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February 17, 2025
LA CROSSE – Over the past 80-plus years, Lilly Blum – marketing and CRM manager with Inland Packaging – said the company has strived to carve out its spot in the industry as one of the go-to providers of labels and flexible packaging for beverages, food, consumer products, pet, health and beauty, wine and spirits and other markets.
“By combining expertise, customization, and a continuous improvement approach, Inland is able to partner with customers to create exceptional labels and packaging,” she said.
Strong foundation
That focus on continuous improvement, Blum said, started in 1944 with John Glendenning.
“Glendenning moved his family to La Crosse in 1944 to purchase what was then the Inland Group,” Blum said. “Under his ownership, Inland expanded beyond printing garage forms to become a full-service print shop, producing posters, forms and more using offset presses.”
As the company grew, Blum said Glendenning relocated the business to its current headquarters on West Avenue.
“Shortly after, Inland partnered with a local brewery, G. Heileman, marking the beginning of its journey into label printing,” she said.
Blum said Glendenning’s son, Jack, became CEO in 1973 and established Inland’s vision statement – “Growth – for our customers, team members and communities.”
“After securing its first label customer, Inland quickly grew into a premier label supplier for major beer brands,” Blum said.
To support demand, Blum said Inland opened its Airport Road facility in 1992 – later expanding it twice, reaching 90,000 square feet.
Blum said Jack’s son, Mark, joined the company as a sales representative in 1988, before quickly moving to vice president of process improvement, COO and, in 1999, president.
“Throughout the 2000s, Inland expanded both its headquarters and Airport Road facility again to keep up with a growing customer base,” Blum said.
In 2015, she said the company experienced a milestone year with two acquisitions and a rebrand.
“Since then, Inland has continued to grow, adding another La Crosse facility, and today, both of Mark’s sons are involved in the business,” she said. “Fast forward to 2025, Inland is proudly celebrating more than 80 years powered by family, partnership and community.”
Offerings, sustainability
Printing pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, cut and stack labels, in-mold labels and flexible packaging, Blum said Inland helps brands create high-quality, innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
She said the company also strives to be a resource for industry partners – as it’s committed to staying ahead of industry trends, regulations and advancements.
“Inland continuously invests in cutting-edge printing technologies, people and innovation,” she said. “By combining expertise, customization and a continuous improvement approach, Inland is able to partner with customers to create exceptional labels and packaging.”
Inland’s journey of steady growth, Blum said, has been continuously accompanied by its focus on sustainability.
“We recognize that being a sustainable company is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to becoming an industry leader through our continuous pursuit of improvement,” she said. “We aim to empower educated choices and innovate toward a brighter more sustainable future.”
Blum said Inland’s vision is to reduce negative impacts on the environment, help its communities and improve its products and services.
“We are continuously looking for ways to improve,” she said. “In 2024, we expanded our Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program to involve a broader range of team members.”
This, Blum said, helps ensure that sustainability isn’t just about meeting requirements – “it’s deeply embedded in our work and decision-making every day.”
Transparency, she said, is also a core value at Inland – which Blum said is why the company reports its sustainability data to multiple organizations and allows customers to request access as needed.
“As regulations and compliance standards continue to evolve for labels and packaging, we are committed to expanding and refining our product offerings,” she said. “We work closely with our customers to educate them and ensure they have the best options to meet their sustainability goals.”
Further details on Inland’s sustainability efforts, including specific metrics, Blum said are available on the company’s website (inlandpackaging.com).
Growth, evolution
Over the years, Blum said Inland’s growth – from a small commercial print shop to “a leading provider of labels and flexible packaging” – evolved through innovation, strategic investments and a “commitment to excellence.”
“As a third-generation, family owned business, we’ve expanded our capabilities, added new locations and continuously invested in cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives,” she said.
The packaging industry, Blum said, has changed significantly throughout the years and Inland has adapted as needed, while remaining focused on quality and growth.
“We stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory shifts and customer needs by prioritizing continuous improvement and forward-thinking solutions,” she said. “As we grow, our focus remains the same – delivering high-quality labels and packaging, driving innovation and supporting our customers’ success in evolving markets and industries.”
One such success, Blum said, was Inland’s successful integration of acquired facilities in 2015 – which required “strategic alignment while maintaining our high standards of quality and service.”
“With those new facilities, we expanded into industries like health and beauty, household products and more,” she said. “We invested in research and technology to understand and meet unique market needs.”
Keeping pace with evolving sustainability and compliance changes over the years, Blum said, has been an ongoing and complex challenge for Inland.
“However, strengthening our partnerships and industry connections has allowed us to grow stronger and remain a trusted packaging partner,” she said.
Standing out
Blum said Inland – which employs more than 400 team members – stands out through its “family ownership, commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to customer service.”
“We take pride in delivering high-quality packaging solutions that exceed expectations,” she said.
Continuous improvement, Blum said, is at the core of everything Inland does.
“What truly sets us apart is our hands-on, customer-first approach,” she said. “We go beyond simply supplying labels and packaging – we act as a partner, offering expert guidance and tailored solutions.”
Pride, Blum said, drives Inland Packaging – ensuring that every product it creates reflects the high standards its customers expect.
“This commitment, combined with our collaborative service and family-driven values, is what makes Inland unique,” she said.
MOTY Recognition
Blum said the entire Inland Packaging team is “honored” to be a finalist for the 36th Annual Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards.
Inland joins three other Wisconsin-based companies in the MOTY’s Large Category (250-499 employees) – Custom Fabricating & Repair Inc., Gamber-Johnson and Weinbrenner Shoe Company.
A winner in the category will be selected at a black tie awards program Feb. 20.
This isn’t the first time Inland has received recognition from the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce – being selected as a Wisconsin’s Manufacturer of the Year finalist in 2023 as well.
“These recognitions highlight Inland’s dedication to quality, innovation and community engagement within the manufacturing sector,” she said. “These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Inland’s teams, who strive to uphold the highest standards in the industry.”
The future
Just as in the past 80-plus years, Blum said the future of Inland is “centered on growth, innovation and sustainability.”
“As the packaging industry evolves, we are committed to staying ahead by investing in cutting-edge technologies, expanding our sustainable product offerings and continuously improving our processes to meet the ever-changing needs of our industries.”
Blum said Inland will also continue to explore new markets and strengthen its capabilities.
“As a family owned company, our long-term vision is built on customer partnerships, employee development and industry leadership, ensuring that Inland remains a trusted and innovative packaging partner,” she said.
