Strength in a can: company thrives in specialty market

One Minden manufacturer has found economic strength in a simple, time-tested commodity - a tin can.

American International Tooling, Inc. doesn't make cans, but makes seaming rollers and seaming chucks that many large can producers and food processors use, such as Campbell's, Del Monte and Chicken of the Sea. While other small businesses have been cutting back, American Tooling has been forging ahead, growing by double-digit numbers.

"We thought things would slow down, but we've seen 21 percent growth by pulling a lot of people from our competitors," said president Lee Bertucci, who formed the company 15 years ago after leaving a high-level accounting position with IBM. "People have to eat, and that doesn't go away. The fresh food industry has taken a hit, but not canning. It's recession-proof. Demand's gone up."

On Monday, Bertucci, along with vice president of sales and marketing John Konvicka, explained the ins and outs of the Johnson Lane operation. They showed how basic materials, ranging from cobalt alloy to ceramics, are worked through an intricate process of cutting, profiling, heating, grinding and coating. They pointed to finished products - cylindrical rollers with grooves for curling and sealing can lids; round, flat-bottomed chucks for holding cans in place.

"In day-to-day life, people don't think about or understand how a simple can is created," said Konvicka, who joined the company eight years ago with an ownership stake. "We absolutely understand the application process. We're not just a company that someone calls up to get a part number. We solve problems for our customers."

Konvicka said American Tooling helped bridge the gap between can-producing companies and canneries.

"They're our shared customers," he said. "My business is not selling parts, but making sure their machines are running without headaches. It's a good thing if we don't hear from them during the canning season."

Customers of American Tooling vary in production needs, Konvicka said, ranging from 800 cans a minute to 3,000 cans a minute.

"Everyday, 100 million cans of something are opened in the United States," he said. "People have tried pouches and plastic containers, but nothing beats a tin can."

Bertucci said the company produces about 25,000 parts a year. Two years ago, they relocated from Carson City, trading in 4,000 square feet for 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

But no matter how smoothly business runs, no matter how high the demand for their product, both Konvicka and Bertucci believe their success lies in a shared vision for the company and the skill and commitment of 14 full- and part-time employees.

"We have the best crew around," said Bertucci. "We also have the best customer service. Competitive pricing is part of the equation, but it's really about quality of service."

Konvicka said employees are cross-trained to help each other succeed in all areas.

"When any business grows, it comes down to darn good people," he said. "We all work together. I'll grab a mop and clean the floor if I have to. We do what it takes to get the job done."

Beyond the factory, in dealing with customers, Konvicka said that the company's work ethic can be boiled down to one simple idea:

"Say what you do, and do what you say," he said.

American Tooling is celebrating its 15th year of business with an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 30 at their headquarters, 2516 Business Parkway, suite A. The event will feature refreshments and a tour of the facility.

Call 267-6939 for more information.