Universal Packaging

In 1975 John Houser and Charlie Muse left successful corrugated sales careers with Owens Illinois (now known as PCA) to open a corrugated sheet plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Friends since the age of 12, John and Charlie started Piedmont Packaging with a small warehouse, a slitter to produce corrugated pads, a used delivery truck, a fiercely competitive spirit, and a passion for selling! In the beginning, they ran the slitter, drove the truck, and delivered the pads. Their gift and talent for selling and building relationships, their commitment to relentless service, and the culture of caring for their people led the company to consistent growth over the next 20 years, at which time the company was sold. In 1996, John and Charlie started Universal Packaging with the intention of operating a small packaging distribution business out of a 21,000 square foot warehouse in Duncan, SC. The name, “Universal” because they would now offer and sell more than corrugated packaging, with a heavy focus on warehousing and same-day/next-day service. Today, 25+ years later and still privately owned, Universal Packaging operates two locations in Spartanburg County, with 170,000 square feet, serving a diverse customer base across the Carolina’s. Corrugated packaging continues to be our fundamental business, but our product offerings and expertise now also include poly film & bags, a broad mix of industrial foam, custom wood crates & pallets, protective non-woven material & bags, and assembly & kitting. Our Sales & Design team collaborate to provide packaging solutions for your product, no matter how elaborate or complex. We then develop a plan or service model that ensures you get the packaging you need, when you need it. With a deeply experienced Customer Service and Warehouse team, we are dedicated to making your packaging life easy. In 1975, the foundation of our company culture and core values was established; it was based on a “Spirit of Cooperation” that included caring for our people, and in turn caring for our customers with a commitment of “Relentless Service.” This legacy and approach to serving our customers continues to define who we are today!