MONTREAL, July 21 -- Alcan announced today that it has commenced commercial production at its new labels operation in Edgewood, New York. Alcan Packaging is the world No. 1 manufacturer and marketer of flexible packaging for the food segments, the North American leader in roll-fed labels serving beverage and food customers and a leader in shrink and stretch labels. "The US$33 million investment in a Manufacturing Center of Excellence for our labels business is another great example demonstrating our commitment to grow in markets where we believe we have strategic and competitive advantages in packaging technologies and service," said Ilene Gordon, President, Alcan Packaging Food Americas. "The new Edgewood facility will significantly expand our manufacturing capabilities in North America to serve Labels end-use markets, including beverage and food," said David Pastrich, Vice President and General Manager, Labels business unit. "Our investment in this market will enable us to strengthen our leadership position and better serve our customers." The Edgewood plant will initially employ 85 people and will house two 10-color flexographic printing presses with room for future expansion. The operation joins four other Alcan Packaging sites manufacturing labels in Canada and the US. In the Americas, in addition to the Labels business, Alcan Packaging is the leading supplier of single and multi-layer, plain and printed, high- barrier plastic films, laminations, pouches, bags, lidstock and thermoformed trays to food, beverage, meat and dairy markets.