Rationalization Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

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, 2017		Sept. 30, 2016		Sept. 30, 2017		Sept. 30, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Metal Containers	$	326	$	4,280	$	3,288	$	8,333
Closures	134		64		535		482
Plastic Containers	101		3,477		662		5,114
	$	561	$	7,821	$	4,485	$	13,929

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



	Employee Severance and Benefits			Plant Exit Costs			Non-Cash Asset Write-Down			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	945		$	2,426		$	—		$	3,371
Charged to expense	989			544			2,952			4,485
Utilized and currency translation	(1,697		)	(1,061		)	(2,952		)	(5,710		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	237		$	1,909		$	—		$	2,146

Rationalization reserves as of September 30, 2017 were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $0.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Remaining expenses for our rationalization plans of $2.2 million are expected primarily within the next twelve months. Remaining cash expenditures for our rationalization plans of $4.3 million are expected through 2023.