Rationalization Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

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 were as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Sept. 30, 2016		Sept. 30, 2015		Sept. 30, 2016		Sept. 30, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Metal containers	$	4,280	$	—	$	8,333	$	—
Closures	64		205		482		1,351
Plastic containers	3,477		8,865		5,114		9,403
	$	7,821	$	9,070	$	13,929	$	10,754

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



	Employee Severance and Benefits			Non-Cash Retirement Benefits			Plant Exit Costs			Non-Cash Asset Write-Down			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	3,026		$	—		$	268		$	—		$	3,294
Charged to expense	2,754			3,080			3,906			4,189			13,929
Utilized and currency translation	(4,418		)	(3,080		)	(1,474		)	(4,189		)	(13,161		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,362		$	—		$	2,700		$	—		$	4,062

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 liabilities of $4.1 million, consisting of $2.4 million of accrued liabilities and $1.7 million of other liabilities.

Remaining expenses for our rationalization plans of $1.8 million are expected within the next twelve months. Remaining cash expenditures for our rationalization plans of $6.8 million are expected through 2023.