BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 5 -- The largest manufacturer of recyclable aluminum beverage cans in North America, Ball Corporation is a leader in beverage can technology and innovation. Molson recently introduced its new slim package for Molson Cold Shots -- Molson Canadian, Molson Dry and Molson Ultra in a bold 8.4 ounce (250 ml.) can. It called upon Ball Corporation , its long-time supplier of beverage cans and the largest maker of specialty cans.

Ball makes the Molson Cold Shots cans in its Wallkill, N.Y., plant and they are shipped to Molson's Toronto brewery, where they are filled. The distinctive can is a unique, sleek size for premium beer and a first in Canada.

"We turned to Ball to supply the can because of our long and successful relationship with Ball and because of Ball's expertise and capabilities manufacturing specialty cans," said Peter Amirault, senior vice president, business development and innovation, Molson.

Specialty cans offer the benefits of the can -- quick chilling, go-anywhere portability and easy recycling -- in a variety of heights and diameters that can be custom tailored for specific kinds of beverages or for consumer segments.

"We're thrilled with the early success of Molson Cold Shots," said Marty Ruffalo, senior vice president, beverage container sales, Ball. "The specialty can market continues to grow and offers exciting new possibilities for beer and beverage packaging."

The new Molson package dovetails with the increasing popularity of cans. The can is the fastest growing packaging choice in the Canadian beer industry.

Molson Dry Cold Shots are currently available in Quebec in an 8-can package. Molson Canadian Cold Shots are available in Ontario and Alberta in both 4-packs and 8-packs. Consumers in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia can pick up Molson Ultra in 8-can packages.

To find out more about Ball's specialty cans in sizes from 5.5 ounces to 32 ounces, customers should contact Ball's Denise Rodgers in the United States at 303-460-5001.

Ball Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality packaging products and innovative packaging solutions to the beverage and food industries. The company also owns Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., which develops sophisticated sensors, spacecraft, systems and components for the government and commercial space markets. Ball employs 12,600 people worldwide and reported 2003 sales of $4.9 billion.

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