Our Story

A Six Decade Global Legacy based in Birmingham, Alabama, Gilpin was founded in 1963 by Sandy Gilpin, who built by hand and perseverance, a worldwide network of packaging suppliers and clientele long before cell phones and the Internet existed. In 2008, Paul McClure acquired Gilpin, expanding its position as the global leader in easy-open ends, hard-to-find packaging closures, and plastic containers for pasteurized, retort and hot-fill foods. He also transformed Gilpin’s approach from simply sourcing packaging to providing customers with multi-faceted solutions to complex  situations. This includes consulting on filling and seaming equipment, supply chain management, logistics and warehousing, tariffs and international regulations.

Gilpin’s success can be attributed to focusing on the unique needs of each individual customer. Consistently delivering the desired results has attracted a loyal customer base that includes premier global brands, specialty and local brands, and startup companies in every corner of the world. Each customer recognizes and values Gilpin’s unique expertise and counts on us for market insights and best packaging solutions delivered time and time again. Trust and loyalty are the hallmarks of our customer relationships.

Gilpin understands the subtleties of doing business in global markets. We have a network of sales representatives, equipment engineers, and technicians on every continent who speak the local language and understand local business practices. This helps streamline the ever-changing complexities of international business.

Gilpin is growing strong. In April 2021, Gilpin acquired Automated Container Sales Corporation, a leading easy-open end company founded by John Morrison in 1987. Morrison is recognized as the industry’s premier innovator and was among the creators of SafeRim® and DoubleSafe®, full-panel, easy-open ends created specifically for cut protection. In 2025, Gilpin acquired AMCLO, a U.S.-based manufacturer of metal plug ends and caps for consumer and industrial applications. The deal included a unique manufacturing partnership with Rayfield Metal Stamping, a division of RSI. These acquisitions and strategic collaborations have strengthened our leadership position and ability to bring the best solutions to customers around the world.

Meet Our President, Paul McClure