I95 Business - Independent Can Company

According to research, only 12 percent of family-owned 

businesses are still operating and viable by the third generation. 

With two fourth-generation progeny at the executive level, 

Independent Can Company, a family owned business since 1929, 

has already beaten the odds.

“We operate the company from a core set of values we developed 

with our employees,” explains company President and CEO, 

Rick Huether. “Fair, Flexible, Market, Customer and Improvement 

Driven, Dedicated, Responsible, and committed to Teamwork. We 

hire, fire, retire and promote using those values to guide us. It’s 

what’s allowed us to not only survive but also thrive over the years. 

We work hard, but we’re committed to having fun while we do it. 

We all agree that if that ever changed, it would be time to do something else.”

While he has no day-to-day responsibilities, second-generation

owner, Doug Huether, must still be having fun. The 86-year-old

chairman of the board reports to work every day, making his

way through the 370,000-square-foot company headquarters in

Belcamp, transporting the mail, greeting employees and asking

questions that he expects to be answered. He still maintains an

offi ce and regularly challenges staff members regarding customer

care and product movement. “He overheard me once explaining

the difference between two cans to a customer and was concerned

they would be jeopardizing their product if I was switching them

to a lower grade can,” remembers Donna Sichette, company

marketing specialist. “I explained to him that I was reaffi rming

their decision to stay with the better can for quality. He’s very in

tune to everything we do here.”

A popular adage about family businesses states that the fi rst

generation starts it, the second generation builds it, and the third

generation kills it. A third-generation member of the business, Rick

Huether defi es that notion. “One of the fi rst things my dad had to

get used to was me wanting to obsolete things,” Huether admits.

“When I started working here and tried to change something, he

would argue that the company already made an investment and

we should run like before. I had to show him that our customers’

desires were changing and that if we didn’t give them what they

were looking for, someone else would.”

“Rick has a gift for knowing what we should be involved in,” says

sister and fellow board member, Cathy McClelland, who works in

sales. “He’ll have us invest in tooling for a new product before any

of our customers actually ask for it. That way he knows we can be

ready to deliver when the time comes.”

Huether joined his father’s company in 1975 after a call from

then-sales manager Bob Link, a.k.a. “Uncle Bob,” asking if he was

interested in a sales position that was opening up. “There was never

a plan to just follow in the family business,” he declares. “I worked

here every summer and holiday since I was 14. I never worked

in the offi ce. I was usually the dirty one under the equipment or

packing stuff that came off the equipment. I always enjoyed it. I

also enjoyed working with Uncle Bob. I was in graduate school

and needed a job, so I interviewed.”

Cathy McClelland moved from New Jersey when her husband,

Mac McClelland, was hired by Independent Can – a job she

didn’t even know he had applied for. “I was planning on redoing

my kitchen in New Jersey when Mac announced, ‘We’re moving

to Baltimore,’” she adds. She later joined the company when her

brother asked her if she would run an outlet store he was planning

to open in the front of their new location in Harford County. “I

said yes only if I could leave whenever my kids had something at

school or needed me. Of course, part-time eventually turned into

full-time and the outlet store was eventually relocated several times

then closed because we needed the space for more productive

ventures. Currently I work in inside sales, but I’m planning to join

my husband in retirement very soon.”

The Fourth Generation

Joining Huether and McClelland at the executive table are sons

Bob McClelland, executive vice president, and Ryan Huether, the

newly minted vice president of business development. Both sons

worked at the company during summer breaks and holidays, but

like their parents, never assumed a role would be offered or waiting

for them in the family business.

“I interned in the engineering department for two summers,”

remembers Bob McClelland, who graduated from Virginia

Polytechnic Institute and State University. “I was actually studying

structural engineering but changed to industrial engineering after

interning and really liked it. I was part of ushering in the CADD

systems during that time. When I graduated, someone called and

said they liked what I was doing while I was here and would I be

interested in interviewing for an unexpected opening. I said yes.”

