Rationalization Charges

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

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 by business segment for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:



	2018		2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Metal containers	$	482	$	722
Closures	39		53
Plastic containers	182		110
	$	703	$	885

Activity in reserves for our rationalization plans for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:



	Employee Severance and Benefits			Plant Exit Costs			Non-Cash Asset Write-Down			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	22		$	2,397		$	—		$	2,419
Charged to expense	377			65			261			703
Utilized and currency translation	(342		)	(521		)	(261		)	(1,124		)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	57		$	1,941		$	—		$	1,998

Rationalization reserves as of March 31, 2018 were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Remaining expenses for our rationalization plans of $1.4 million are expected primarily within the next twelve months. Remaining cash expenditures for our rationalization plans of $3.4 million are expected through 2023.