Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) subsidiary Hart Print has opened its third production facility in Elkton, Maryland, marking a significant expansion on the US East Coast.  

The new site is set to increase Hart's printing capacity by at least 100 million cans annually, which represents a 66% increase from its current capacity. 

Hart co-founder and co-CEO JP Paradis said: "We're combining our new state-of-the-art facility with AMP's pasteurisation-ready cans, which are perfectly suited for digital printing. 

"No other digital printing service provider in our market is even close to offering services of this quality." 

The Elkton facility has been purpose-built to house three Hinterkopf D360 digital printers. 

These printers are capable of producing 1,800dpi magazine photo-quality graphics on aluminium cans, covering more than 95% of the colour spectrum.  

The expansion not only increases Hart Print's production capacity but also enhances its operational flexibility, allowing the company to accept larger orders swiftly while continuing to serve its smaller-scale customer base.  

Since last year, the company has been training its team at the Elkton facility, including production, design, and tech specialists at Hart's Montreal and Chicago facilities. 

Hart co-founder and co-CEO Stephanie Hart said: "This expansion unlocks easy access to cans for the massive number of beverage providers in the Northeast of the US. We're proud to bring our customisable service closer to our East Coast customers to help bring down shipping costs." 

Last month, AMP USA and Novelis partnered for the supply of aluminium beverage packaging sheets.