The family members agree that a job within the family business

is not an entitlement. “My sister even asked me once why had I

never asked her to join Independent Can,” says McClelland. “It was

never in my thoughts. We don’t ask people to participate. We treat

it as a professional business – not a family business.” In fact, when

the company responded to the economic recession by evaluating

their employee base and eliminating positions, Rick’s daughter

didn’t make the cut. Moreover, when both his son and his nephew

looked to him for advice about joining the company, he did his

best to discourage them. “Family members have to work twice as

hard to gain employee respect. If you don’t have the respect from

the people on the fl oor, you can’t get anything done,” Huether

emphasizes. He also demanded a two-year commitment from both

Bob and Ryan telling them, “You’re not worth anything to us until

you’ve learned everything, and it will take at least that long.”

McClelland joined the company in 1995 and learned his way

around the company working in several departments, the machine

shop, facilities management of their Ohio plant, and eventually

running the engineering department. When his father retired,

in addition to heading up engineering, the younger McClelland

assumed management of administration, which included IT and

fi nance. “It would be hard if I didn’t have really good people to

support me,” he admits.

His younger cousin Ryan started running errands and helping

at the outlet store when he was nine. His summer job experiences

changed as he got older, packing popcorn cans at 14 and working

on equipment when he was 16. While attending college in Florida,

Ryan interned at the company’s distribution plant in California. He

was planning to attend graduate school when the California plant

manager called needing someone in sales. Although his father gave

him the same “unsell” advice, the appeal of California won him

over and Ryan headed west to become a sales representative in

2003. Ryan moved quickly from inside sales to outside sales, which

grew into roles in logistics and overseas sales support. He became

the distributions and sales manager and managed the California

plant from his Belcamp offi ce. He was recently promoted to vice

president of business development, a responsibility his father has

had for the last 25 years.

The family may discourage other family members from joining

the ranks, but the company’s employees feel a different way. “We’ve

had third-generation families working alongside us,” claims Cathy

McClelland. “They’ve watched us grow up.” Marketing specialist

Sichette adds, “More than 20 percent of our 259 employees have

a relative who is currently or was previously employed by the

company. That doesn’t include seven married couples on staff.”

From Lard to Litho

Independent Can Company was founded on South Howard and

Ostend Streets in Baltimore City during the early years of the

depression, making and selling cans that were used to hold lard

from the city’s slaughterhouses and package fresh food for the

growing seafood industries. These simple products were the focus

and sustaining force of the company for more than 40 years.

As technology and computers started to impact the world in the

’80s and ’90s, Independent Can kept pace adding 3-D modeling,

robotic packaging and metal plate lithography. The addition of

the latter allowed ICC to enter the market of decorative tins –

internationally known as “fancy cans” – as well as nostalgic signs,

specialty closures and high-end packaging. The company has

made huge capital investments in equipment and machinery that

gives its customers like Disney, Target, Nestlé and Elizabeth Arden

options like embossing, textured surfaces, specialty varnishes and

photographic quality.

Becoming their own printer in 1991, ICC secured a way to not

only guarantee quality control of their product from start to fi nish,

but also enabled them to provide a faster response to customer

request.

“We are very customer driven,” says Rick Huether. “Our

customers change what we do every day. We schedule manually

so that we can make the arrangements to get our customers their

products when they want them, not when we can do them.”

This fl exibility can be credited to sustaining the company as the

country continues to weather a diffi cult economic recovery. Huether

explains, “We were on schedule to have a record year in 2008, when

the door slammed shut. Our sales went down 25 percent over the

next 14 months. We took the opportunity to not only make sure

all our employees were on board with our philosophy, but that our

manufacturing would be ready when the business returned. We

spent the most money in the company’s history during that time

on new equipment and upgrades. A lot of it we did because we

were able to purchase $7 million of equipment at recession bargain

prices – probably 25 to 30 percent below normal pricing. We also

hired and trained a lot of people so that they could concentrate on

new projects and be ready to lead. 2011 was a record year and 2012

should outpace that record.”

