Our History
In 1953, two Van Allen brothers, Marvin “Van” and William “Bud” joined their wives Betty and Elsie in launching Northwest Paper Box Mfrs., Inc. In a small shop in south east Portland, they built a thriving business catering to the growing Portland business community. After many years, Bud and Elsie retired, and Van and Betty continued to grow the business and expand the manufacturing plant to a new location.
In the 1980’s the business expanded to our third location – and the next generation of Van Allens started to take over the reins of the company.
In 1990, NWPB incorporated corrugated packaging into the business more fully. A few simple antique machines gave way to a new plant, direct printing, high-end litho laminating, die cutting, and high-speed gluing.
The turn of the century brought a new focus on environmental leadership. Through wastewater treatment, material and scrap recycling, and energy conservation, NWPB is always working toward optimal use of our resources. Our focus on our natural environment – and our family environment – has resulted in being recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to work for in 2015.
Today, over 70 years later, Northwest Paper Box (NWPB) boasts almost 200,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing, packaging, and fulfillment space at our new Camas facility. The company is managed and operated by the second generation – Brad, Rod and John– who run the business with the same values their parents stood by, along with a team of first, second and third generation box makers. Since 1953, our ongoing mission is to produce “Better Built Boxes – by Northwest Paper Box”.