Abstract: Beverage can manufacturing apparatus is provided in the form of a set of N necking stations S1, S2 . . . SN for progressively necking a beverage can body having a diameter greater than or equal to 2.8 inches to result in an open end designed to receive a first standard end. The necking stations are constructed such that a subset of the necking stations Si . . . Sj, where 1?i<j<N, progressively neck the beverage can body to result in an open end designed to receive a second standard end for the beverage can. The diameter of the first standard end is less than the diameter of the second standard end. For example, the first standard end is say a 202 standard end and the second standard end is a 209, 204, or a 206 standard end. Alternatively, for example, the first standard end could be a 206 end and the second standard end could be a 209 standard end.

Abstract: Beverage can manufacturing apparatus is provided in the form of a set of N necking stations S1, S2 . . . SN for progressively necking a beverage can body having a diameter greater than or equal to 2.8 inches to result in an open end designed to receive a first standard end. The necking stations are constructed such that a subset of the necking stations Si . . . Sj, where 1?i<j<N, progressively neck the beverage can body to result in an open end designed to receive a second standard end for the beverage can. The diameter of the first standard end is less than the diameter of the second standard end. For example, the first standard end is say a 202 standard end and the second standard end is a 209, 204, or a 206 standard end. Alternatively, for example, the first standard end could be a 206 end and the second standard end could be a 209 standard end.

Abstract: A container is provided having a can body defining an interior region for containing a product. The can body is of a metal/plastic multi-layer structure construction. The can body includes a side wall, a bottom profile comprising an annular rim defining a stand for the can body, an outer transition portion integral with the annular rim, and an inner transition portion connecting the annular rim to a central dome portion. In one embodiment a plurality of reinforcing ribs e.g., between 15 and 120, inclusive, are formed in the metal/plastic multi-layer structure in at least one of the outer transition portion and the inner transition portion. The ribs are formed in a spaced apart relation around the perimeter of such portion(s). In another embodiment a can body is made from a metal plastic laminate which is drawn and ironed. In one embodiment, the upper portion is die necked in a plurality of necking steps.