That investment has paid off. “We’re booming and we need space

for new opportunities and new growth. We have to look for ways to

make room for new items to our line,” says Bob McClelland. “And,”

adds Huether, “we are always looking for talented machinists, 

mechanics and lithographers. These are highly-skilled, high paying 

jobs that don’t always require a college degree.” While pundits 

talk about foreign competition and sending jobs overseas, Independent 

Can sees a different problem – or opportunity. “We’re less threatened

by overseas markets then we were 10 years ago. We’re more flexible

 and better at the technology. We may go over there to learn,

but we’ll bring it back and do it better,” he adds. “China is going through their

Industrial Revolution now,” states Ryan Huether. “The United States did it over

100 years while China is doing it in 20. But the second generation over there is killing

it. The Chinese wages are going up, so the price differential is lessening. Workers are

getting savvy about demanding higher wages and threatening to walk out of a

factory during critical production times. Companies here are worried that a factory

delay or container hold in China could keep products from reaching their stores,

so they are coming back to us. They consider that 10 percent price differential

insurance for quality control and delivery assurance.”

Rick Huether continues, “We’ve reshored several million dollars in product

because we’re more fl exible. Because of the recession, retailers are pushing their

commitment and buy dates to keep inventories low. This forces suppliers to

reconsider overseas manufacturing and packaging because they may only have six

weeks to fi ll an order.” Although the company is growing, growth is not a company goal. Huether

points out, “Our mission statement is ‘To be the best not the biggest.’ We’re

committed to strategic planning, but we work on the things that will support

growth. We don’t aim for a number. It goes back to our values card [referencing a

wallet-size card employees carry with the company mission, vision and values]. If

we’re doing the things on that card, then growth will be a successful by-product.”

I95

Ryan D. Huether
Independent Can Company
http://www.independentcan.com 

TIN STAGES A COMEBACK

Below you will find excerpts from Tin Stages a comeback. An article by written by James  Krouse

"Metal packaging, at one time, dominated store shelves. From cans to metal tins, the packaging was durable, protected goods from being crushed, and sealed in freshness. While cans have remained a staple of practical packaging, metal tins were relegated largely to occasional holiday container for cookies. Today, however, metal tins have seen a bounce back due to some of the inherent advantages of the material as well as unique applications leveraging its advantages to redefine entire product arenas.

Package designers and brand owners can take advantage of tinplate's unique packaging properties taking a cue from innovative applications that range from cat nip to software to adult entertainment products. Manufacturers can help along the way to help designers realize the full benefits of this time-tested form of packaging.

Unique appeal

In most retail product categories, tinplate is such a unique packaging material that it automatically gains attention. Often, this can rejuvenate not only a brand but an entire product category. The famous tin for Altoids mints is a good example. Although the tin package was used for the product since the 1920s, it was widely introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s and the unique metal tin along with a quirky ad campaign quickly launched the product into widespread success. Today, dozens of product categories are taking advantage of the "something different" factor in metal.

Cosmetics and personal care products are another good example of a product category that is taking advantage of the unique properties of metal. 

"Gourmet foods are still, by far, our largest product category," says Neil DeFrancisco, v.p. of sales at the Independent Can Company (www.independentcan.com) in Maryland. "Retailers in any sector are looking to get the most bang for their buck out of shrinking shelf space and demands for less packaging from retailers. Tin packaging can provide that quite well." 

 There are a number of applications that take full advantage of metal's unique look on store shelves. Bosch, for example, has launched a new line of handheld, cordless power shears in a custom metal tin. The container features an irregular, tube-like shape decorated in light green and silver.

Life after purchase

While many designers may be focused on leveraging metal's properties for initial sale, most manufactures point out that consumers often consider the use of a package in their home. A Google image search under "Altoids Tins," for example, reveals a huge trend in reuse for the package for everything from storing paper clips to creating custom MP3 players and portable speakers.

The reusability factor is a plus for brands looking to extend their image, promote the longevity of a product, and to give consumers an option of not throwing away a package.

Package uses and reuses also play into concern for the environment. As retailers and consumers call for less packaging, metal packaging is answering the call. The material is 100% recyclable, over and over, and recycled metal uses less energy to process than new metal does. Design flexibility can also impact the environment, as Independent Can's DeFrancisco points out. "We're seeing more and more requests for tapered designs of metal buckets which can be nested during transportation before they are filled, " says DeFrancisco. "A small change like this can reduce fuel and other transportation costs."

Challenges and benefits

For many designers, working with metal for the first time can present some challenges in execution and changes in thinking. Color, for example, plays differently on metal as opposed to paper.

