Independent Can Company

Independent Can Company has earned a reputation as a leading supplier of specialty cans, serving clients from local Maryland favorites like Chesapeake Coffee Roasters to household names such as Mrs. Meyer’s. CEO and Chairman Rick Huether leads the Belcamp based manufacturer, which celebrated its 95th anniversary as a fourth-generation family-owned business. Huether
emphasized the unique advantage of maintaining family ownership in today’s competitive landscape.

“Our personal commitment and reputation will always be an integral part of what propels us forward,” Huether said. “Most importantly, we were dedicated to the success of our employees and the communities in which we operate.” The company faces challenges typical of multigenerational family businesses, including navigating complex family dynamics and ensuring effective communication among extended family members. Its approach focuses on transparency and giving all owners a voice in current and future initiatives.

Independent Can Company has demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement through continuous investment in capital equipment. These investments proved particularly valuable during the pandemic when the company implemented new processes that increased throughput by 50-100%
across several automated lines.

“Throughout the pandemic, we implemented new processes that allowed for a 50-100% increase in throughput across several automated lines. These investments will not only safeguard jobs but also foster growth and stability for our employees,” Huether said.

The company’s dedication to innovation and efficiency has positioned it well for future growth while maintaining its focus on employee welfare and job security.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's In the Lead: Best Family-Owned Businesses in Maryland list for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.