Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging has acquired the Chakan flexible packaging plant from Associated Capsules Private Limited in India. According to the company, the Chakan operations both expand Alcan Packaging's geographic footprint and strengthen the organization's strategic presence in the Indian pharmaceutical market, which is currently ranked 14th in the world in terms of scale and expected to triple over the next decade.

“Chakan is a well equipped plant with dynamic people and an asset base that will definitely complement our current product portfolio," said Michael Schmitt, president of Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging division. "The expertise with local pharmaceutical companies will be an excellent addition to our organization, increasing our ability to service global and regional customers while maintaining the high quality standards they have come to expect from us."

With annual sales of US$3.6 million, the Chakan facility is a distinguished supplier to the Indian pharmaceutical market, with solid manufacturing capabilities and management practices. Located 30 km north of Pune, the 2,600 m(2) plant employs approximately 100 people. Its integration into the Alcan Packaging group is expected to be completed early in 2009.

"The acquisition of this facility advances our leadership position in pharmaceutical flexibles through growth in emerging markets," said Ilene Gordon, president and chief executive officer, Alcan Packaging.

About Alcan Packaging
Alcan Packaging is a global leader in value-added specialty packaging. It delivers multi-material innovative solutions to customers around the world for the food, pharmaceutical, beauty and tobacco markets. Alcan Packaging has 130 facilities and 30,000 employees in 31 countries. Headquartered in Paris, France, it generated US$6.2 billion revenues in 2007.