Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of The West Company, Incorporated on Form S-8, (Registration Nos. 2-95618, 2-45534, 33-29506, 33-32580, 33-37825, 33-61074, 33-61076, 33-12287 and 33-12289) of our report dated February 18, 1998 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements The West Company, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. COOPERS & LYBRAND 2400 Eleven Penn Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania March 31, 1998 144