Independent Can Company - Packaging Blog: May 2012

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Spring 2012 Whats New

The first quarter of 2012 is now behind us. 2012 has been a unique year so far in many ways.

We almost did not have a winter here in the east and spring actually arrived in February: very strange.
The first quarter was very busy with customers releasing cans at a very aggressive pace. The level of activity and the broad number of industries represented (industrial, chemical, beverage, snacks, food, confections, etc.) shows a true recovery across the board. Thank you to everyone.
Independent Can Company is in an industry that many people consider "traditional, smoke stack, not innovative, old". These beliefs are so wrong. The innovations in the can business are dramatic:

Beverage		Aluminum bottle cans, lighter gauge, fully 100% recyclable and more
Food Sanitary Cans		Shaped cans, lighter gauge, fully 100% recyclable and more
Specialty		Faster concept to delivery of new shapes, sizes and designs than ever before, 100% recyclable, lighter gauge (lower cost)

The can manufacturing business is global. Steel mills are located in all developed and developing countries in the world. Can manufacturers are located in these same countries. This is why we participate in organizations and meetings globally. In the past year we have attended meetings in the following countries: Italy (2 trips), England, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey (several trips), China, Dubai and Israel. In the next 3 months we have meetings scheduled in China, Holland and Germany. In addition to attending meetings and conferences we have bought equipment from 6 countries.
Steel: 90% or more of the steel we use is produced in the United States. Unfortunately the global investment in the production of tinplate is being made in the developing countries (China and India). In the future we may have to import more tinplate to meet our needs.
The most exciting development in the past 2 years has been the shift in where tins are being made. In the past 2 years we have begun making tins in our plants in the United States that were previously made in China. We are currently installing and will have a line operational in May that will be directed specifically to replace tins that are currently 100% imported (more to follow).
I hope that you can feel the excitement that we have for the business and the future of the can business here in the United States.

Sincerely,
Rick Huether
President and CEO

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Visit our Booth at the Sweets and Snacks Show

We have new summer and every day designs for your consideration. It is not too early to plan for seasonal tins. We are exhibiting at the Sweets and Snacks Show in Chicago, Booth 781, and will have many of our stock tins on hand. Tins are the perfect eye-catching packaging for confections and snacks.

POSTED BY:

Ryan D. Huether

Vice President of Business Development

Independent Can Company

ryan@independentcan.com

http://www.westernspecialty.com

ZIPPO EARNS PRESIDENT’S “E STAR” AWARD

Pennsylvania Company Earns Presidential Distinction for Export Excellence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 17, 2012 – Today, Zippo^®, maker of the world famous windproof lighter with the lifetime guarantee, was presented with the President’s prestigious “E Star” Award by U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson. Zippo owner and chairman of the board, George Duke, received the award on behalf of the company at a ceremony which took place at the White House in Washington, D.C. First established in 1961, the President’s “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

"We are deeply honored to have been recognized by the United States government for our continued expansion efforts, especially as we celebrate our 80^th anniversary and approach the manufacture of our 500 Millionth windproof lighter,” said Duke. “While we strengthen our international presence and create jobs domestically, it’s important that we continue to acquaint overseas markets with classic Zippo craftsmanship and quality products. We are anticipating strong growth internationally and are excited about expanding our global footprint even more in the coming years.”

A second-time recipient of this national export award, Zippo first received the President’s “E” Award in 1994 having demonstrated export expansion that was measurable, innovative, sustainable, and which had broad impact. Created in 1969, the President’s “E Star” Award was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce to recognize “E” Award recipients for their continuing significant contributions to U.S. export expansion. U.S. Secretary John Bryson specifically highlighted the company’s recent upsurge in international sales and development of international markets.

“I am pleased to recognize Zippo Manufacturing Company for receiving the President’s ‘E’ Star Award, which honors companies that make significant contributions toward increasing U.S. exports,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson. “This Administration is committed to leveling the playing field for American businesses and workers to help U.S. companies build things here and sell them around the world. ‘E’ Star Award winners like Zippo have excelled in this effort, demonstrating four years of successive export growth. It is companies like this that are helping to grow our economy and put more Americans back to work.”

All nominations are reviewed by the “E” Award Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Commerce, and includes representatives of ExIm Bank, the Small Business Administration, and the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, State, and Transportation.

This year marks 50th anniversary of the first presentation of the President’s “E” Award by President John F. Kennedy. The President’s “E” Award was created by Executive Order in 1961 to encourage U.S. companies to sell their products abroad.

About Zippo
Zippo markets in more than 160 countries and is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Based in Bradford, PA, Zippo will produce its 500 Millionth lighter on June 5. Each is backed by an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. Zippo’s diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, both based in Bradford, PA. Zippo will celebrate its 80^th anniversary in 2012. For more information, visit Zippo.com.

Media Contact

Pat Grandy

Zippo Communications

pgrandy@zippo.com

814-368-2714

Photo Caption: Zippo spectrum finish lighters are imprinted via the auto-engraving process at the company’s plant in Bradford, PA. This model is popular in Zippo’s fastest growing markets, India and China.