"The PMS guidelines are based on paper and come out much darker on metal," says DeFrancisco. "We can do several things to accommodate for this effect, but there is a learning curve for designers. In addition, designers often don't know about all that is available to them with metal. We can selectively print a background color so the natural color of metal shows through or use a variety of varnishes in combination to highlight a design. "

In addition, tinplate can be manufactured with different properties to enhance a design such a pebbly textured varnish that is often used in combination with a printed label. There are so many possibilities with tins that most manufacturers point out that working with the material is more of an art than a science.

"We can do so much in the way of varnish combinations and coatings on the same package, " says Neil DeFrancisco. "That, in combination with embossing and printing, can really make a brand pop. We employ people who work with designers to help them achieve their vision but also leverage everything that tinplate packaging has to offer. For many designers, it's like working with a brand new medium even though it's been around for hundreds of years."

Getting back to basics

Tinplate packaging has been, for years, a staple of holiday cookies and candies, and although this form of packaging has clearly evolved to other applications, some of its basic benefits still apply.

Neil DeFrancisco points out that, although there are some new technologies they still build on the basic benefits of metal packaging. "We've seen the advent of six color printing and we're seeing concentric dot technology that can produce nearly 300 dpi print clarity, but many of the basic features of the metal like shaping, embossing, and varnishes are really new for designers in many markets, " Neil DeFrancisco explains."

Excerpts quoted from the original article written by James Krouse. James Krouse served as a consultant and writer for the packaging and printing industry for the past 10 years, covering package design for food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and a wide range of retail goods

The Emotion of Design

The Emotion of Design

What makes a good design?  Some designs can meet all of the right criteria and still miss the mark with the buying public.  Our company experienced this a few years ago when we picked a design called “Holiday Lights”.  It was colorful and charming. It had texture, motion and interest but it was not a top seller that we expected it to be.

Perhaps the snowman is missing an expression.  Images bring about emotional reactions. If it makes you feel warmed, interested, amused, or relaxed, you will want to look at it and keep it around.  One of our new designs, “Best Friends” by renowned artist, Terry Redlin has a very visual and emotional appeal.  When we see a man and his dog, in the most beautiful of settings, the image takes us there.

"Best Friends" by Terry Redlin, courtesy of Wild Wings

Then there is the issue of color. Very similar patterns can have a different appeal if the colors clash.  Colors that are seen together in nature are generally more appealing but some consumers are excited by things that appear to deliberately violate those norms in an effort to achieve the “wow” factor.  Having red berries on green holly could be boring to some when compared with hot pink berries on metallic citrine!   Another of our new designs, “Jeweltone Ornaments” uses purple,  blue, violet and green – not exactly Christmas colors.

Independent Can is excited about our new offering for 2012.   Check out our online catalog when you have a chance.

Http://www.westernspeciatly.com

909-923-6150

Independent Can Company 

2040 South Lynx Plact

Ontario, CA. 91761

Whats New At Independent Can Company - Summer 2011

Whats New At Independent Can Company - Summer 2011

Steady Improvement:

We are now halfway through 2011 and our business has steadily improved; returning more to pre-recession levels. Our improvements have been driven more by new projects that began in 2010 that are now showing steady results, while our traditional customers are slowly and cautiously returning to historical levels.

Those that have done the best are companies that have diversified their product offerings and invested in new processes and improvements. Doing only what has worked in the past will not work in the future.

I have just returned from a global meeting of the International Packaging Association (IPA) in Italy. Independent Can Company is one of the 15 members of this organization. The IPA membership is made up of independent can makers located around the world. There were a number of reports from all showing steady economic improvement globally. The key points of discussion were as follows:

o Consumer trends

o Alternative packaging

o Sustainability

o Product safety

o Value

o Investment

The season has begun:

2011 to date has been a good year and we are looking for this trend to continue. By of May 1st each year we begin to have strong indications as to what the gift-giving season will look like. At this time the major tin users begin to place printing orders for their fall requirements. From this data we are able to judge the fall activities by the printing backlog, and this year is shaping up to be a good year.

