(Washington, DC) – The Industrial Steel Drum Institute (ISDI) recently honored long-time member Jim Beardsley, senior executive vice president of North Coast Container, with the organization’s Lifetime Membership Award.
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. It was presented to Beardsley in late April during the plenary session of the Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America’s Spring Conference in Napa, California.
“Over the last three decades Jim has contributed to growth and innovation in the steel drum industry, solidifying it as a valuable and unique part of the packaging sector,” said Kyle Stavig, chairman of ISDI and CEO of Myers Container LLC, General Steel Drum LLC, Container Management Services LLC, and North Coast Container LLC. “It is an honor to recognize his accomplishments with this well-deserved award.”
At North Coast Container, co-founded in 1983 by his late father Earnest, Beardsley worked his way up the company’s ladder for 20 years, becoming chairman and CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the company invested in new machinery and equipment, computer and communication systems, and manufacturing and administrative systems to improve operational efficiency and customer support. Beardsley has also made it a priority to recruit, hire and train a leading workforce in the industry.
In 2018, he oversaw the acquisition of North Coast Container by a fellow steel drum business, General Steel Drum, owned by the Stavig family. The move has already provided the company’s customers, suppliers and employees with growth opportunities.
“Having the ability to work and lead my family’s steel drum business has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Beardsley. “It is a great honor to be recognized for my work at North Coast and the industry at large by a group of peers whom I deeply respect.”
North Coast participates in multiple trade organizations, such as the Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America, the Chemical Packaging Committee, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Petroleum Packaging Council, the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association, the National Private Trucking Council, and ISDI.