RATIONALIZATION CHARGES

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 each of the years ended December 31 were as follows:



	2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Metal containers	$	5,316	$	3,308	$	12,056
Closures	180		1,042		568
Plastic containers	757		1,476		6,437
	$	6,253	$	5,826	$	19,061

Rationalization charges in 2016 for the metal container business segment were primarily related to the shutdown of the LaPorte, Indiana manufacturing facility.

Activity in reserves for our rationalization plans was as follows:



	Employee Severance and Benefits			Non-Cash Retirement Benefits			Plant Exit Costs			Non-Cash Asset Write-Down			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of January 1, 2016	$	3,026		$	—		$	268		$	—		$	3,294
Charged to expense	5,103			2,197			5,012			6,749			19,061
Utilized and currency translation	(7,184		)	(2,197		)	(2,854		)	(6,749		)	(18,984		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	945			—			2,426			—			3,371
Charged to expense	1,255			—			1,380			3,191			5,826
Utilized and currency translation	(2,178		)	—			(1,409		)	(3,191		)	(6,778		)
Balance at December 31, 2017	22			—			2,397			—			2,419
Charged to expense	898			—			534			4,821			6,253
Utilized and currency translation	(790		)	—			(1,449		)	(4,821		)	(7,060		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	130		$	—		$	1,482		$	—		$	1,612

Non-cash retirement benefits in 2016 consisted of special termination benefits of $2.8 million and net curtailment gains of $0.6 million recognized in connection with the shutdown of the LaPorte, Indiana manufacturing facility. See Note 12 for further information. 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 10).

Rationalization reserves as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as accrued liabilities of $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and as other liabilities of $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Remaining expenses for our rationalization plans of $1.5 million are expected in 2019 and thereafter. Remaining cash expenditures for our rationalization plans of $3.1 million are expected through 2023.