In this week's newsletter, I wrote about the effort to tear down the former Gunite/EMI factory at West 12th and Cherry streets.

The demolition is symbolic on several levels -- most notably because it represents yet another West 12th Street manufacturing operation that has met its demise.

But -- as it is with most situations -- the demolition of the Gunite building does not tell the entire story of West 12th Street.

One need only look across the street from the old Gunite plant to American Tinning and Galvanizing Co. -- a manufacturing company that is quietly celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Like most manufacturers, American Tinning has dealt with its share of ups and downs over the years, but the company has rebounded strongly from the early 2000s recession. The company has seen double-digit sales growth during each of the past three years and has added more than 30 jobs, reports its owner, Robin Scheppner.

"More important than the dollars invested or things purchased was the heart and loyalty of the employees who stood by the business and continued to invest their talents and energies in its revitalization," Scheppner wrote in a recen te-mail. "Without their caring and involvement, we would have never succeeded."

American Tinning, by the way, plans to celebrate its diamond anniversary during an event Sept. 8.