Crown Increases Capacity at Jordanian Beverage Can Plant to Meet Growing Demand in Region

PHILADELPHIA, December 13 /PRNewswire/ -- CROWN Bevcan Europe & Middle East, a division of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown), today announced plans to increase production at its plant in Amman, Jordan. Working in conjunction with its long-standing regional partner, Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi & Bros., a third production line will be installed at the plant, increasing total capacity to 1.5 billion cans.

Designed to produce 33cl cans, the new line will complement the plant's two existing aluminum lines that currently manufacture 25, 30, 33 and 35.5cl cans for the Jordanian, Syrian, Lebanese and Iraqi markets. The new line is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2006.

"This new line is the latest development in our regional investment program which began in 2003 and demonstrates our long-term commitment to a strong, lasting presence in the region," comments Ralph Lambert, Vice President, CROWN Middle East. "Expanding production in our Jordanian plant will enhance our ability to meet the growing needs for high-quality beverage packaging in these markets."

Crown has four other beverage can plants in the region: CROWN Arabia Can (formerly CCSA) and CROWN Jeddah Can (formerly JBCMC) in Saudi Arabia, CROWN Emirates Company in the UAE and CROWN Maghreb Can in Tunisia.

Each plant is a Joint Venture with A.H. Algosaibi & Bros. The Algosaibi group is a large Saudi holding company with a broad range of business interests. Crown has been working with the Algosaibi group in the Middle East for more than 25 years.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its affiliated companies, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, PA.

CROWN Bevcan Europe & Middle East, operates 13 beverage can and end facilities across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

For more information, contact:

In Europe: Caroline Archer-Reed, Marketing Director, CROWN Bevcan Europe & Middle East; Tel: +33-1-49-18-40-43; Email: caroline.archer-reed@eur.crowncork.com.

In the United States: Neill Mitchell, Marketing Director, CROWN Beverage Packaging USA, Inc.; Tel: +1-215-698-5248; Email: nmitchell@crowncork.com.

For editorial inquiries: Michael F. Dunleavy, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations; Tel: +1-215-698-5051.

For investors: Timothy J. Donahue, Senior Vice President - Finance; Tel: +1-215-698-5088.

Web site: http://www.crowncork.com