Industry: Craft Brewing
Region: New England, USA
Client Since: 2023
Achieving Can Supply Stability
As a small craft brewer that does the vast majority of sales from its taproom in Andover, Mass., Oak & Iron Brewing Co. relies heavily on events and festivals to build brand awareness and spread the word about its lineup of New England-inspired seasonals, and time-honored classics. So when President James Cass found himself nearly out of cans just a few weeks from the start of peak event season, he wasn’t sure what to do. He only had two weeks’ worth of can inventory, and his Maryland-based supplier said there would be a four-week delay.
Building a Resilient and Responsive Supply Chain
The Challenge: Last-Minute Supply Chain Crisis
Oak & Iron, based in Andover, Mass., had relied on a Maryland-based supplier for years. But that supplier had a delay on the brink of Oak & Iron’s peak promotion season.
Oak & Iron faced:
- Delivery delays leaving them with only two weeks of can inventory.
- Busy season approaching, with events and taproom sales at risk.
- High shipping costs from Maryland and limited storage space.
- Urgent need for a local solution to avoid missing big sales opportunities.
The Solution: Local Partnership and Unmatched Service
Recalling an email promotion, and a recommendation from an industry partner, Cass reached out to Can-One USA, a supplier just 30 minutes away in Nashua, New Hampshire. When Cass explained the emergency to Can-One’s operation manager Stephen Jade, the response was immediate and personal: “How about I put them in my truck and bring them over tomorrow morning?”
What Happened Next:
- Can-One USA processed payment overnight.
- Stephen Jade personally delivered cans the next day, saving Oak & Iron shipping costs.
- Oak & Iron had an ample supply of cans heading into its busy season for offsite events
The Results: Stability, Savings, and Community Engagement
By partnering with Can-One USA, Oak & Iron was able to:
- Weather the supply crisis and was able to make the most of a peak sales season.
- Save on shipping costs.
- Exceed expectations of the level of service with personal and rapid response.
- Receive can quality matched or exceeded by previous suppliers.
- Explore a long-term partnership with Can-One.
“I was in a panic situation. I was just about out of cans, coming up to an incredibly busy part of our schedule, and not having cans would have created a real financial burden. He loaded the cans in his truck and brought them over the next morning. It really was unbelievable.”
— Jim Cass
Why Can-One USA?
Let’s build something together. If you’re a beverage maker looking for a responsive, regional can supplier who understands your business. Can-One USA’s strategic location and customer-first model make it a perfect fit for the region’s growing craft brewing scene. The close proximity isn’t just a convenience, it’s a competitive advantage that reduces costs, builds trust, and strengthens local industry ties.
- Based in Nashua, NH, within 200 miles of 5 New England states
- Offers quarter- and half-truckload programs, perfect for seasonal SKUs
- Provides local warehousing and support
- Proudly serves 300+ beverage makers across the U.S.