About Us

Who We Are

The Leading Provider of Metal Packaging Solutions

As the largest provider of metal food packaging in the United States, Silgan Containers is trusted by America’s most respected brands. Our reputation is based on a foundation of quality, excellence and unsurpassed technical expertise, enabling us to be a dedicated solutions-based partner to our customers.

The History of Silgan

1899
Carnation Company (then Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company) opens its first self-made can operation in Kent, WA.
1901
Union Can Company, Hoopeston, IL, joins American Can Company.
1935
National Can Company established.
1936
Campbell's Soup company begins manufacturing cans.
1941
-
1945
Hormel Spam® canned luncheon meat feeds WWII Allied troops.
1953
Del Monte begins manufacturing cans.
1969
Canned Carnation Spreadables® go to the moon on Apollo 11.
1970
Easy-open food beverage ends cans developed by Carnation’s Dayton Reliable Division.
1975
First D&I (Drawn and Ironed) food cans were produced in the USA at the St. Joseph, MO plant.
1979
American Can Company begins commercial sales to Green Giant. That same year, the industry is revolutionized with the introduction of aluminum pet food cans by Carnation (later acquired by Silgan in 1987).
1981
Carnation’s Can Division converts to welded side-seam technology in Menomonee Falls, WI.
1986
American Can and National Can Companies merge to form American National Can Company.
1987
Silgan Containers Corporation was created with the purchase of Carnation’s Can Division.
1988
Silgan Containers acquires Ft. Madison Can Company.
1993
Del Monte’s Metal Container manufacturing division acquired.
Northern Can Systems’ Menomonie, WI manufacturing facility acquired.
1995
American National Can Company food metal and specialty business acquired.
1996
Finger Lakes Packaging Company acquired.
Kraft’s Tarrant aluminum plate processing and Alcoa’s aluminum closure facilities are acquired.
1998
Campbell Soup Company can manufacturing operations acquired.
That same year, the company saw the first launch of Easy-Open ends and converted sanitary ends to Quick Top©.
1999
Can of the Year® award from The Canmaker magazine for the Hormel Spam® 2-piece aluminum container.
2003
Pacific Coast Producers container manufacturing facility acquired.
2011
Nestlé Purina Pet Care Co. steel can assets for pet food products is acquired.
2014
Silgan acquires Van Can Company assets.
2018
Embossed 3-piece welded tinplate can for Pacific Coast Producers earns the Gold Award, Food 3-Piece category from The Canmaker magazine.

Silgan Divisions

The range of our packaging products and services is continually expanding to accommodate the growing needs of our customers. To go directly to a particular segment of our operations, click on the appropriate link below.

Silgan Holdings
Silgan Metal Food Containers - N. America Silgan Metal Packaging - Europe Silgan Plastics Packaging - N. America Silgan Dispensing Systems (Pumps & Sprays) Silgan Closures (Screw Caps & Lids) Silgan Plastic Specialty Packaging (Shaker Tops & Jars)
A woman working on a machine in a factory.

Industry Resources

Staying cutting edge through industry participation.

Silgan Containers is an active participant in industry events and numerous associations supporting metal food packaging. We are continually engaged in scientific, technical and regulatory research that enhance our ability to deliver state-of-the-art packaging solutions. We also support educational initiatives that promote the many benefits of metal packaging.

American Iron and Steel Institute American Society of Quality California League of Food Processors Can Manufacturers Institute Federation of Environmental Technologists The Food Institute Institute of Food Technologists Institute for Thermal Process Specialists Institute for Thermal Process Specialists International Metal Decorating & Packaging Association MRA-The Management Association Manufacturers Alliance Midwest Food Processors Association National Association for Environmental Management New Jersey Food Processors Plastics Industry Association Produce for a Better Health Foundation Shelf Stable Food Processors Association Society of Human Resource Professionals Sustainable Packaging Coalition The Recycling Partnership Steel and Aluminum Can Recycling Impact Calculator