Myers Industries celebrates 75 years at Canadian manufacturing plant

Scarborough, ONT – Scepter, a Myers Industries company since 2014, proudly marks 75 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence at its Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, location this year. The milestone anniversary is a testament to Scepter’s strong foundation, which has always emphasized employees and industry leadership.

“Our culture of mutual support and adaptability has been crucial to our sustained success,” said Scarborough Operations Manager Hitesh Desai. “Throughout our history, you’ll find a consistent focus on our people, resulting in an impressive average tenure of 18 years at its highest point. Plus, we pride ourselves on maintaining an excellent safety record, underscoring our dedication to the well-being of our team.”

Myers’ Scepter brand employs approximately 170 dedicated individuals at its Scarborough site and 90 at its U.S. facility in Miami, Okla.

Over the years, the belief that employees are the cornerstone of its achievements fueled another strength at Scepter: innovation. Founded in 1949 by Evald Torokvei in the basement of his Toronto home, Scepter rapidly evolved from a maker of plastic children’s toys into a powerhouse manufacturer of blow-molded plastics for various industries. From pipes, dairy crates, and recycling bins to best-in-class fuel and water containers and military casings, the company’s product offerings have flourished due to its forward-thinking approach and a commitment to developing high-quality products that meet customer needs.

In fact, Scepter produced the first plastic military-style fuel and water containers, which eventually were adopted as the new standard by the U.S. Department of Defense, leading all branches to convert from metal to plastic. These containers are still known as “Scepter cans” by armies around the world. The company also played a pivotal role in converting the marine industry to plastic outboard engine fuel tanks, earning numerous awards for innovation and a dominating share of the market.

“Scepter’s robust, family-oriented culture fosters mutual care and a resilient, can-do spirit,” continued Desai. “And our dedicated employees consistently go above and beyond for our customers.”

Today, Scepter is recognized as the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, durable fuel and water containers for the consumer, military, and marine markets. The company’s iconic red fuel container—renowned for its rugged, ergonomic, and easy-to-use design—is a household staple, and its five-gallon water container was named “best overall” in a May 2024 feature by Popular Mechanics magazine.

Scepter is also a leading manufacturer of large-caliber ammunition casings. Designed to exceed NATO requirements and manufactured using advanced, high-impact thermoplastics, the casings offer a better, lighter, and safer solution to metal and wood packaging.

To commemorate its 75th year, Scepter Canada hosted an on-site celebration for employees, retirees, and their families on August 11, 2024. The event included food, games, a slideshow highlighting the site’s rich history, product displays, plant tours—and expressions of congratulations and appreciation from company leaders, customers, and the community. Among the most notable was a printed proclamation from Jamaal Myers, Toronto Councillor for Scarborough North, formally recognizing the plant for its contributions to the local economy and thanking employees for their determination and hard work.

“This anniversary truly reflects Scepter Canada’s vital role—locally, within Myers Industries, and on the world stage,” added Desai. “And as we look to the future, we are pleased to affirm that Scepter Canada remains committed to the same values, innovation, and quality that have brought us to this significant milestone.”