Our History

Our Journey Begins

1975

C.L. Smith is founded as a full-line container distributor of rigid packaging based in St.Louis, Missouri. Even then, Mr. Smith’s vision is simple and straight forward: treat customers like friends and provide them with the best products, best prices and best service in the industry.

Manufacturing + Distribution = Greater Customer Value

1988

As the container division grows, Mr. Smith sees a new customer need. His same container customers need smaller runs, shorter lead times, 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 is launched as an extrusion blow molder with 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.

Hazardous Materials Packaging + Manufacturing and Distribution =
Turn-Key Solutions

2001

Continuing a reputation for reliability, responsiveness and top-notch customer service, Mr. Smith continues to re-invest back in the business. As both a Distributor and Manufacture, the decision is made to 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 on-site UN Certified Package Testing Lab. Customers realize the cost savings and project coordination benefit with C.L. Smith’s unified approach to serve all their manufacturing, distribution and hazardous materials packaging needs.

Acquisition Offers Supplier Diversity

2008

Nancy Newby, daughter of C.L. Smith, acquires one of the leading drum and spill containment distributors in the Gulf. N2it Containers of Houston, TX is formed and begins to offer the broader C.L. Smith services to its customers. As a women-owned business, N2it Containers becomes certified by WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) offering customers who have supplier diversity goals a way to advance their strategies when purchasing packaging solutions.

Manufacturing Divisions Expands for Added Flexibility

2011

N2it Containers, a C.L. Smith partner, expands its footprint in the Southwest region with the acquisition of PL Plastics’ assets, a well-established blow molder based in Houston, Texas. The new division, known as N2it Blow Molding, is a WBE offering customers the convenience and flexibility of manufacturing custom and stock bottles locally in smaller runs, various quantities and reduced lead times.

Our Journey Continues

C.L. Smith and its Family of Solutions continue to grow and evolve. We are continually expanding our service offerings to meet customer needs, becoming more efficient through Lean Management principles throughout our entire organization and advocating for Sustainable packaging. Making Our Customers’ Lives Easier is the compass that guides our journey in the right direction.