Labatt switches to new Crown Cork & Seal 202 diameter can ends for cost savings - Labatt Interbrew North America - Brief Article

Modern Brewery Age, Sept 9, 2002

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. has converted Labatt Interbrew North America's can lines to the 202 SuperEnd, producing a smaller diameter can end that can save substantial amounts of aluminum. According to Crown, the company's new 202 SuperEnd can decrease aluminum use by an additional 10 percent beyond a standard 202 can end.

Crown reports that the SuperEnd is also designed for superior "finger access" to the pull-tab, with a forty-five degree angle and opening aspect ratio. "Previous experiences with Crown Cork & Seal demonstrated they were capable of providing exceptional technical expertise and could execute a seamless conversion," said Tod Galloway, North American procurement manager, packaging, for Labatt Interbrew. "Crown's technical auditors assessed conversion needs, handled parts orders and delivery schedules, and managed the process for each plant. Crown eased the transition by working over the weekend, which allowed Labatt employees to maintain consistent productivity throughout the conversion."

Crown forecast that Labatt would benefit immediately from the considerable material cost savings. "For our initial production run, we dramatically decreased the amount normally spent on ends," noted Galloway.

In addition to material reduction, Labatt benefitted from SuperEnd's enhanced seam strength and buckle resistance. The stronger end profile of the SuperEnd enables cans to maintain the same integrity as older lids throughout the rigors of pasteurization, shipping and handling.

With the exception of one old seamer system already scheduled for replacement, Labatt did not purchase any new equipment to accommodate the SuperEnd conversion. The conversion process was smooth, with limited disruption in production and little revenue sacrificed.

Crown handled installation at all plants. Each of the six Labatt plants, which generate all of the brands produced by Labatt in Canada and the United States, was converted to the new 202 SuperEnd over the course of one weekend.

"The lightweight SuperEnd has enhanced the overall quality of Labatt's beer can," Galloway said. "We generated considerable material savings and maintained optimal productivity, which enabled us to meet and surpass business and marketing goals, while providing the customer with an enhanced product."