Rationalization Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

We continually evaluate cost reduction opportunities across each of our businesses, including rationalizations of our existing facilities through plant closings and downsizings. We use a disciplined approach to identify opportunities that generate attractive cash returns. Rationalization charges were as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Sept. 30, 2015		Sept. 30, 2014		Sept. 30, 2015		Sept. 30, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
Closures	$	205	$	1,218	$	1,351	$	2,706
Plastic containers	8,865		1,310		9,403		2,272
	$	9,070	$	2,528	$	10,754	$	4,978

Activity in reserves for our rationalization plans for the nine months ended September 30 was as follows:



	Employee Severance and Benefits			Non-Cash Retirement Benefit Curtailment			Plant Exit Costs			Non-Cash Asset Write-Down			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	6,052		$	—		$	316		$	—		$	6,368
Charged to expense	2,496			(482		)	361			8,379			10,754
Utilized and currency translation	(5,360		)	482			(409		)	(8,379		)	(13,666		)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	3,188		$	—		$	268		$	—		$	3,456

Non-cash asset write-downs were the result of comparing the carrying value of certain production related equipment to their fair value using estimated future discounted cash flows, a Level 3 fair value measurement (as defined in Note 6). Rationalization reserves were included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as accrued liabilities.

Remaining expenses and cash expenditures for our rationalization plans of $3.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, are expected within the next twelve months.