Upon one’s arrival at the brand-spanking new office of Landaal Packaging Systems in Flint’s Rowe Building on S. Saginaw Street, a glass table with a stand made of creatively cut corrugated material immediately presents itself for notice. This is just one example of the ingenuity that flows from this office, which is host to the design and marketing teams of the 54-year-old family-owned packaging manufacturer. Bob Landaal, Jr., Vice President of Sales and Marketing, says that his family made the decision to move to the Rowe building in January of this year because they wanted to take part in Downtown Flint’s revitalization.
The company also has locations in Burton and Bay City, but Bob says that “from a family standpoint, it was a great idea to take the creative side of our business and put it in a location of its own.” While the 11 employees in the Downtown office handle design, everything corrugated is manufactured at the Bay City plant, while packaging and fulfillment are prepared at the Burton facility. As a family-owned business with over 200 employees, Landaal Packaging Systems offers consistent and reliable service to its customers. “From design to delivery, we are a full-service company,” says Bob. “We create it, we manufacture and package it, and ship it to the user.”
Steve Landaal, Sr., of the family’s second generation of owners, is president of the company, and though he is involved in the day-to-day operations – Bob describes him as the “Conductor” – the company is in the process of passing the torch to the third generation of Landaals: Matt, Bob and Steve, Jr. “He’s taught us a lot through the years,” Bob said of his uncle. The young Landaals take great pride in their part of the family business, and they took some time from their busy day to sit down with My City Magazine to explain just what it means to them.
Before they could become involved in the business, the third generation of Landaals needed to meet a strict set of requirements, explained Steve, Jr. “We had to get a secondary degree, work at least five years outside the family business, and we had to apply and interview, just like everyone else,” he laughed. Each of them did just that, although they went about it in different ways. Steve, Jr. moved away for a time, and so did Bob, who had no desire to be in the family business when he was younger. Eventually, however, all three of them decided that they wanted to be part of Landaal Packaging Systems. “We wanted to do something with meaning,” Bob said. “We take a great deal of pride in being family owned and operated.”
Now, the three of them are looking ahead. “We’re not automotive-based as we were in the past,” explained Bob. “The three of us realize that for a bright future, we need diversification.” Landaal Packaging has expanded beyond mere boxes; instead they are focused on the creativity needed to advertise in the open market. “There is a huge emphasis on retail packaging right now,” added Steve, “including product packaging, temporary displays, and signage.” Landaal Packaging owns the rights to 11 different display patents: a competitive edge originating in ease of assembly. “Our average display set-up time is 22 seconds,” says Bob. “We make it as easy as possible for our customers.” Currently, Landaal’s biggest customer is Cabela’s, but other major clients include Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Napa Auto Parts, and OfficeMax. “We encourage our entire staff to think outside the box,” says Bob knowing that creativity is the key to continued growth.
Now, Bob’s three children love to come to the office, and they visit all the time. “It’s nice to get the next generation involved early!” he laughed.
PHOTOS BY AUTUMN D. RUMMEL
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