Ball links up with JV partner for aluminum cup operations

Packaging producer Ball Corp. has closed on arrangements to become a 49 percent joint venture (JV) in what had been its wholly owned aluminum cup business unit, with 51 percent of the newly created aluminum cup-focused JV owned by San José, California-based Ayna.AI LLC, an advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space.

The new JV will be named Oasis Venture Holdings LLC and will consist of aluminum cup assets including Ball Corp.’s commercial, supply chain and manufacturing teams dedicated to the product line. A facility in Rome, Georgia, that produces the cups will serve as the venture's new headquarters.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Ball team on this exciting journey,” Ayna CEO Gaurav Batra says. “The Ball team’s exceptional work, combined with our unique engaged operator model, will drive even greater success for the aluminum cup, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Ayna and Ball say they will work together to expand the cup’s customer base “while continuing to uphold the highest operational standards and a steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service.”

“In 2019, Ball made a strategic decision to expand the company’s offering by adding the aluminum cup to our portfolio, allowing Ball to create a new category for aluminum packaging,” says Jay Billings, senior vice president and president of growth ventures at Ball Corp.

“We believe that partnering with Ayna, with its deep expertise and experience in this space, is the natural next step in our transformation as we continue to bring best-in-class innovative products to our customers."

Regarding Ayna, Billings says, “They bring proven expertise in executing joint ventures of this scale, offering essential operational know-how and strategic partnerships to ensure the success of this venture. The team has been working diligently to start up this business and position it to meet the need for more sustainable packaging choices, and we’re excited about the many opportunities ahead.”

Ayna Chair Nick Santhanam adds, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Ball team for entrusting us as their partner in shaping the path of the Aluminum Cup. We firmly believe in the long-term potential of the aluminum cup to redefine the market’s approach to single-use products and recycling, all while delivering a premium experience for consumers.”