Continental Design And Management Group history

Leo Witz becomes president in 1947.

In 1948, CECCo hits $1,000,000 annual sales mark.

In 1950 a Federal Court struck down this practice and also demanded that the two companies offer canmaking machinery for sale.

In 1956 the company made its first major ventures outside canmaking.

In 1963 a simple but ingenious feature was introduced to cans--the pop-top tab opener.

In 1969 it established the Europemballage container holding company which in a matter of years became the largest canmaker in Europe's Common Market.

To keep up with the shifting topography of the industry the old canmaking companies, American Can and Continental, were forced to make huge capital outlays for modernization programs in the early 1970's.

Continental finishes construction on the Sears Tower in 1972.

Gene Witz becomes president in 1973.

Continental continues to expand as William Witz becomes president in 1975.

In 1976 Continental Can, reflecting its more diverse corporate personality, changed its name to the Continental Group.

In 1981, Robert Hatfield retired and S. Bruce Smart took over as chairman.

However, the tranquil atmosphere at Continental was disrupted in 1984 when the company began accepting offers for a possible takeover.

In 1985, Continental surpasses 50 millions square feet of project space.

Telecom Division, now Continental Technologies, formed in 1988.

Continental joins Encompass in 1998.

David Witz becomes president in 2000, while his brother, Steven, serves as Vice President.