GREEN PRODUCTS PRICE GAP DETERS CONSUMER?!?!

GREEN PRODUCTS PRICE GAP DETERS CONSUMERS! Would you pay a higher price if you knew that the product you were buying was made in an ECO FRIENDLY way? Would you pay a higher price if the packaging was 100% Recyclable or made from a large portion of recycled material?

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Independent Can Company IS Hiring!

Employment

Independent Can Company is always looking for motivated and qualified people who understand, accept and support our Company Values. Those values apply to co-workers and customers alike.

Company strongly believes, supports, hires and manages by our employee-developed Core Values. The values are: Fairness, Flexibility, being Market and Customer and Improvement Driven, Dedication, Responsible and consistent Teamwork.

Independent Can Company will always accept resumes from individuals with the following qualifications:

Can Line Machine Operator
Press Room Operator
Can Line Mechanics
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers


IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

For ALL positions:

Resumes without complete salary history will not be considered.
To avoid spam filters, position title must be in the subject line of email responses.
NO AGENCIES OR SEARCH FIRMS ACCEPTED.

Fax resume with complete salary history to: Human Resources Manager (410) 272-6494 OR, email hrdept@independentcan.com, (position title must be in subject line), OR Mail to P.O. Box 370, 1300 Brass Mill Road, Belcamp, MD 21017

Compensation package includes, vacation, paid holidays, medical/dental coverage, profit sharing and 401k options. To be successful in this position the candidate must understand, accept and be committed to our employee-developed Company Values. These values are Fairness, Flexibility, being Customer, Market, and Improvement Driven, Dedicated, Responsible and consistent Teamwork.

Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V - Drug-Free and Smoke-Free Workplace


INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN
(Master electrician with Control Panel and PLC Experience)


Independent Can Company, a global manufacturing, family-owned company with annual sales of 60 million dollars, is seeking an experienced Industrial Electrician to join our maintenance team. The successful candidate needs to have hands-on industrial background in the manufacturing field. This person will be responsible for performing all required electrical repairs, maintenance, and new equipment installations. The incumbent will design electrical systems and draw ladder diagrams and schematics. He/she will also be responsible for researching and recommending improvements and upgrades in all electrical systems throughout the plant. Additionally, the successful candidate must keep up-to-date on electrical codes and be available for emergency call-ins after hours as needed. Proficiency in basic computer skills including Excel and Word, experience using the Internet, and the ability to learn company-specific software are required.

We offer excellent benefits including profit sharing, 11 paid holidays, two weeks vacation, 401(k) option and medical, dental and life insurance.

To be successful in this position the candidate must understand, accept and be committed to our employee-developed Company Values of being Fair, Flexible, Market, Customer & Improvement Driven, Dedicated, Responsible and be dedicated to Teamwork.
Email response must include "Industrial Electrician" in the subject line.



INSIDE SALES/MARKETING
(4 yr degree preferred)

Independent Can Company, a global manufacturing, family-owned company with annual sales of 60 million dollars, is seeking an experienced Inside Sales/Marketing person to join our Sales Team. The successful candidate needs to have sales, customer support and service experience, with media design experience (Adobe graphic design, photo-editing or layout software) a plus. Experience with media communications and/or advertising also a plus.

This person will be responsible for inside sales/account management as well as the development of new customers and new product sales in the United States and Canada while assisting with the Company’s marketing efforts. He/she will also be responsible for backing up outside sales people as needed with data entry, samples, and other office functions as well as working with the Marketing Specialist.

The skills and experience necessary for success in this position are creativity; experience with sales and customer service; marketing the ability to communicate effectively in writing, on the phone and in person; and the ability to set goals; sales acumen and a good mathematics skill level. The selected individual must have excellent communication and people skills and the adaptability to fit into a manufacturing/ distribution environment.

Proficiency with the Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word), experience using the Internet, and the ability to learn company-specific software is required. Being bi-lingual in Spanish or Chinese would be beneficial but is not required.

Email response must include "Inside Sales/Marketing" in the subject line.



LITHOGRAPHY PRODUCTION SCHEDULER

(Bachelor's Degree and Experience Required)

Independent Can Company, a global manufacturing family-owned company located in Harford County, MD is seeking a Production Scheduler to join our Lithography Department.

