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A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH

Sensing an opportunity to serve the growing business community of Providence, Rhode Island, Moses Frank founded Union Paper Company in 1898 as a supplier of paper and stationery products. Union Paper grew steadily through the early 1900’s, maintaining a commitment to customer service that lives on today. In 1954, under the leadership of Bud Frank, the company entered into the converting marketplace. Through the investment in the most advanced equipment available at the time, Union quickly became one of the largest converters in the Eastern United States. Printing capabilities were soon added and in 1962, the company moved to its present location in Providence.

Harley Frank, the fourth generation of the Frank family, has continued to guide and grow the company though the turn of the century. In 2005, the company changed its name from Union Industries to Admiral Packaging, Inc. to more accurately reflect its commitment to flexible packaging and in 2010 the company’s retail division Union Paper Co. changed its name to Admiral Packaging. 

Today Admiral Packaging continues to grow and invest heavily in the business, with continual investments in technology and people.

TIMELINE

Admiral Packaging through the Years

 

1898

Moses Frank establishes Union Paper & Stationery Co., in Providence, R.I.

1905

2nd generation, Casper & Haskell Frank, join Union Paper to lead the company into the 20th century.

1954

H Alan “Bud” Frank, 3rd generation of family management, invests in converting equipment—a bag machine. Union Industries is formed as a division of Union Paper & Stationery Co. Union Industries eventually succeeds Union Paper as the corporate identity.

1956

Melvin Frank, Bud’s brother, joins the company.

1960

The company adds printing capabilities with the purchase and installation of its first printing press.

1962

Union Industries acquires the historic Oriental Mills Complex that was previously used as a textile factory to spin cotton fabrics. In 2006, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to serve as the company’s corporate headquarters.

1982

The company expands and builds two new pressrooms, adds its first laminator and purchases three flexographic printing presses.

1997

Bud Frank steps into the chairman’s role. The presidency is turned over to his son, Harley Frank.

2004

Union Industries, Inc. purchases and installs of a new solventless laminator to offer the latest technology to customers..

2005

Union Industries, Inc. changes its name to Admiral Packaging. The name change reflects its commitment to the flexible packaging market. Union Paper Co. remains a retail division.

2007

Admiral Packaging purchases and installs a 10-color flexographic press.

2008

LEAN Manufacturing is adopted as a management strategy to maximize efficiency while eliminating waste.

Upgrades to the plate-making process were complete with the purchase and installation of digital plate-making equipment.

2009

Continuing to invest in the business, Admiral completes the purchase and installation of eight-color flexographic press.

2010

The company’s retail division, Union Paper Co., changes its name to Admiral Packaging Inc., Packaging Supplies.

Admiral completes the purchase and installation of two state-of-the-art slitters.

2012 - 2016

Diversifying the business, the company purchases and installs four new wicket and bag machines.

2013

To be able to offer an alternative packaging format to customers, Admiral purchases and installs a new pouch machine.

2016

Admiral continues to invest in the business by purchasing and installing a new turret slitter and a new 10-color flexographic printing press.  Expanding the production footprint, a building addition was added to the press room for the new flexographic printing press.  A new 20,000scfm Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer System was also purchased and installed.

2017

The company’s retail division, Admiral Packaging Inc., Packaging Supplies, was sold to support the growth of the flexographic division.

2018

With sustainability in mind, the company replaced propane-powered forklifts with high-performance electric forklifts.

2019

Continuing to keep on the forefront of  technology, the company purchases and installs a new solventless laminator, two new wicket bag machines and state of the art duplex slitter.

2020

Not letting a pandemic hinder progress, the company purchases and installs a new 24” pouch machine and ESKO CDI and Digital plate-making equipment.

2021

The company purchases and installs a new 10-color flexographic printing press and two pacer pouch machines.

2022

Reaffirming their commitment to sustainability, Admiral converted certain parts of the complex to sustainable energy with the installation of rooftop solar panels.

Coming Soon

Admiral continues to invest in the business by adding new equipment and technology. In 2022 and 2023, we will be adding new plate wash-out technology, a new bag-making machine, a new coater laminator, a new 10-color flexographic press, and a new pouch machine.

©Admiral Packaging, Inc.