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Our Story

Built with Heart
Since 1953

From a modest Portland paper box shop to a 190,000 sq ft Pacific Northwest institution, seven decades of family, craft, and community.

Integrity · Service · Quality · Sustainability
1953  ·  A Portland Beginning

Two Families, One Dream

In 1953, Marvin "Van" and William "Bud" Van Allen, along with their wives Betty and Elsie, opened a modest paper box shop in Portland. Built on trust, hard work, and the belief that packaging could be crafted with care and integrity.

1953
Historic NWPB delivery wagon 1953
Royal Rosarians Portland 1960s
1960s
1960s  ·  Growing with the Community

Portland's Fabric

As Portland's businesses flourished in the 1960s, Northwest Paper Box grew right alongside them. The company became part of the city's fabric, supporting local makers and earning a reputation as a dependable partner.

1970s–80s  ·  Passing the Torch

A Legacy Carried Forward

During the 1970s and 1980s, the next generation stepped in to carry forward the values instilled by their parents. Craftsmanship, honesty, and neighborly service remained at the heart of the business, ensuring every box told a story of continuity and care.

1970s–80s
The Van Allen brothers 1970s
Corrugated manufacturing innovation 1990
1990
1990  ·  Corrugated Innovation

Expanding Possibilities

By 1990, innovation was reshaping the industry. Northwest Paper Box expanded into corrugated packaging, investing in new machines. Direct printing, laminating, die cutting, and gluing became part of the lineup.

2000s  ·  Rooted in Sustainability

Respecting the Region

The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest inspired a new chapter in the 2000s. The company embraced sustainability, shifting toward recycled paper, reducing waste, and investing in cleaner processes reflecting a deep respect for the forests and rivers that had always been part of its identity.

2000s
Sustainable packaging 2000s
Northwest Paper Box Camas WA 2022
2022
2022  ·  Crossing the River to Camas

A New Home

With growth and vision guiding the way, Northwest Paper Box crossed the Columbia River in 2022 to establish a new home in Camas, Washington. The 190,000 square foot facility provided room to expand while keeping the company close to the community that had supported it for decades.

Today  ·  Homegrown in the Pacific Northwest

Still Family. Still Here.

Today, Northwest Paper Box remains family-led and proudly rooted in the Pacific Northwest. From small local makers to national brands, the company continues to craft packaging with care, integrity, and pride. Each box carries forward a legacy of connection, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of the region.

Today
The Van Allen brothers today
Northwest Paper Box rose logo
Did You Know?

The Rose in Our Logo

The rose in our logo is a tribute to Portland, The City of Roses. It was Betty Van Allen's idea, and it has been blooming in our brand ever since. A small detail with a big story, just like every box we have ever made.

Thanks for Being Part of Our Story

We are proud to keep building it, one box at a time.

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