Huether, a Republican, said he shares the administration’s goal of reinvigorating American industry.
“Our goal is to return as much manufacturing as possible to this nation. As a family, we’ve made a strategic decision to become the specialty can manufacturer in America, employing American workers,” he stated. “We are committed to being here.”
However, Huether believes that Trump has complicated this goal. He mentioned that he has never supported the president with his vote because he disapproves of Trump’s treatment of people and his communication style. Moreover, the trade policies under Trump’s administration have created challenges for his business operations.
“Chaos is our enemy,” Huether expressed, reflecting a worry that many small business owners have shared over the months due to Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies. “It’s difficult to plan without a clear understanding of the situation for the next two or three years.”
Business highlights
Independent Can Company’s wares might already be in your cupboard. The Belcamp, Maryland-based family business, in operation since 1929, makes the packaging for everything from Wegmans’ brand of Virginia peanuts to the Santa Claus tins filled with chocolates or popcorn that hit grocery shelves around the holidays.
The company manufactures cans and other containers for popular consumer brands including Swiss Miss, Zippo and Titleist. One of its newest customers is the lip balm maker Burt’s Bees. Independent Can Company — whose annual sales have averaged $130 million in recent years — used to have more than 30 domestic competitors in specialty can making, Huether estimated, many of which were family-owned businesses. Today there are just a couple left, he said.
