Silgan Containers Corporation

Silgan’s forecasting excellence coupled with orchestrated response means on-time delivery

Silgan Containers manufactures about half of all metal food cans made in the United States each year. The company runs numerous can lines and end presses at each of its more than 30 strategically-located plants. Billions of containers roll off of Silgan production lines annually.

To help ensure that packers get exactly what they need—where and when they need it—Silgan has to constantly evaluate and readjust all critical process/distribution paths.

The process begins with global sourcing to make sure the large quantities of raw materials arrive at Silgan’s various manufacturing locations at the appropriate time. Next production locations and volumes need to be coordinated with projected pack requirements. Finally, the distribution/logistics piece needs to fall into place—which warehouses will be used to hold the inventory, when will short-haul carriers deliver to packing plants, etc.

To help make sure that everything happens with minimal disruption, Silgan uses a proprietary planning system which has been specifically designed for can manufacturing. Data is continuously updated so that the system can provide up-to-date manufacturing and distribution scenarios. For example, one customer’s requirements for 40 can sizes at eight processing locations may be met by 13 different Silgan plants.

The company also has extensive contingency plans in place. We’ve helped customers manage through industry shortages as well as accommodate surges in crop yields that suddenly increase “pack” processing needs.

Making more than 130,000 deliveries per year to 100-plus customer locations is no small feat. Silgan believes that its unparalleled combination of facilities, systems and services enables it to meet changing customer needs better than any other metal can supplier.

Technical services

Equipment Services

Logistics