Independent Can Company What’s New November 2014

What’s New- November 2014 -

The busy season is moving very quickly. The leaves are changing, the weather is turning cooler and the Holiday Season is almost upon us.

In my last What’s New article I reported that we were late on most all of our deliveries and were struggling to catch up. I must say that we are in much better shape as it relates to lead-times now then we were in August. This is the busy season and consequently certain stock items are running short or are out of stock so please allow 2-3 weeks on most orders or have a substitution item in mind when you call.

If you have a rush custom order that you would like to discuss please call and challenge us to respond. I cannot promise an immediate turnaround although we are in pretty good shape to deliver quickly.

In the printing division: Today the lead-time in the printing and coating division is 4-5 weeks on repeat jobs and 5-6 weeks on new jobs.

The long lead-time challenges this year were the result of an exceptional influx of printing volume that was much higher than forecast. We have been planning for growth for high quality printing and this is reflected in our expansion of our printing capacity in Belcamp, Maryland and the opening of the new plant in Vandalia, Ohio.

The Vandalia, Ohio printing plant began operations in June of this year and has operated as planned. The crews have 5 months experience at this point and all is running smoothly.

In Belcamp, Maryland we will be installing a new printing line which should run its first sheets by December 31, 2014. This line gives us new capabilities and will be our 3rd printing line in this plant.
With the addition of the new Ohio plant and the capacity being added in Belcamp we will have nearly doubled our printing capacity this year and increased coating capacity by 30 percent.

In the Can Plants: While the can plants are running at a very high level we are well underway with engineering plans for equipment and process improvements being designed for installation in the spring of 2015. The realignment of can line to provide cost reductions and more efficient material flow takes significant time so we are staging the changes we want to take on after the first of the year.

We will be able to discuss some of the changes as we approach the spring time.

General comments: These are exciting times in the United States for manufacturing. The low- cost nations that have challenged the United States and Western Europe for global competitiveness in manufacturing have seen very high rates of inflation in labor costs and difficulties in maintaining their supply advantages.

Through investments in automation and the development of flexible manufacturing systems, Independent Can and hundreds of other domestic manufacturers have reduced costs and lead times to respond to the needs of retailers both specialty and the mass market retailers. The consumer wants good quality, good value and they want it now. The retailers do not have the luxury of buying from halfway around the world and being able to restock the shelves in the holiday season. Having the right products on the shelves provides the consumer with their desired items and reduces stock outs and end of season closeouts which are extremely costly to the retailers.

http://www.independentcan.com
http://www.westernspecialty.com
For more info on this Blog or Independent Can Company please contact
Ryan D Huether
ryan@independentcan.com

Holiday Gift Tins

Don't forget, if you are looking for #Holiday #Gift #Tins to put your cookies, muffins, cakes, candies in but you don't need big quantities you can get them direct from the manufacturer at http://www.shopindependentcan.com Your one Stop Tin Shop for the holidays! Oh... And they are all still made right here in the USA. #USAMADE

If you need larger quantities (orders over $350) call 909-923-6150 and we can send you our wholesale price list.

Independent Can Company's Online Store

For years now our customers have been asking us:

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?

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 per 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.

Ryan D. Huether
Vice President of Business Development
Independent Can Company
Western Specialty Container Division
909-923-6150

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

How Sweet It Was

How Sweet It Was

The global, economic downturn has given us a different set of choices and reminded us of what is really important. With all of our technology, conveniences and instant access, our lives are more frenzied than ever. What usually suffers is the casual and spontaneous time with family and friends. Now, when planning our budget dollars, we may elect to have friends over for dinner rather than meeting at a restaurant and find that it is a more intimate, memorable experience. When cutting out the extras and the non-essentials, we rediscover the things that sustained us 50 years ago – the simple, wholesome things like books, board games and outdoor activities.

The popularity of gift cards made it possible for us to know nothing more about our friends and family then where they liked to shop or eat. When most of us picture the holiday celebrations from our childhood, it is filled with anticipation for that wished-for gift, followed by an expression of delight. Whether you were young or old, the thoughtful gift from the heart meant more than the cost of the item. Tightening of the purse strings also forces us to be more resourceful and creative.

Does the trend toward nostalgic and retro packaging reflect a longing for simpler times? This year, there has been a resurgence of interest in packaging for food gifts. Many major brands have gone the nostalgic, retro or commemorative route with their packaging. A specialty food gift in a collectible tin can be given for a family to share or as a corporate thank-you gift. The bakers, confectioners and the poppers have more mixes, flavors and colors than can be imagined. The supplier as well as the shopper has become more creative – in search of that “expression of delight.”


