly became a staple of the visiting Roeslein team’s diet in Serbia.

This first successful project was the beginning of a host of future ventures between the Roeslein team and Ball Packaging Europe.