We want to thank those who have placed orders for their initial tin requirements and ask all customers to think and plan ahead for what you might need for the season. If we are aware of a potential needs we will be able to factor in your specific requirement, inform you of scheduling information and meet your critical dates.

On the tooling side:
This has been a very active first half of the year. With our normal overhaul schedule we have made extensive improvements in a number of areas although the tapered popcorn lines have had the most attention improving quality and automation.

We have two new can lines being established that will begin operations in the next 3-6 months. One line will automate a round can assembly that was semi-automatic and the second line is a new product offering which will open an entirely new market for Independent Can.

Lithography: Coating and Printing:

Over the past several years we have focused on becoming the most effective metal decorator in the United States. Currently we are the only company operating the latest continuous grip Metalstar II lines having a 6 color and 4 color line. The 6 color has a UV coater trailing the prints allowing one pass work for up to 6 colors.

This spring we installed the latest pre-press software allowing the fastest and most accurate art and plate development available.

Currently we are preparing for the arrival of a new coating line which will be the latest coating and oven system available. This line will be rated at 120 sheets per minute and the oven is reported to operate utilizing 20- 30% less energy than the older drying ovens while providing the cleanest exhaust. Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility must run hand in hand; generating less Co2 while also using less energy is good for everyone.

The new line should start up on or about November 1, 2011.

A global observation:

As many of our customers are aware we are one of the largest specialty tin manufacturers in the United States, although you may not know we are also one of the largest importers of decorative and specialty packaging from around the world (tins, plastic packaging and glass). We want to supply the packaging that our customers need whether we make it or source it for them, while acknowledging that an increasing percentage of our customer base is consistently asking for packaging “Made in America.”

Users of tins and other packaging from Asia and other low cost countries have recognized that costs are going up rapidly due to inflation along with the cost of logistics (moving the goods from Asia). We are proud to say that products once only competitive from overseas are now being competitively made here in the United States.

Thank you to all of our customers for your loyalty and for challenging us to be as good a supplier as we possibly can be.

Rick Huether

President and CEO

If you would like any more information on topics contained in this post please contact us by clicking here

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High Definition Printing on Metal

We are frequently asked, “How do you get the paint to stay on the tin?” The printing process that we use is called metal flat sheet lithography. The inks and coatings are bonded to a flat sheet of metal by chemical reaction with either heat or untraviolet curing. A protective varnish is applied to the entire sheet of metal at the end of the process. From there, the printed metal is cut or blanked in preparation for manufacturing the individual cans.

Although there are many ways to customize a tin besides labeling, lithography produces the best qualilty image. Annually there are contests to recognize the best in a little-known print category called “Metal Decorating”.

This year the International Metal Decorators Association recongnized Independent Can with the 2011 Award of Excellence, and 2011 Best of Category.

2011 Award of Excellence, International Metal Decorators Association

2011 Best of Category, International Metal Decorators Association

To learn more about Independent Can Company and our high def printing call us at 909-923-6150 or contact us by clicking here

 

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WHATS NEW - SPRING 2011

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.

Independent Can Company

Contact Us

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Decorative Snap Covers For Hermetic Cans!!

Ryan D. Huether
Independent Can Company
Http://www.westernspecialty.com
CONTACT US

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Independent Can Company - South Pack Trade Show

Independent Can Company - South Pack Trade Show

Independent Can Company will be attending the West Pack Trade Show, Booth 1453. Please do come by and see out full line of Tins, PET, Closures (Metal & Plastic), Tubes, and more.

RSVP for South Pack by Clicking Here

http://www.canontradeshows.com/expo/spack11/

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Ryan D. Huether
Independent Can Company

WHATS NEW - WINTER 2011

Winter 2011

We are now 7 weeks into the New Year and all indications are that the economy continues to improve. Sales in all business units are up over the same period last year.
 

The new 2011 catalog of stock designs has now been mailed and hopefully you have received your copy. If you need pictures of specific designs for your marketing materials they can be downloaded from our web site. If you have problems do not hesitate to call your sales representative for assistance.

If you are looking for savings on tins please look to our specials and reduced priced overstock tins on the web site as there maybe a savings on the exact design and size you need. There is a limited time on this offer. Click here to view discounted items. 