The successful candidate will report to the Director of Technical Operations and coordinate the production operations of that department. Duties include the balancing of customer, sales and can plant needs and scheduling production in the most efficient, cost-effective process considering set-up, run time and labor costs. This is an exempt position with purchasing responsibilities. The position requires an individual who must be able to interface in a professional manner with office staff, customers, and vendors. Knowledge and proven use of a computer system for spreadsheets and database management system as well as related software is a must. Finally, he/she must be a team player who has strong communication and organizational skills while understanding the importance of details and accuracy. Independent Can Company’s Core Values are the foundation for successful performance in this position – Fair; Flexible; Market, Customer & Improvement Driven; Dedicated; Responsible and be dedicated to Teamwork.




PRINTING PRESSMAN
(Large Format)

The successful candidate must be experienced in operating 36” and 45” presses. Experience with console-controlled Planeta or Rapida presses would be helpful. He/she will be responsible for preparation, set-up, running and routine maintenance for 4- and 6-color lines. This is a five-to six-day-a-week job; overtime is a condition of employment and paid after 8 hours. Applicant must have excellent problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include absolute assurance of quality standards in strict and complete compliance with customers’ needs while mentoring and training the personnel assigned to the team.



COATER OPERATOR -- LITHOGRAPHY

Wagner Spot Coater (Experience Required)

The Lithography Division of Independent Can Company, a metal decorator located in Belcamp, (Harford County) Maryland, is seeking an experienced Coater Operator. The successful candidate will be responsible for set up and operation of the Wagner Spot Coater. The Operator is responsible for the application of coatings and varnishes to metal sheets that are cured through an LTG oven. In addition, the Operator will be responsible for monitoring of the coater film weights and registration of various coatings. This is an hourly non-exempt position subject to overtime and reports to the Lithography Supervisor. This person should have good mechanical and problem-solving skills.

Email responses must include Coater Operator in the subject line.



MACHINE OPERATORS

(All Shifts)

Independent Can Company, a manufacturer of metal packaging products in Belcamp, Maryland, (Harford County) is in search of Machine Operators for first and second shifts. Specific can manufacturing experience is not required; however, experience with the operation of manufacturing equipment is necessary. Excellent attendance and ability to work overtime are conditions of employment. As a full-time employee, you will receive overtime pay after eight hours a day with a three-level pay structure.

Email response subject line must include Machine Operator.

For ALL positions:

Resumes without complete salary history will not be considered.
To avoid spam filters, position title must be in the subject line of email responses.
NO AGENCIES OR SEARCH FIRMS ACCEPTED.

Fax resume with complete salary history to: Human Resources Manager (410) 272-6494 OR, email hrdept@independentcan.com, (position title must be in subject line), OR Mail to P.O. Box 370, 1300 Brass Mill Road, Belcamp, MD 21017

Compensation package includes, vacation, paid holidays, medical/dental coverage, profit sharing and 401k options. To be successful in this position the candidate must understand, accept and be committed to our employee-developed Company Values. These values are Fairness, Flexibility, being Customer, Market, and Improvement Driven, Dedicated, Responsible and consistent Teamwork.
Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V - Drug-Free and Smoke-Free Workplace

http://westernspecialty.com/employment/

Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover? However, we all do it!

Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover?

We are not supposed to “judge a book by its cover”, but the truth is that we do. Without thinking about it, we assign a value to a product by the way that it is presented. This has lead to double and triple packaging, expensive foils, three-dimensional features and less recyclability. Some techniques are designed to catch the eye and some to make an item appear to be more substantial for the cost.

What began as food packaging during the 1800s, tins evolved to beautifully decorated commemorations. They became part of royal events in England, filled with biscuits or cakes. Even today, tins are keepsakes that remain in homes and establishments long after the original product is consumed.

Martha Stewart created a home design empire by taking ordinary, everyday items and events and making them special. Tin packaging does the same for your products. There is quite a difference between giving your loved one a paper box of chocolates and presenting a decorative tin in which to collect future love letters!

