Rationalization Charges

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

We continually evaluate cost reduction opportunities across each of our segments, 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 segment for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:




	2021		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Dispensing and Specialty Closures	$	5,231	$	742
Metal Containers	5,021		1,963
Custom Containers	105		94
	$	10,357	$	2,799

Activity in reserves for our rationalization plans were as follows:


	Employee Severance and Benefits		Plant Exit Costs		Non-Cash Asset Write-Down		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	41,005	$	555	$	—	$	41,560
Charged to expense	5,670		355		4,332		10,357
Utilized and currency translation	(1,535)		(455)		(4,332)		(6,322)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	45,140	$	455	$	—	$	45,595

Non-cash asset write-downs were the result of comparing the carrying value of certain production related assets to their fair value using estimated future discounted cash flows, a Level 3 fair value measurement (see Note 7 for information regarding a Level 3 fair value measurement).

Rationalization reserves as of March 31, 2021 were recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as accrued liabilities of $8.9 million and other liabilities of $36.7 million. Exclusive of the footprint optimization plan for our Metal Container segment and our resulting withdrawal from the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan, or the Central States Pension Plan, announced in 2019, remaining expenses and cash expenditures for our rationalization plans are expected to be $2.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Remaining expenses for the accretion of interest for the withdrawal liability related to the Central States Pension Plan are expected to average approximately $1.1 million per year and be recognized annually through 2040, and remaining cash expenditures for the withdrawal liability related to the Central States Pension Plan are expected to be approximately $3.1 million annually through 2040.