Ball Corp. and Ayna.AI create joint venture to boost aluminum tumblers

Ball Corp. announced the formation of a joint venture with Ayna.AI, a firm specializing in industrial technology consulting and implementation. The new company, called Oasis Venture Holdings, will hold a 49-51 interest in favor of Ayna, while Ball will be the minority partner.
Oasis will integrate all of the assets of Ball’s aluminum cup business, including its manufacturing equipment, supply chain and commercial operations. In addition, it will be headquartered in Rome, Georgia, where the production facility is located.

Ball and Ayna will collaborate to expand the presence of aluminum cups, a product launched in 2019 with the purpose of offering a sustainable alternative for large events. The company assured that this transition will not affect current orders.

The decision to seek a strategic partner was prompted by Ball executives who noted that the segment had not met growth expectations. In fact, the aluminum cup business accounted for a $40 million drag on annual earnings. Following the transaction, the company expects to improve its results by $25 million by 2025.

According to Jay Billings, Ball’s senior vice president and president of growth companies, the team has worked hard to position this product in the market and address the demand for more sustainable packaging options.

Aluminum cups were designed for use in stadiums and mass events, with the advantage of being recyclable and reusable. However, the COVID-19 pandemic affected their adoption, forcing Ball to explore markets such as hospitality, fast food and international distribution.
Ayna.AI has experience in revitalizing businesses and optimizing their growth. Its president, Nick Santhanam, expressed confidence that the alliance will strengthen the relationship with customers and suppliers, in addition to consolidating the value of the product in various industries.

Ball, which has successfully developed other joint ventures, such as Ball Metalpack (sold to Sonoco in 2022), continues to pursue strategies that drive the growth of its business units. Now, with Oasis Venture Holdings, it seeks to revitalize its commitment to aluminum cups and position them as a sustainable alternative in the global market.