Colorado-based Ball Corporation plans to end production
at its metal beverage packaging plants in Columbus and Gainesville, Florida by the end of the year, a move that could cost 235 employees their jobs. The company says demand for standard 12-ounce beverage cans is declining while demand for specialty beverage can packaging is growing. The Columbus plant makes standard 12-ounce cans. Ball says the 110 employees in Columbus and 125 employees in Gainesville may apply for open positions in the company.