Ardagh is adding a facility in Ohio

Ardagh is growing in the Buckeye State.

The company, which operates glass manufacturing plants in Dunkirk and Winchester, announced this week that it is purchasing a facility in Huron, Ohio.

The facility will be converted to manufacture “infinitely recyclable” cans. It is projected to begin production in late 2021 with about 200 employees.

The cans will be made in multiple sizes for drinks including water, soft drinks, tea and alcoholic beverages.

“This project forms part of Ardagh’s $1.8 billion 2021-2024 business growth investment program and is being undertaken to meet fast-growing demand as consumers increasingly recognize the environmental and quality advantages of beverage cans,” Claude Marbach of Ardagh said in a press release. “Our products deliver high recycle and content rates, which support customer sustainability targets and contribute to a circular economy. … This latest expansion is indicative of Ardagh’s consistent commitment to supporting customer growth.”



Taking precautions

Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home has announced additional precautions in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Rob Penrod, owner of the Portland-based funeral home, announced this week that its facilities are being treated with a non-toxic, non-irritating hypochlorous sanitizer. The product is effective against coronavirus.

“Our number one priority during these uncertain times is to ensure families can be together and grieve together,” Penrod said in a press release. “Caring for families in our community is always the top priority for the entire staff at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home.”



Westfield chosen

Agriculture technology firm Taranis has selected Westfield for its global headquarters, Inside Indiana Business reported this week.

Taranis plans to invest more than $10 million at the site it will lease in the suburb on the north side of Indianapolis. The firm plans to create 60 new jobs by the end of 2023.

“Locating our global headquarters in the heart of America’s largest commodity crop production region enables us to interact more directly with our customers to better address the agronomic challenges of their growers,” said Mike DiPaola, general manager of North America and vice president of global sales at Taranis, told Inside Indiana Business.



Addressing insecurity

CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation announced Tuesday that they will provide nearly $1.25 million in grants to help increase access to food and health care in underserved areas of Ohio.

The grants include $1 million to free and charitable clinics and nearly $100,000 to food banks. The CVS Health Foundation plans to invest $150,000 over two years to help Cleveland Clinic and its school-based health mobile unit.

“At a time when underserved communities are so badly strained by the ongoing health and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for us to provide support to increase access to food and health care,” said Eileen Howard of CVS in a press release.



NextEra acquires

NextEra Energy Resources announced Sunday that it has acquired elQ Mobility.

NextEra, which owns and operates Bluff Point Wind Energy Center in Jay and Randolph counties, purchased the Oakland, California, based software provider. elQ Mobility provides software to help convert fleet convert to electronic vehicles.

“The conversion away from internal combustion engines could drive over one-fifth of U.S. energy demand by 2050, and fleets are following passenger vehicles in this disruptive trend,” said NextEra senior vice president of development Matt Handel in a press release. “The fleet market is expected to grow as fleet vehicles become available and our investment in eIQ Mobility gives us best-in-class insights into when and where fleet conversion is likely to be economic for our customers.”



Yum! earns A-

Yum! Bands announced this week that it received an A-minus for both its climate and water scores from CDP, a non-profit that measures environmental impact.

The parent company of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell converted all of its U.S. corporate offices to renewable energy this year. It sources all of its palm oil from “responsibly managed sources.”

“Doubling down on climate change is a key component of Yum’s Recipe for Good, our roadmap for socially responsible and sustainable stewardship,” said Yum! chief sustainability officer and vice president of global government affairs in a press release. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to date as well as our efforts to mitigate our impact and serve as part of the climate change solution.”



Set to triple

Walmart on Thursday announced that it will triple its exports of products from India to $10 billion per year by 2027.

The expansion is planned to include food, pharmaceuticals, apparel, housewares and other items. The company has sourced products from India for more than 20 years.

“As an international retailer that brings value to customers and communities worldwide, Walmart understands that local entrepreneurs and manufacturers are vital to the success of the global retail sector,” Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said in a press release. “And we see huge potential for Indian suppliers to grow their businesses by leveraging the unique scale and global distribution opportunity Walmart provides.”



New president

McDonald’s this week named Ian Borden as President, International.

Borden had previously served as President of International Developmental Licensed Markets for the fast-food restaurant chain. He follows Joe Erlinger, who was named President of McDonald’s USA.

“Ian has a proven record of focusing on the customer to deliver profitable business growth while strengthening collaboration with our global franchisee community,” said McDonald’s president and CEO Chris Kempczinski in a press release. “His deep experiences leading McDonald’s in markets across the world uniquely position him to connect the dots to drive strong results.”