International Paper Company was formed in 1898 when 18 pulp and paper mills in the Northeastern United States merged. This newly formed company supplied 60% of the newsprint in the United States by 1900.
In the early years power interests played a dominant role in the company; International Paper established hydroelectric plants and power companies in the 1920’s. At one time, International Paper supplied enough electricity for all of New England, Quebec, and Ontario. This interest was so dominant that International Paper & Power Company was organized to acquire International Paper Company in 1928.
In 1935 a law was passed making it illegal for an organization to run both a power company and an industrial firm. The company therefore began to focus on paper and packaging.
During World War II International Paper developed Victory Board, which was used to make boxes to send supplies to troops in combat. Because of the increased competition after the war, the company began to invest more heavily in research and development.
During the 1960’s and 1970’s International Paper began to diversify and take risks. Some of them were successful and others were not. This led to the company having $564 million in debt in 1971, and a streamlining and reorganization throughout the 1970’s as a result.
In the 1990’s International Paper expanded to Mexico, Brazil, China, and Eastern Europe.
Today International Paper is the largest producer of plastic lids and cups, serving corporate clients such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway, and Starbucks. The company produces printer paper, envelopes, copier paper, corrugated packaging, shipping containers, and consumer packaging. It also owns xpedx, a distribution and logistics company.
International Paper is part of the S&P 500 and the Fortune 500, has over 60,000 employees worldwide, and had $26.034 billion in revenue in 2011.
International Paper CompanyInternational Paper Company was formed in 1898 when 18 pulp and paper mills in the Northeastern United States merged. This newly formed company supplied 60% of the newsprint in the United States by 1900.
In the early years power interests played a dominant role in the company; International Paper established hydroelectric plants and power companies in the 1920’s. At one time, International Paper supplied enough electricity for all of New England, Quebec, and Ontario. This interest was so dominant that International Paper & Power Company was organized to acquire International Paper Company in 1928.
In 1935 a law was passed making it illegal for an organization to run both a power company and an industrial firm. The company therefore began to focus on paper and packaging.
History
During World War II International Paper developed Victory Board, which was used to make boxes to send supplies to troops in combat. Because of the increased competition after the war, the company began to invest more heavily in research and development.
During the 1960’s and 1970’s International Paper began to diversify and take risks. Some of them were successful and others were not. This led to the company having $564 million in debt in 1971, and a streamlining and reorganization throughout the 1970’s as a result.
In the 1990’s International Paper expanded to Mexico, Brazil, China, and Eastern Europe.
Today International Paper is the largest producer of plastic lids and cups, serving corporate clients such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway, and Starbucks. The company produces printer paper, envelopes, copier paper, corrugated packaging, shipping containers, and consumer packaging. It also owns xpedx, a distribution and logistics company.
International Paper is part of the S&P 500 and the Fortune 500, has over 60,000 employees worldwide, and had $26.034 billion in revenue in 2011.