Member Spotlight Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company
Salinas Business Journal - October 1994
by Salinas Business Journal
Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company was originally begun as a paper bread wrapper enterprise in Benson, Arizona in 1926. Charles E. Goetz and T. G. Emmons found that their biggest customer turned out to be a local powder manufacturer in Benson, the Apache Powder Company, which used the paper to line its powder cases.
The bread wrap idea had failed because of production and marketing problems. If the firm was going to survive, it was going to need more customers. So, Goetz traveled to Yuma, Arizona to sell waxed crate liners to the lettuce shippers there.
In Yuma, Goetz met Bruce Church, an important lettuce shipper from Salinas, California. The two talked about the lettuce business in the Salinas Valley. When Church complained that he was paying too much for crate liners and suggested that the area could use a manufacturer, Goetz sent a telegram to his partner in Benson, and caught the next train to California. The enterprise's first Salinas operation opened in 1928 in a portion of a Spreckels Sugar Company warehouse. Emmons moved to Salinas at that time to run the new operation, while Goetz returned to Benson.
After considerable searching for a plant location within a 25-mile radius, an effort assisted by the Salinas Chamber's Secretary/Manager Fred McCargar; Charles Pioda, Manager of Spreckels Sugar Co., leased the major portion of a warehouse to the partners.
Emmons operated the plant in Spreckels for nine years and despite the onset of the Great Depression, the Company grew so much that in 1937, the operation was moved to a new 13,000 square foot facility on Highway 101, now Abbott Street, just outside Salinas.
Today, the Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company's diverse range of products includes building papers, crate liners, car liners, wax floral tissue, printed wine bottle wraps, general industrial wrapping, and RATAN red rosin paper—the brand name found in local home building stores.
Family-owned and operated by G. H. and son, Charles E. Nelson, the owners have family ties to the founders. The Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company has been a Chamber member since 1928.
More News
-
Valley Wax Paper has carved out its niche.
Gaylord Nelson displays an asphalt laminating machine used at the Salinas Valley Wax Paper Co. The company began in a rented warehouse in Spreckels.
Alexandra Lohr - The Californian -
Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company
After 9 years in a warehouse rented from· Spreckels Sugar, a 13,000 s/f plant was built on S. Abbott St. in 1937 to serve the packaging needs of the rapidly growing fresh produce shippers. During WW II 1/2 of the plant's production went to the U.S Navy to package materials for overseas shipment. With the ability to print, wax & laminate a wide range of papers & convert into rolls or sheets, the company has diversified into products for construction, retail, industry, and horticulture. The founders, Chas. E. Goetz & T.G. Emmons, set the tone for this 3rd generation family business. G.H. Nelson & Chas. E. Nelson are continuing to offer that same service & quality products.
Unknown Writer - Who's Who -
Member Spotlight Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company
Salinas Valley Wax Paper Company was originally begun as a paper bread wrapper enterprise in Benson, Arizona in 1926. Charles E. Goetz and T. G. Emmons found that their biggest customer turned out to be a local powder manufacturer in Benson, the Apache Powder Company, which used the paper to line its powder cases.
Unknown Writer - Salinas Business