Lithography and Pre Press

Every decorative tin must begin with art development and printing. High quality printing sets the standard for a high quality presentation.

Independent Can continues to invest in the printing and pre press processes. 

1.     Purchased and are installing the latest software for pre-press which will allow for us to out put designs and proofs faster and more accurately.

2.     Sold all of our old technology printing systems and have set the standard for printing in the United States. We will only print on 4 and 6 color continuous grip printing lines allowing the highest resolution of printing and the fastest change over time of any equipment available in the world.

3.     Ordered a new coating line to be installed in the fall of 2011 which will increase our coating speed by 20-30%, and our capacity by over 30%. This line will utilize 20-25% less energy then the older line, while providing the cleanest technology available today.

Fully Automated sheet size change
Speeds up to 9000 sheets per hour
Convenient easy-to-use operating console

KBA Metal Print: Energy and Emissions Friendly

 “In 2009 we (KBA)  started to produce the HIGH-ECON oven for drying metal sheets with integrated air purification which only required 30% for both, drying and air purification that is needed for drying alone in the old systems. At the same time the emission of CO2 will be reduced by 70%.thus making environmental protection a cost effective pleasure.”  (full article)

HIGH-ECON OVEN

 

We are excited about the future of the can industry and the prospects for growth. The tin can is environmentally one of the most eco friendly packages available while providing product integrity, innovation and graphics second to none.

Thank you for your support and please allow us to demonstrate the benefits of the very contemporary tin can to you.

Rick Huether
President


For more information visit us at http://www.westernspecialty.com or call us at 909-932-6150

Ryan D. Huether

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National Popcorn Day

NATIONAL POPCORN DAY! Sounds like a perfect excuse to order yourself some gourmet popcorn. And what better then a 2 gallon , 3.5 gallon , or 6.5 gallon can of three flavor popcorn.

Comment below and tell us who your favorite gourmet popcorn maker is.


"National Popcorn Day


National Popcorn Day is celebrated at the end of January, although its exact date is a matter of debate. Various sources report it as January 19; others claim it takes place on whatever day the Super Bowl falls on. The Popcorn Board is often asked about the origins of this day; unfortunately, we do not know how or when this celebration began. Some other individual or organization (with obvious good taste) began this tradition.

The connection to the Super Bowl seems natural enough. It’s a highly regarded annual sporting competition pitting the top two national football teams against each other. Millions of viewers from around the globe hunker down with bowls of their favorite snack—popcorn—in heated anticipation of who will win the battle.

If you know of the origins of National Popcorn Day, please email us at: edu@popcorn.org "
Quoted from http://www.popcorn.org

Independent Can Company is a specialist in the manufacturing of Gourmet Popcorn Tins. Click Here to see some of Independent Can Company's newest 3.5 Gallon Designs.
If you would like more information on Independent Can Company or our Gourmet Popcorn Tins Call us at 909-923-6150 or Contact Us By Clicking Here

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Independent Can Company Manufactures New Pocket Tin for Wonka Fruit Marvels

In 2010 Independent Can Company produced the 302 x 013 Slip Cover pocket tin for Wonka Fruit Marvels. You can view this package as well as other information related to Wonka Fruit Marvels at Candy Blog

This tin utilizes the reflective nature of the tin by printing the artwork directly over the tin plate with no white undercoat. This gives the design a reflective / metallic look.

For information on how Independent Can Company can help design a tin for your specific packaging needs please call 909-923-6150 or Contact Us by Clicking Here


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NEW HEART SHAPE TIN

Introducing Independent Can Company's new heart shape tin. This new tin is called the "#3 Heart".

Size (US): 9-5/8" x 9-3/16" x 1-5/8" HT (STOCK PROGRAM HEIGHT)
Size (Metric): 244mm x 233mm x 41mm HT (STOCK PROGRAM HEIGHT)
Description: Heart shaped locked seam tin

This tin has been tooled in our Belcamp Maryland USA plant and is available both in our stock program (Red) packed in cartons of 24 and also through our custom programs where you can add your own artwork and/or embossing.  Additionally this is a SBC Tin which allows us the flexibility to adjust the height of the tin from as short as 1-5/8" HT up to a maximum of about 12" HT without additional tooling cost.

