C.L. Smith's History
1975
C.L. Smith is founded as a full-line container distributor of rigid packaging based in St. Louis, Missouri.
From the beginning, C.L “Bud” Smith’s vision was simple and straightforward: treat customers like friends and provide them with the best products, best prices, and best service in the industry.
1988
As the container division grows, our founder, Mr. Smith sees a new customer need. C.L. Smith customers need smaller runs, shorter lead times, alternative size options, and greater customization from their existing bottle manufactures; options customers are not currently receiving.
Named in memory of Mr. Smith’s late wife, “Lyons” Blow Molding was launched as an extrusion blow molder with the goal of giving customer’s greater flexibility, more variety, and solid performance reliability when manufacturing plastic bottles.
Companies quickly see the value in using Lyons Blow Molding as a turn-key manufacturer to design, manufacture, package, and deliver smaller run, HDPE custom mold plastic bottles.
2005
Known for the industry’s highest quality standards, Lyons Blow Molding expands and moves to its current state-of-the-art facility in Berkeley, Missouri.
Continuing a reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and top-notch customer service, as a distributor and manufacturer, we leverage our expertise, product inventory, and purchasing power to provide customers more solutions in the specialty packaging arena.
HAZPlus®, C.L.Smith’s hazardous materials packaging division begins, complete with an on-site UN Certified Package Testing Lab. Customers realize the cost savings and project coordination benefit with C.L. Smith’s unified approach serving all their manufacturing, distribution, and hazardous materials packaging needs.
2012
We expanded our logistics footprint with a new 100,000 square foot warehouse located one block from Lyons Blow Molding manufacturing facility.
This fully equipped Distribution Center offers more product inventory, customer storage, and eventual production lines.
2014
Growth in the Midwest market continues along with the onset of more stringent environmental and regulatory requirements for the food industry–the need for a Food Safe manufacturing facility was identified.
Expansion with the purchase of a 73,000 square foot facility, located one block away from our existing Lyons Blow Molding plant, in order to meet the needs of a changing market.
Renovation began and within a year our newly purchased building was engineered into a world-class Food Safe manufacturing facility.
2015
By March 2015, the new Lyons Blow Molding – Plant 2 production operation startup began, and initiatives were underway with regards to achieving our food safe manufacturing certification bench-marked to GFSI specifications. On June 17, 2015, Lyons Blow Molding – Plant 2 manufacturing facility achieved its IFS PACsecure certification.
As an IFS PACSecure food certified manufacturer, our customers have the added advantage of smaller runs, shorter lead times, flexible cavitation, creative options, and UN performance-oriented bottles for hard-to-hold products that meet both rigorous food safe and hazardous material regulations standards. With over 73,000 square feet of GFSI accredited rigid bottle manufacturing, we provide a fully compliant product based on HAACP and GMP standards.
2018
With a focus on sustainability, we partnered with EcoVadis, a global organization that provides holistic CSR ratings of service for companies.
EcoVadis assigns rated scorecards after assessing results of non-financial management systems focused on Environmental, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement impacts. Our current CSR & sustainability performance rating is at a Silver Medal recognition level!
2019
In October of 2019, C.L. Smith received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
At that time, C.L. Smith was wholly owned by Nancy Smith, daughter of C.L. Smith founder, “Bud” Smith. Nancy’s leadership for over 30 years contributed to the high level of customer satisfaction, solution innovation, and purchasing muscle that the company is known for.
2021
Kelso & Company acquires a majority interest in C.L. Smith. Built on a foundation of alignment and partnership their vision includes plans for strategic growth through an expanded national footprint and diversification of product lines. Good things happen when you partner with good people.
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C.L. Smith focuses their expertise in these 4 areas of packaging. Let us know how we can help you get started today!
