Ball Metalpack makes metal packaging products

Ball Metalpack, located on Hwy. 92 between Newport and Dandridge (Chestnut Hill), is one of the world’s leading suppliers of rigid metal packaging products and services for the food industry.

Ball Metalpack makes threepiece welded food cans for food processors in the Southeast and Midwest. They also make twopiece aerosol cans.

Ball Metalpack produces aerosol cans, metal paint cans, general line metal cans, oblong cans and decorative tins in a variety of shapes and sizes. Features include full printing and easy-pour solutions for your brand and product needs.

The Dandridge operation began under Heekin Can in 1947 with one soldered can line to supply cans for Bush Brothers and Company. The company has expanded over the years to eight soldered lines. The first Soudronic welder was installed in December 1980. By 1982, three welded lines were installed. A new 70,000-square-foot facility was constructed in 1989, and additional lines were added in 1989 and 1990. The Dandridge plant became part of Ball in 1993.

In 2014, they started production on the G3 line, which is the only one of its kind in North America, and produces a two piece can. In early 2019, the Dandridge plant became a part of Ball Metalpack, a joint venture between Ball and Platinum Equity.

For more information, visit www.ballmetalpack.com.

The original orchard and Carver-Campbell home were located in part of today’s GSMNP. When the Park was established, Danny Ray’s grandparents Elbert and Glennie Carver faced the dilemma of selling their family home and business and relocating elsewhere.

After Elbert’s untimely death, Glennie remained in the family home for several years and was one of the last citizens to leave the Park.

In 1940, she moved to the Liberty community.

Over the years, Carver’s Orchard has expanded its operation to include other fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fried pies, jugs of apple cider, and delicious homemade candies.

A few years ago, they opened Carver’s Restaurant, where guests enjoy dining in a spacious setting overlooking thousands of apple trees. The southern portion of the dining area features a window offering magnificent views of the nearby mountains.

Each guest receives succulent apple fritters, apple butter, and apple cider, all of which are made on-site. Food critics from as far away as Boston have found the restaurant and added their praises for its cuisine.

For two years, the Carver family hosted “Under the Apple Trees,” an original play telling the story of their family’s heritage. Hundreds of people from across the United States and Europe enjoyed the performances.

Expansion of the business is currently underway with a grand opening celebration planned in the near future.

Located at 3460 Cosby Hwy., a short distance south of Cosby High School, the orchard bursts into bloom each April. By June, fruit from the earliest bearing trees is ready for eager customers, and by October, thousands of loyal customers join new lovers of apples and other produce as they swarm the hillside in search of the perfect produce for their own consumption.