Ball Introduces Sleek Can(TM) in North America at Cannex 2004 in Denver

The Sleek Can(TM), an elegant take on the popular 12 oz. aluminum beverage can, is being introduced in North America by Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL). Ball is the world's leading producer of specialty beverage cans. The Ball Sleek Can features a smaller 207.5 diameter while still offering consumers 12 ounces of their favorite beverage.

The Sleek Can(TM), an elegant take on the popular 12 oz. aluminum beverage can, is being introduced in North America by Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL). Ball is the world's leading producer of specialty beverage cans. The Ball Sleek Can features a smaller 207.5 diameter while still offering consumers 12 ounces of their favorite beverage. Its sleek look promotes premium product associations and its unique dimensions make it stand out from the pack. "The Sleek Can has the potential to define a new beverage category, just like the 8.4 oz. (250 ml) can has done for the energy drink market," said Bob Tettero, Ball's manager, marketing. "Packaging plays a crucial role in the consumer's purchase and consumption decisions. The Sleek Can is another tool our customers can use to help differentiate their products." Ball designed the Sleek Can for both 202 and 204 end diameters. The Sleek Can runs on existing filling equipment with only minor modifications. "We spent a lot of time listening to our customers and developing this new package, which offers growth opportunities for their businesses," said Denise Rodgers, Ball's director, custom can sales. "In addition to our traditional customer base, we expect a lot of interest from nutraceutical and functional beverage customers, who are increasingly turning to light weight, recyclable packaging." To find out more about Ball's Sleek Can, customers should contact Rodgers at 303-460-5001. Ball introduced its Sleek Can at the Cannex 2004 trade show May 26 - 28 in Denver. Ball Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality packaging products and innovative packaging solutions to the beverage and food industries. The company also owns Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., which develops sensors, spacecraft, systems and components for the government and commercial markets. Ball employs 12,600 people worldwide and reported 2003 sales of $4.9 billion. Caption: Ball Corporation is introducing its 8.4-ounce sleek can, which features a smaller 207.5 diameter for a distinctive look while still offering consumers 12 ounces of their favorite beverage.