Larry Lanham, owner of Polymer Packaging Inc., has his own version of the old adage, “People are an organization’s most valuable asset.” For Lanham, it’s “the right people are a company’s most valuable asset.”
Focusing on teh long-term, twice a month he provides employees with training sessions to ensure they are providing customers with the most up-to-date solutions available.
“We are constantly recruiting,” says Lanham, using rigorous screening methods and an involved interview process to find employees who are highly qualified, extrememly effective and productive, and are long-term team members with a common purpose, “to rise beyond the mediocitiy of good and become great.”
Lanham founded PPI in 1986 as a one-man operation and has grown it to 40 employees. PPI, which focuses on innovative packaging development and desgin, is the largest producer of nonabrasive laminated paper casket covers in the country.
Last year, its revenue grew by 31 percent, the continuation of a trend of more than 160 percent in revenue increases the past three years.
In 2002, PPI was awarded a patent for new packaging design of stand-up pouches. “Our focus on innovative packaging development and design actually has an opportunity to thrive during difficult economic times. Employing technologies that provide packaging solutions … are highly sought after, particularly when economic conditions are challenging,” says Lanham.
Perseverance and challenge are common themes at PPI. When one of its customers, Owens Corning, declared bankruptcy, PPI had receivables with it in the six figures. But PPI weathered the storm, and today, Owens remains one of its top customers.
Customer service on every level is a commitment Lanham stands by. He recently implemented a quality assurance program involving extensive customer feedback and face-to-face interviews with top customers.
“We literally view our job responsibility to be making our customers’ day,” says Lanham. How to reach: Polymer Packaging Inc., (330) 649-6000 or www.polymerpkg.com