CONTACT US BY CLICKING HERE

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A Decorative Tin “Homecoming”

Over the past 20 years it seemed to be a better deal to rely on overseas manufacturers for decorative tin packaging due low labor rates. The resulting cost difference was enough to offset the “unknowns”. Would quality and delivery expectations be met? Would there be invisible health or safety risks? Overseas exporters found ways address obstacles such as language barriers, time zone differences and inventory. The added costs of freight and additional time spend on logistics were addressed by using US brokers. Many brokers were simply logistics managers with no packaging expertise.

In recent years, the labor and transportation costs associated with imported packaging have escalated. Fluctuations in currency and a volatile political climate only add to the cost and delivery uncertainty. Warehousing can have its complications and risks. Product recalls of imported products from unaudited factories made national headlines.

Meanwhile back at home US manufacturers became more lean and efficient, adding significantly to their technological advancements. This not only increased thru-put and contained costs, but also improved quality. Companies that were financially sound, such as Independent Can, were able to invest and move forward. Advances in automation resulted in consistently repeatable, high quality results and better delivery time for customers.

What’s under the wrapper?

Metal Lithography
High Speed, Energy Efficient Coater

Our new coating line as arrived! It is 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 by US businesses must run hand in hand. Generating less Co2 while also using less energy is good for everyone.

Competitive prices, quality and delivery certainty are just a few of the reasons that it makes more sense to Buy American. Needless to say, decorative tin business is “coming home”. Independent Can has been dedicated to manufacturing fine decorative metal packaging, as its primary focus, for more than 80 years.

For more information on the article above CONTACT US BY CLICKING HERE or call 909-923-6150

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Infinite Recyclability, Not Just Extended Life

Just about everything claims recyclability these days. From your sandwich bag to the shortened plastic caps on your water bottle, every product claims to be “earth friendly”. Often the claim of recyclability means a life cycle extension, with the ultimate destination being a land fill. The resources and energy used to reclaim the material often offset the benefits and make the product more costly.

Steel packaging is the only product that can be separated from other waste by magnet. The process of recycling steel uses 60% less energy than making new from raw materials. Steel cans can be melted down and be made into a can again or show up as part of a building, bike, automobile and more. Steel is North America’s #1 most recycled product.

The Life Cycle of a Decorative Tin

Quick Facts About Steel Packaging:

Recycling steel uses 60% less energy than making new
Every can that you buy is at least 25% recycled steel (can be as much as 60%)
Steel can be easily separated from other waste with a magnet
There are more than 2,000 scrap steel processors in the US
Every 2,000 lbs. of recycled steel saves 2,500 lbs. of iron ore, 1400 lbs. of coal and 120 lbs of limestone
Each year, more steel is recycled than glass, paper, aluminum and plastic combined

Tins have been collected and displayed in homes and restaurants for decades. The decorative tin makes a package into a high end gift, while other products add layers of packaging to make them look more substantial. The foils and laminates added to paper packaging add to the look but dimish the recyclability.

For more information visit: http://www.westernspecialty.com/sustainability/

CONTACT US

Good Branding Means “No Reading”

Companies like Target have mastered sophistication as well as whimsy and their style is recognizable before you even read the name. Successful branding almost means “no reading”. Your “look” becomes your brand recognition. Nothing about Target’s advertising says “discount store”. It is what they say without saying it that makes them successful.

Packaging that is classified as “disposable” can also give the impression of “ordinary”. Changes to packaging can give an image boost to a long-standing favorite. People want something new but are sometimes skeptical about “new and improved”. They don’t want their favorite product to change.

Nestle Turtles Brand Retro and 60th Anniversary Tins

Taking that familiar look from a paper or plastic container to decorative tin gives the “fans” a collectable to refill with their favorite while also attracting the attention of new buyers. A gift could be an introduction for a product to a new consumer. A product in a package that gives a higher perceived value is more likely to be chosen.

Good branding satisfies more than one of the senses. Other forms of advertising may use music or catchy slogans. It’s not all about look. Tins have a tactile appeal but you only have about 5 seconds to make someone want to come over and pick it up! High-quality graphics on bright tin are the eye-catcher.


Contact Us

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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