Abstract: A plastic container and handling assembly are described to enable a plastic container to store heavy bulk materials while handling the container for transport or other purposes. A groove is formed in the region of the container for which support is desired and a metal bar of corresponding shape and size is placed in the groove. A metal support having a plate in abutment with the metal bar and overlying it as well as adjoining regions of the plastic container is welded at spaced apart places to the bar without causing melting of the plastic container to thus affix the support to the container. Several embodiments are described.