More than 1,000 beverage companies have experienced aluminum can shortages in the last year, Brewers Association estimates. Beginning late last year and continuing into this year, many of the larger aluminum can manufacturers notified small and mid-size breweries that they were raising minimum can orders to very high levels or would no longer supply cans to smaller accounts.
Now. G3 Enterprises, a family owned business that is one of the beverage industry’s leading logistics and supply companies, says it has secured a dependable supply of high-quality, line-qualified aluminum cans and lids and has contracted with KJ Can USA, which has committed to supplying millions of both printed and brite cans per year. KJ is building a new can plant in Nashua, N.H.
“We have secured a stable supply of aluminum cans that we are making available to impacted brewers with lower order minimum quantities, competitive prices, and with shorter lead times,” said Richard Armstrong, senior director, G3 Can Division. He added, “Our company provides creative, integrated solutions for our beverage partners with quality packaging products and supply chain services. We will be able to help meet the needs of the industry so brewers can focus on their craft and their brands.”
“Our new plant is well-positioned, both with its location and timing, to satisfy the aluminum needs of brewers throughout New England and the Northeast region,” said Alvin Widitora, General Manager, KJ Can USA. He added, “We have seen first-hand the expertise G3 brings in this space, and we are excited to now be partnering with them as our commercial representative in the U.S. and Canadian market.”
G3 Can Division has been selling cans to beverage makers for the past few years. In addition to can and end supply in multiple sizes, the company can also print pressure-sensitive labels on various film and paper stocks using its innovative Reflection and Thermochromatic ink technologies which help seasonal and innovation brands stand out on the shelf. The company also has closure options (corks, caps and crowns) as well as robust logistics and warehouse capabilities to meet the needs of its customers and their operations.
“The continued challenge of maintaining a consistent aluminum can supply in the market has made business very difficult for many craft brewery customers. G3 has a well-earned reputation for delivering on behalf of our beverage customers and now is no different,” said G3’s Armstrong. He added, “We have the expertise and experience to deliver a stable supply of high-quality aluminum cans, and we are thrilled to have this new domestic supply source that we can offer to our customers.”