If you would like additional information on the #3 Heart Tin please call us at 909-923-6150 or Contact Us by Clicking Here

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Article From: http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Packaging/Food-cans-reach-two-hundredth-birthday 

For more information on Tin Cans for packaging CLICK HERE. 

"Food cans reach two hundredth birthday

19-Aug-2010

Related topics: Packaging

The US Can Manufacturers Institute is inviting the world to celebrate the two hundredth birthday of the food can on August 25 2010.

It traces the advent of the food can to the patent granted to British inventor Peter Durand on August 25, 1810 for his idea to store preserved food in tinplate vessels.
Two hundred years later, there are more than 600 sizes and styles of cans being manufactured, according to the institute. Consumers worldwide buy more than 1,500 different food items from all over the globe at any time of year.
Innovative design still continues in the form of molded and shaped cans, cans with multiple graphic capabilities, easy-open cans, and microwavable cans, said the institute.
Meanwhile, US consumers alone diverted more than 1.5m tonnes of steel cans from landfills, contributing to the more than 82 million tons of steel recycled last year
The institute estimated that the can manufacturing business to be worth $14.9bn each year. "

For more information on Tin Cans for packaging CLICK HERE.

Article From: http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Packaging/Food-cans-reach-two-hundredth-birthday

Independent Can Company - NOVEMBER NEWS

2010 has been a much better year than we had expected it to be; although the markets do remain fragile and everyone is cautious as we approach the busiest gift giving time of the year.

I am writing this update to the What’s New about 1 week before Thanksgiving and I must say that we are very busy fulfilling orders for stock tins. Business has been good although everyone is waiting until the very last minute to place their orders. We have been able to handle most all of the rush orders with very few substitutions. We want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we all know the Holidays can be very stressful.

The new added capacity in the printing department has really been a life saver. This is the first year in my career where our lead time in season has not extended beyond 2 to 3 weeks. Repeat orders have gone very smoothly.

 

As the fall begins to wind down and you are working on a cleanup order you may want to think about adding a few Easter and spring tins to your last order. By doing this you may be able to reduce the freight cost by combining seasonal volumes and achieve better price level on the price list, and beat an anticipated price increase that is expected in the first quarter of 2011.

Custom tin and packaging buyers: As you consider packaging for the next year or two you should look closer at TINS Made in America. Over the past few years there has been silent inflation building in the goods coming from the (believed to be) low cost countries. In addition to the subtle increases the logistic costs and Home Land Security issues have posed some challenges. While the costs of buying from overseas has been increasing, we have been investing in more productive equipment and systems to respond to your needs more quickly, accurately and more cost effectively.

New product development: In addition to improved productivity we have a number of new products under development. The first to arrive will be a new heart tin (See Below) just in time for Valentine’s day. Please check with your sales representative about other new additions to our product lines.

The tin can is one of the GREENEST packages in the market place and one of the only packages you can use that gets reused over and over and over again. When the tin begins to look a little beat up it many end up being sold in antique markets or ultimately recycled. The tin can is 100% recyclable and will be reused as a tin can again or one of the hundreds of applications that steel is used for from buildings to ships to bridges and you know what; steel never loses its exceptional properties of strength and durability.

We all must think globally and act locally to make sure our strategies are relevant long term.

Activities to think about and respond to:

Ø Customers want their products now, not in 8 weeks.

Ø Customers want answers today not tomorrow.

Ø Quality is assumed and built into the product.

Ø As a supplier you must be knowledgeable about the global market.

Ø You must be aware of the strength of your supply chain.

 Our Mission Statement:

To Be the Best - Not the Biggest

We thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to call and challenge us to respond to new projects and ways of thinking.

From all of your friends at Independent Can we want to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday season.

Sincerely, 

Rick Huether

Visit us at http://www.westernspecialty.com to preview of our new items for 2011!

Independent Can Company's NEW HEART TIN

Independent Can Company Is now one of the first companies on the Maryland Green Registry!

