the organization chart for the Aluminum Can division. Reporting to the divisional
general manager were two line managers, vice presidents in charge of
manufacturing and marketing. These vice presidents headed all of the division's
activities in their respective functional areas.
The Aluminum Can division's growth in sales slightly outpaced sales growth
in the industry at large. The division had plants scattered throughout the
United States. Each plant served customers in its own geographic region, often
producing several different sizes of cans for a range of customers that included
Loth large and small breweries and soft drink bottlers.Most of these customers
had between two and four suppliers and spread purchases among them.