Since the beginning of the year, orders for CCL Container's cans have "taken off," said controller Jill Mettille.

The company, North America's largest producer of aluminum aerosol cans, has moved into the beverage can business. Two of the company's lines have expanded production and employees are working significant overtime.

The extra orders have taxed the warehouse space for the Hermitage company. It uses local shared warehouse space, but needs more.

"I wouldn't call it a problem," Ms. Mettille said. "It's a good challenge."

To meet that challenge, Leali Brothers Excavating Inc. has proposed building a 50,000-square-foot warehouse on land it owns on the south side of Broadway Avenue, across the street from the city's wastewater treatment plant and about a quarter-mile from CCL's plant at 1 Llodio Drive.

CCL would lease space at the warehouse from Leali. The companies are talking about a three- to five-year lease, said Gary M. Gulla, assistant city manager.

Ms. Mettille said CCL would not necessarily be the only tenant.

Hermitage officials said they would look favorably on an application for a city loan for the project that they hope will help keep CCL in town.