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Ball Corporation, which manufactures metal and plastic packaging, has reported a 1% increase in first quarter net earnings to $153.4m (£120.5m).

The company also reported a 3% rise in net sales to $1.7bn, compared to $81.2m in the same period of 2007.

Earnings in the metal beverage packaging division in Europe were $48m on sales of $405.6m, compared to $36.8m on sales of $320.7m in the first quarter of 2007.

Raymond J Seabrook, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said: "Our first quarter results provide a good start on what will be a busy year for Ball Corporation.

"We are building new facilities internationally, redeploying assets to achieve greater returns on them, consolidating operations to improve results and generally working to have a leaner, more efficient businesses."

The company has plants in Deeside, Rugby and Wrexham.