A linear electromagnetic actuator has its core mounted to a can body forming apparatus and its coil attached to re-draw sleeve of such apparatus. The actuator provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve exerts the requisite force on the can material preform. The electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring mounted to the re-draw sleeve to hold the re-draw sleeve against the can material preform.