Independent Can was one of the first companies to be a part of Maryland's registry of green companies. Maryland Green Registry Web Site

For more information and a complete history of the company, contact Ryan D. Huether, Business Manager, Independent Can Company, 2040 South Lynx Place Ontario, CA 91761.
Phone: 909-923-6150 Fax: 909-923-6052.
Email: Ryan@independentcan.com Web: http://www.westernspecialty.com/sustainability/

Promotional Tins Increase Sales

As seen in this article published on G&M's website Promotional Tins can increase sales.

"Promotion Increases Sales by 30%

The results turned to cool cash when the Danish company Vital Petfood Group A/S chose to use a decorated can as sales promotion for their exclusive cat food ”Bilanx”.When buying 2.5 kg of Bilanx the cat’s owners received a nice looking black can to store the food in – an offer that the consumers clearly considered as value adding.  Not only were the sales increased by 30% during the campaign period but as product manager Kent Mikkelsen says:”The campaign has created a continuous increase in sales”."

- G&M Website (Study on Promotional Tin Usage in EU)

 

To see how promotional tins can help increase your sales call 909-923-6150 or visit http://independentcan.com/products/customtins.asp

Independent Can Company now has a new E-Commerce Site

Our customers have been asking us for years questions like:

Where can I purchase your tins online? 
Do you have an online store? 
I would like to purchase a few cases of tins can you help me?

For years we have had to tell our valued customers that we did not have a place where they could purchase online and we did not have a efficient way to service smaller accounts. I am happy to say WE NOW HAVE A SOLUTION!

Independent Can Company is proud to present http://www.shopindependentcan.com our new online store specifically focused on our smaller customers who would like to purchase 1 - 10 cases of tins at a time.   Use the coupon code " Blogger " and you will receive 5% off your first order.

We have already been asked; What if I want to purchase from the site and order more then 10 cases. If you will be purchasing often and can meat a $350 minimum order we will be happy to set you up with a traditional wholesale account by calling 909-923-6150.  If you have questions let us know.

Independent Can Company Partners with TOOTHSTIX on their new tin packaging

Independent Can Company has now partnered with Toothstix on their new and innovating toothpick packaging. This new pocket pack tin was designed to add to the value of the Eco friendly bamboo Toothpicks that Toothsix is marketing. "Bamboo is one of the strongest and most renewable resources found on the planet" and when you combine that with the 100% Recyclable tin (25 - 55% recycled material in the raw Steel) you have a great Eco Friendly Product.  

Toothsitx.com

Toothsitx is also a company on a mission to help the Pandas. They are working hard to sell enough ToothStix to “Adopt a Panda for a Lifetime” which costs $50,000. Help them save the Panda's with every purchase of ToothStix. Save the Pandas




To learn how Independent Can Company can help you to bring your custom tin idea to reality, call 909-923-6150 or visit http://independentcan.com/products/customtins.asp

Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things 2010 - GARRETT'S POPCORN TIN

QUOTE FROM OPRAH'S FAVORITES WEBSITE:

"Garrett's Special Limited-Edition Favorite Things Tin  People line up down the block in Chicago, no matter the weather, just to get a taste of one thing: Garrett popcorn. "It's the best popcorn on the planet, I think, and you don't have to fly to Chicago to get it," Oprah says. Garrett, a favorite things all-star, has created a special limited-edition tin exclusively for The Oprah Show. It's filled with their famous cheese and caramel popcorn and can be shipped right to your door."



Independent Can Company manufactures Large Tapered Popcorn Tins right here in the USA. We have the largest selection anywhere and can normally ship within 2 - 3 days from the time our customers place their order.

Small Quantities: http://www.shopindependentcan.com
Wholesale or Custom: http://www.westernspecialty.com

Online Catalog of Designs: http://www.westernspecialty.com/onlinecatalog/

New Designs for 2011 from Independent Can Company

Each year Independent Can Company updates our stock program with new designs, shapes, and sizes. 2011 is no different and in fact is pretty exciting. We have the addition of our new 3 Heart Tin which we have now tooled in our Belcamp Maryland Factory, A full line of Rectangular and Square Window Tins, and we also have our new PET Side Wall Pails in Green, Red, and Platinum. Attached to this blog you will see many of the new tin designs, shapes, and sizes.

Call us at 909-923-6150 for more information on the availability of the items you see here.




http://www.westernspecialty.com
http://www.shopindependentcan.com