Independent Can Company
http://www.westernspecialty.com
909-923-6150

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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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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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NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show - Washington DC

Independent Can Company is getting ready for the up coming Summer NASFT Fancy Food Show in Washington DC.   We are going to be showing many of our new Stock Designs as well as some of the newest shapes and sizes of tins available today.

We will also be showing our full line of PET Jars and Bottles, Plastic Containers, Metal Closures, and much much more.   If you are looking for a new package or just looking for an alternative to your current packaging you should take a few minutes and stop by booth 1107. Just ask for Ryan, Matt, or Joyce.

Ryan D. Huether
909-923-6150
INDEPENDENT CAN WEB SITE
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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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Packaging Trends

At the 2010 Pack Expo show late last year, a panel of experts representing several leading consumer products companies (P&G, Kraft, Pepsico, Conagra, Heinz) gathered to answer the question: what are the key factors driving packaging choices today? In summary, the panel mentioned the sustainability of the package, its impact on brand value, and its overall impact on production efficiency as being the key drivers of packaging innovation. The entire article presented in Packaging Digest’s January 2011 edition can be seen at www.packagingdigest.com/2011trends.

Independent Can has been a member of the International Packaging Association (IPA) for 15 years, a group of 15 canmakers from 14 countries. At our recent Marketing Meeting in Dubai (U.A.E.), we posed the same question to our members, but from the standpoint of the metal package. What are the key issues in our industry and with our package that we as canmakers need to direct investment towards, in order to address the challenges of our customers in an increasingly competitive global environment?

Investment in cost reduction was at the top of everyone’s list as we all look to offset inflationary trends in the cost of raw materials. Independent Can has invested heavily in sheet fed presses to blank parts more efficiently while reducing changeover times between jobs. We have investigated the downgauging of steel for several items and have consolidated many of our steel specifications in order to allow us more control over steel quality and cost, while reducing lead times. We have also automated the packaging of many of our products. But our largest investments have been in the area of printing, which we now refer to as Hi-Def Lithography, with significant impacts on quality, lead time reduction, and costs.
Sharing the story of the metal can’s sustainability, chiefly recycling properties, was a close second in our informal survey. Steel is the most heavily recycled material in the world, easily separated in recycling centers with magnets, and on average newly produced steel is composed of 56% recycled materials. Steel is infinitely recyclable, and can always be recycled into new steel products, in comparison to plastics which will eventually must be placed in a landfill. We also have a sustainability story to share as a company as we have reduced our energy consumption significantly as we invest in energy saving solutions plant wide, and raise the level of awareness within our employee base on the consumption of many plant and office materials.

Product innovation is also a primary concern among the members of the can manufacturing community. Independent Can developed 10 new domestic can concepts in 2010 and is focused on many new projects for 2011. “Innovation” can mean many things to many people, but often we need to look beyond shape and appearance in packaging. Innovation in metal packaging can represent shape, functionality, automation, design, varnish/appearance, and the many ways we continually improve our operations and look to reduce costs. In these respects Independent Can is truly innovative.

Please make sure to look to our “What’s New” section of our website www.westernspecialty.com for frequent updates and information regarding Independent Can and our products.

Ryan D Huether
909-923-6150
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http://www.canvironmentweek.com/

ShopIndependentCan.com

Shop Independent Can

ShopIndependentCan.com is your one stop shop for small orders (Under $350) of Stock Printed and Solid Color Tins. Whether you are looking for some cookie tins for a bake sale or tins to make gift baskets ShopIndependentCan.com has what you need.

Independent Can Company has the largest stock tin program in the world bringing you the variety you need.

If you do not see what you are looking for or you need assistance please call 909-923-6150 or Contact Us by Clicking Here

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Http://wwww.westernspecialty.com

NEW - PET Side Wall Pails in stock now

Independent Can Company is happy to announce that we are now stocking our popular PET Side Wall Pails in Metallic Red, Metallic Green, and Platinum Color. These pails are in stock now with the new easy open plug. No longer do you or your customers need a tool to pry open the top. Just pop open the plug and enjoy.

Our stock size not right for you? No problem we have the capability to adjust the height of this pail to meet your internal capacity (minimum order apply). We also have tooling for additional sizes available on a custom order basis.

The side walls are made from PET which is FDA approved for Food Contact. The top and bottom of the pails are Steel, the worlds most recycled and sustainable packaging material.

For more information or a sample just give us a call at 909-923-6150 or Contact Us by Clicking Here

Ryan D. Huether
Independent Can Company
http://www.westernspecialty.com
http://westernspecialty.com/onlinecatalog/viewdetails.asp?id=20081716

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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/