Crown Upgrades Abilene Plant, Ratifies New Agreement With United Industrial Workers

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) announced today a multi-million-dollar investment program in its Abilene, Texas beverage can plant to improve production efficiencies and reduce operating costs. Additionally, the Company and the United Industrial Workers (UIW) representing the employees of the Abilene plant have ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement effective until October 2007.

"Crown is able to make this significant investment because of legislation enacted in the State of Texas and signed by the Governor which has made Texas a more attractive place for companies to invest and grow their operations," said William Gallagher, Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

The investment program, which commenced in the third quarter of 2004, includes the consolidation of Abilene's three production lines into two high- speed lines. The installation of new equipment coupled with additional improvements to the Abilene plant's manufacturing processes enables the Company to continue providing high-quality products and world-class customer service.

The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) authorized an Agreement for Financial Assistance, providing for up to $2 million in financial support to be earned over a five-year period in return for the Company's relocation of equipment to the Abilene facility and commitment to retain a minimum number of jobs at the plant.

"Crown appreciates the financial support of the DCOA and is pleased to make this investment in the future of our employees, the Abilene community and the customers served by this facility," said Robert Truitt, President Beverage Packaging Division. "We are confident the investment program will enhance the Abilene plant's position in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its affiliated companies, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE  Crown Holdings, Inc.
    -0-                             08/20/2004
    /CONTACT:  Timothy J. Donahue, Senior Vice President - Finance,
+1-215-698-5088, or Thomas T. Fischer, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs; 
Tel: (215) 698-5266; Email: thomas.fischer@crowncork.com, both of Crown
Holdings/
    /Web site:  http://www.crowncork.com /
    (CCK)

CO:  Crown Holdings, Inc.; United Industrial Workers; Development Corporation
     of Abilene
ST:  Pennsylvania, Texas
IN:
SU:  LBR

PD 
-- PHF011 --
9788 08/20/2004 15:13 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com