Crown fashions creative canning technologies for Asia’s growing markets
Crown maintains 146 manufacturing plants in 36 countries – an asset that is propelling the company’s Asian expansion through its regional subsidiary
In China, Budweiser’s distinct gan bei can is an imaginative product representing a deeply rooted drinking tradition. Named after the timeless Putonghua expression for “cheers” or “bottoms up”, the gan bei can features a full aperture end that allows the removal of the entire lid – transforming the can into a drinking cup that adds another dimension to the Budweiser consumer experience.
Branded the 360 End, the gan bei can’s original design was developed by Crown – one of the world’s largest packaging companies and the largest consumer metal packaging producer in Southeast Asia and China.
Celebrating 125 years of expertise in diversified metal packaging technologies for the world’s beverage, food, personal care, household and luxury markets, Crown maintains 146 manufacturing plants in 36 countries – an asset that is propelling the company’s Asian expansion through its regional subsidiary.
“We understand different local needs because of our unequalled geographical footprint – a valuable advantage in Asia-Pacific where markets are in various stages of development,” says Robert Bourque, president of CROWN Asia Pacific. “We bring our technological innovations globally. Customers can expect the same high quality products wherever they are in the world.”
CROWN Asia Pacific manufactures aluminium cans and caps for the packaging of beverages, aerosols and food products. Incorporated in 1975 and based in Singapore, the subsidiary has a formidable regional presence in Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam with new plants opening in Indonesia and Myanmar this year and next year.
Highly focused on innovation, Crown helps brands develop regionally and globally with state-of-the-art packaging technologies that respond to evolving customer needs. The company foresees stable growth in Asia’s canned business and a strong potential in canned hot beverages.
“We seek acquisitions in Asia-Pacific’s beverage and food business as well as organic growth opportunities,” Bourque says. “Our strong regional position allows us to see opportunities others may not – to take advantage of growth in markets where we already are and to keep an eye on potential ones.”
