Continental Can Company Overview and Heritage

The Continental Can Company has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1904 by William Painter, the company was initially known as the Crown Cork and Seal Company.

The company's early success can be attributed to Painter's innovative approach to canning technology. He developed the first successful canning machine, which revolutionized the way food and beverages were packaged.

Painter's invention made it possible to mass-produce cans, making them an affordable and practical option for consumers. This marked a significant shift in the packaging industry.

The Continental Can Company continued to grow and expand its operations, eventually becoming one of the largest can manufacturers in the world.

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Continental Can Company was founded in 1904 by Edwin Norton and T.G. Cranwell with $500,000 in startup capital.

The company's early success was fueled by its acquisition of canning machinery patents and establishment of factories in Chicago and Syracuse, New York. It began shipping cans in April 1905.

Continental Can's production initially consisted of seasonal packer cans for fruits and vegetables, but the company entered the field of year-round general canning in 1912.

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The company's collection, Circa 1916-1940, is a treasure trove of artifacts that showcase the evolution of the business.

During this period, the company began to expand its product line, introducing new items that catered to the changing needs of its customers.

In 1923, the company launched its first catalog, which featured a wide range of products, including household items and tools.

The catalog was a game-changer, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes.

By the late 1930s, the company's collection had grown to include over 500 different items, each one carefully curated to meet the demands of its customers.

This period of growth and expansion laid the foundation for the company's future success, setting the stage for its continued evolution and innovation.

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In 1904, Edwin Norton and T.G. Cranwell founded Continental Can Company with $500,000 in startup capital, marking the beginning of a long history in the canning industry.

The company started small, purchasing canning machinery patents and establishing factories in Chicago and Syracuse, New York.

By 1909, Continental Can had acquired the Standard Tin Plate Company to ensure a steady supply of tin, a crucial material for can production.

Initially, Continental Can produced seasonal packer cans for fruits and vegetables, but by 1912, they expanded into year-round general canning.

In 1928, Continental Can acquired the Seattle-Astoria Iron Works, renaming it Troyer-Fox Manufacturing Company, and by 1934, they operated 38 plants in the United States and Cuba.

Net income reached a record high of $10.7 million in 1934, despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, and Continental Can employed nearly 12,000 workers.

During World War II, Continental Can continued to grow, entering the business of paper and fiber containers, bottle caps, and synthetic resins, and operating three machine shops in Seattle, Chicago, and Syracuse, New York.

In the early 1970s, annual sales reached $2 billion, solidifying Continental Can's position as the number one U.S. can manufacturer.

In 1976, Continental Can became part of the Continental Group, a conglomerate with operations in various industries, and by the end of the 1980s, the remnants of Continental Can Company were acquired by the U.S. Can Company.

Continental Can Company was founded in 1904 by two entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to provide tin cans for the rapidly growing food industry.

The company's early success was largely due to its innovative approach to manufacturing, which allowed for the mass production of tin cans.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Continental Can Company quickly became a leading supplier of tin cans to food manufacturers across the country.

Our company has a significant presence across North America, with facilities in the United States and Canada.

We have a headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, which serves as the central hub for our operations.

In the United States, we have facilities in Chicago, Illinois; Itasca, Illinois; and many other locations.

We also have a presence in the Midwest, with facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In the Northeast, we have facilities in Syracuse, New York; North Collins, New York; and Baltimore, Maryland.

We have facilities on the West Coast, including Los Angeles, California; Union City, California; and Seattle, Washington.

We also have facilities in the South, including Houston, Texas; Tampa, Florida; and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Here is a list of some of our facilities in the United States:

In Canada, we have facilities in Toronto, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec.

In other parts of North America, we have facilities in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Edmonton, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Omaha, Nebraska.

Continental Can had a significant presence in the Caribbean region through its subsidiary Continental Caribbean Containers, Inc.

The company also had operations in Germany through Dixie Union Verpackungen GmbH.

In France, Continental Can held an 85% stake in Perembal S.A.

Continental Can was a major player in the US market through its subsidiary Lockwood, Kessler & Bartlett, Inc.

The company's international presence also extended to the Czech Republic, where it owned 64% of Obalex, A.S.

In Spain, Continental Can had a significant stake in Onena Bolsas de Papel S.A., holding 57% of the company.

The company's US operations also included a subsidiary called Plastic Containers, Inc., in which it held a 50% stake.