What’s New
May 2011
I must apologize to those that read my What’s New article for not making an update on a more timely basis. 2011 has been a very active year with a lot of projects, which is so refreshing when looking back over the past 2 years. I am happy to be able to report sales are up and the bottom line results have maintained an improving track.
We never thank that those around us enough, both coworkers and customers, for being a positive part of our overall business success. I want to thank all of our employees at Independent Can for their contribution and dedication and our customers for putting their faith in us as your supplier of value added packaging.
I am writing this article as I am flying back from Europe having attended a can manufacturers meeting (METPACK) where both the producers of cans from around the world and the equipment suppliers met to review the global activities in can making. It was really interesting to learn that there has been significant recovery in metal packaging in every part of the world. The advances in the equipment for making cans continues to evolve, adding flexibility in the can shapes along with fast changeover, allowing consumers more options for buying uniquely formed metal containers.
The steel can also remains one of the only fully recyclable environmentally packages available in the world. Tin cans are 100% recyclable and once recycled they will come back for a new use without losing any of the original qualities. Steel is easily separated in the waste stream; consequently it does not end up in landfills.
As a supplier of specialty metal packaging we recognize the need to continually update and install the tools and equipment that will provide exciting new options for your products to be packaged. As we all know the consumer needs a visual and a tactile reason to ultimately select your product over the multitude of other food products on the store shelf. We are studying a number of technologies that will allow us to bring exciting new options to our customers.
Why do our customers buy from us or why do those looking for a package select a tin can from Independent Can? There are many complex answers to this question although the following became apparent to me while listening to presentations being made by the other can suppliers attending the meetings:
Quality- We work every day to improve; not only the appearance but also the function of our tins.
On time delivery- Your customers have time tables and needs and we take seriously our commitment to making you look good in your customers’ eyes.
Honest Communications- We must keep you informed throughout the package development process as to the time table and the delivery plan.
Value- You have options to select the best package for your product and we must be both competitive and responsive to your needs.
Knowledgeable- We need to bring you solutions to your packaging problems.
Consistency- You need to know that Independent Can will over the years will be on time every time with the proper results and solutions.
Creativity- The retailer and the consumer are ever more demanding new solutions delivered faster and using environmentally friendly materials.
We recognize that we need to bring this all together so that you are able to grow your business with confidence.
How do we manage this in our company? Every 3 years we undertake a long and serious study of our business; we call this strategic planning. We have just completed the process and have revised our Purpose Statement and our Vision Statement. We believe that our Mission Statement continues to be exactly who we are.
The Purpose:
To develop, design, manufacture and sell packaging and related products. Meld the structure and design (physical or artistic) requirements to meet the customers’ expectations and enhance the customers Brand Development.
In the accomplishment of our task, the employees of Independent Can Company are the most important asset. The express goal of the management is to provide a challenging, dynamic, innovative, demanding, and friendly environment.
Each employee of Independent Can Company is expected to show respect for all other employees of the company and commit to making Independent Can Company the best Company it can be. Employees must set high standards for themselves and have the right to expect the same from their co-workers and management.
Mission Statement:
To Be The Best – Not The Biggest
If all members of the Independent Can Company team do the best job at their respective task each and every day then the following expectations should result:
Loyal Customers, Loyal Employees, Employee’s expectations fulfilled, Company growth, Job security, and Profits sufficient to meet reinvestment needs and a fair return for the shareholders
Vision Statement
To provide innovative and unique packaging solutions to our customers by providing exceptional service and value through our Manufacturing, Lithography and Distribution operations.
The revised statements above help guide all of our decisions. We must take into account all constituencies; customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders while being cognizant of our environmental responsibilities. If in managing the day to day business issues we have the best interest of all of these stakeholders then our business will be successful and thrive. We also expect all stakeholders to hold each of us accountable for these guidelines.
I addition to our corporate guideline we have Core Values that every member of the Independent Can team must abide by:
Core Values Established September 15 & 16, 1999*
Fair: Showing equity in decision making while being respectful of others; not arbitrary.
Flexible: Exhibiting a willingness & ability to adapt to changing situations. Recognizing that our ability to make changes quickly is a competitive advantage.
Market, Customer and Improvement Driven: Accepting that it is the customer’s requirements that dictate what we do and getting better at our performance is not an option.
Dedicated: Being committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job done well.
Responsible: Accepting accountability for your actions and results; not making excuses.
Teamwork: Commonality of goals, unity of thought and action; recognizing that a team is stronger than the sum of the individual parts.
* update March 2010
Thank you again for being a part of the Independent Can Company experience and we look forward to working with you for many years to come.
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