News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cumberland Container celebrated its 50th anniversary at its headquarters in Monterey Friday.
Michael D’Angelo serves as the president of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC). He said companies like Cumberland Container are a critical asset in the corrugated industry.
“Independents are a small but powerful part of the corrugated market. Independent box makers represent about 18 percent of that market,” D’Angelo said. “That 18 percent is powerful because they are the ones that are customer-oriented. They are the ones that don’t say no. They are the ones that interrupt the job on a press like this one in order to put your job on a press.”
Plant Director Mark Jared said Cumberland Container’s road to its 50th anniversary wasn’t always pleasant.
“The first year, we did $32, 625. It was so bad that the six investors decided that they would put in $100 a month in order to keep the company afloat,” Jared said. “They had to do that for the next three to four years until finally the company could stand on its own.”
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter (right) presents Cumberland Container Director Mark Jared (left) with a photo of the company’s original building (Photo: Logan Weaver)
Jared’s father founded Cumberland Container in October 1968 before it officially opened in July 1969. The company was created after a feasibility study conducted by Tennessee Tech University determined a corrugated box manufacturing plant would be beneficial to Monterey and the region.
Jared said the company tries to find ways it can give back to the community and support local businesses.
“We have four new Fitzgerald trucks out in the parking lot that we bought from Byrdstown. So in everyway possible, we try to support the local community,” Jared said. “Another core value is sustainability. We believe in recycling, taking care of our environment, taking care of our ink product, and being a good corporate citizen for our community.”
The company currently supports over 80 employess with over $1.3 million in salaries, bonus, and raises being given in the last year. Jared reported during Friday’s ceremony that the company generates approximately $10 million in revenue for the community.
Local elected officials and U.S. Congressman John Rose honored Cumberland Container with various proclamations, including recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives.
