History of Shorr Packaging
For over 90 years, Shorr Packaging Corp. has been providing its customers with products and services designed to deliver the best packaging solutions to our customers. Steeped in the tradition of a family business and coupled with an ongoing focus on innovation and progress, Shorr proudly offers its customers a unique combination of in-depth business knowledge and personal service.
Our roots began humbly in the 1920s with a small sales company—whose primary lines included paper bags, janitorial supplies, candy, chewing gum and notions.
The 1950s and 1960s were a time of accelerated growth and change for the company.
The company further diversified the business by opening an office furniture division and acquiring the Odman Corporation, a Chicago-based manufacturer and distributor of corrugated cartons.
The Odman Corporation was incorporated into Shorr Paper Products.
During the next two decades, the company experienced explosive growth through geographic expansion, sales in ground-breaking automatic box sealing equipment, new telemarketing efforts, plus the highly-successful paper converting operation. Senior sales representative, Al Richmond, retired during this period—after 65 years of dedicated company service.
A branch warehouse with leased space was opened in Brownsville, Texas.
The company began stocking and selling 3M-Matic case sealers.
A 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse branch was opened at 208 Leo Street, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Opened a new branch in 7,200 sq. ft. of leased space at 9715 Kincaid, Street, Suite 140C, Fishers, Indiana.
The Packaging Automation Group—focusing on the sale and support of packaging equipment, parts and service—was formed.
Brad and David Shorr, Ken’s sons, were named vice presidents.
Shorr Paper Products continued to expand by incorporating flexible packaging products into its business model. Darrel Hutton was instrumental in pioneering this innovative “Product Mix” endeavor.
Shorr Paper Products began doing business under the newly established trade name of Shorr Packaging Corp. to more accurately reflect the nature of the business.
The company website (www.shorr.com) was launched.
David Shorr was named President of Shorr Packaging Corp. on July 1, 2001.
The former Odman Corporation building on Frontenac Street in Aurora was sold.
The Hutton Eagle Award was established in honor of Darrel Hutton for his diligence and success in training new sales representatives.
Launched the new Shorr eCommerce website: www.ShorrOrders.com.
Ken Shorr passed away on December 12, 2010.
Shorr Packaging Corp maintains its philosophy of “listening to the customer” and continues to grow to better serve each of our customers on a national level.
Shorr opens a sales office at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia.
Consolidated multiple Los Angeles 3PL operations into a warehouse and offices at 13112 Santa Anna Avenue in Fontana, California.
An updated website (www.shorr.com) was launched.
Shorr Packaging selects and celebrates the new corporate headquarters location with a groundbreaking ceremony.
The Company acquires The Mack Paper Company in Rockford, Illinois.
The Corporate headquarters and warehouse at 800 N. Commerce St. in Aurora, Illinois are sold and the company consolidates five locations in Northern Illinois into a newly constructed facility at 4000 Ferry Road, Aurora.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony is commemorated with Bob Shorr (Retired President), David Shorr (CEO), Craig Funkhouser (President and COO) and a number of local dignitaries and officials.
Shorr opens regional headquarters in Dallas, Texas with a new distribution and warehouse facility.
The company expands its footprint in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Des Moines.
While our company has flourished through several different eras of industry changes, we continue to work diligently towards further growth and prosperity.
Our long history is quite an achievement and one that couldn't have happened without the trust and support of our customers. We truly appreciate your business and look forward to serving you for many years to come.