Rolf Nordmo: Story of the Norwegian American inventor of the modern aluminum can

Early life and education

Rolf Nordmo was born on November 12, 1899, in the village of Lier in Norway. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Nordmo attended the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Emigration to the United States

In 1923, Nordmo emigrated to the United States. He initially worked as a draftsman for the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, Indiana. In 1929, he moved to Chicago, where he worked for the Reynolds Metal Company.

Development of the modern aluminum can

In 1957, Reynolds Metal Company was approached by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company to develop a new container for beer. The existing steel cans were heavy and expensive, and they were not very good at preserving the flavor of the beer.

Nordmo led the team of engineers that developed the modern aluminum can. The aluminum can was lighter and less expensive than the steel can, and it was also better at preserving the flavor of the beer.

The aluminum can was a huge success, and it revolutionized the beer industry. It is now the standard container for beer and other beverages.

Later life and death

Nordmo continued to work for Reynolds Metal Company until his retirement in 1964. He died on October 10, 1977, at the age of 77.

Legacy

Rolf Nordmo is considered one of the most important inventors of the 20th century. His invention of the modern aluminum can revolutionized the beer industry and changed the way people drink beer.

Rolf Nordmo