The Industrial Steel Drum Institute (ISDI), a trade association representing manufacturers of steel drum containers in the United States, Canada and Mexico, recently honored Earnest Beardsley, posthumously, with the organization’s Lifetime Membership Award.
The award was presented to Jim Beardsley, Beardsley’s son and current chairman and CEO of North Coast Container, during the Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America’s Annual Meeting in early October in Orlando, Fla.
“It is with great honor that I accept this award on behalf of my father,“ said Beardsley. “His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit drove him to build a world-class steel drum business and I couldn’t be prouder to follow in his footsteps.”
The ISDI Lifetime Membership Award is given to long-time members of the steel drum industry in recognition of their service and dedication to the organization and the industry.
“Ernie was a pillar in our industry, and I am privileged to formally recognize his many accomplishments,” said Kyle Stavig, chair of ISDI and CEO of Myers Container, Inc. “For five decades, Ernie showed great commitment to his company and the steel drum business. His renowned enthusiasm and contributions will be an example for the next generation of manufacturers that push this industry for generations to come.”
Beardsley began his career in 1950 at Ohio Corrugating Company as an hourly employee, later graduating from Youngstown College. Determined to own a steel drum company, Beardsley worked his way up at several organizations, including United Steel Services, Cleveland Steel Container and Cortland Container Corporation, cultivating his knowledge of the steel drum industry along the way. In 1983, Beardsley and his business partner Randy Reed purchased Cortland Container and founded North Coast Container, where he worked until his retirement in 2011.