Packaging Reseller Comparison David vs. Goliath—Crown Packaging vs PCA

Packaging Reseller Comparison David vs. Goliath—Crown Packaging vs PCA

Reviews/Versus
January 07, 2025•2 min read

Packaging Reseller Comparison David vs. Goliath—Crown Packaging vs PCA

Crown Packaging and Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) are prominent entities in the packaging industry, each with distinct operational scales and market focuses.

Company Overview

Crown Packaging

  • Employees: Approximately 400.

  • Annual Sales: Approximately $20.5 million.

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

  • Employees: Approximately 14,900 as of 2023.

  • Annual Sales: Reported net sales of $2.18 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

Strengths

Crown Packaging

  • Specialized Services: Offers contract packaging supported by skilled labor and automated equipment, catering to industries like automotive, food, industrial, and retail.

  • Strategic Locations: Operates multiple facilities across Ohio, Tennessee, and North Carolina, totaling around 1,000,000 square feet, enhancing regional service capabilities.

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

  • Market Position: As North America's third-largest producer of containerboard products, PCA has a significant market presence.

  • Financial Performance: Achieved a 13% revenue increase to $2.18 billion in Q3 2024, surpassing estimates, indicating strong demand and pricing strategies.

Weaknesses

Crown Packaging

  • Limited Scale: With a smaller workforce and revenue base, Crown may face challenges in competing with larger industry players.

  • Market Reach: Primarily operating in specific regions, which might limit its national or international market penetration.

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

  • Operational Challenges: Anticipated challenges in Q4 2024 due to fewer shipping days and external factors like hurricane damage affecting shipments.

  • Employee Decline: A slight decrease in employee count from 15,100 in 2022 to 14,900 in 2023, which could impact operational capacity.

Enhancing Specialized Packaging Departments

Both companies could benefit from strengthening or establishing specialized packaging departments:

Crown Packaging

  • Diversification: Expanding into specialized packaging can attract new clients seeking tailored solutions, boosting revenue.

  • Innovation: Investing in R&D to develop unique packaging solutions can differentiate Crown in a competitive market.

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)

  • Market Expansion: Developing specialized packaging can open new market segments, reducing reliance on traditional products.

  • Customer Retention: Offering customized solutions can enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.

By focusing on specialized packaging, Crown Packaging and PCA can address current challenges, capitalize on new opportunities, and strengthen their positions in the packaging industry.

David MarinacSpecialized PackagingABC PackagingPackaging
Over the last 35 years I’ve become the number one trusted liaison for resellers and major brands when it comes to speciality packaging. While I’ll be the first to tell you packaging isn’t “sexy”, it is critically important on every level from manufacturing, distribution, retail, and even the consumer. I’ve spent my career cultivating and personally staffing a global manufacturing network that allows the biggest brands in their respective industries and other resellers improve package quality, reduce lead times, become more efficient and sustainable, and most importantly… Dramatically increase profit margins. Our white glove “Factory to company” approach effectively optimizes your supply chain and delivers the packaging you need whenever and wherever you need it so you can concentrate on more important things that perpetuate your growth. Our fully integrated process has led to us becoming a trusted partner and ally for brands like McCormick, Mars, Kraft, Heinz, Quaker Oats, Roland Mills, Kinder Chocolate, GNC, Redmond Mineral, Old World Spices and Seasonings, and countless others.

David Marinac

Over the last 35 years I’ve become the number one trusted liaison for resellers and major brands when it comes to speciality packaging. While I’ll be the first to tell you packaging isn’t “sexy”, it is critically important on every level from manufacturing, distribution, retail, and even the consumer. I’ve spent my career cultivating and personally staffing a global manufacturing network that allows the biggest brands in their respective industries and other resellers improve package quality, reduce lead times, become more efficient and sustainable, and most importantly… Dramatically increase profit margins. Our white glove “Factory to company” approach effectively optimizes your supply chain and delivers the packaging you need whenever and wherever you need it so you can concentrate on more important things that perpetuate your growth. Our fully integrated process has led to us becoming a trusted partner and ally for brands like McCormick, Mars, Kraft, Heinz, Quaker Oats, Roland Mills, Kinder Chocolate, GNC, Redmond Mineral, Old World Spices and Seasonings, and countless others.

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HRH Princess Francisca Harakawa (Amasu Omawa III)

"In today’s society, there are few scholars whose wisdom transcends age, gender, ethnicity, occupation and status. Sir Jonathan is one such scholar. He has guided me through many challenges over the years and has done the same for many others around the world. He is one of only a handful of people whom I trust and can turn to for guidance, and I am truly grateful to know him as a friend and teacher."

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HIRH Prince Basilio Cali

"As Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, it has been my mission to uphold our knightly tradition of promoting excellence, decency and altruism throughout the world. Sir Jonathan Amaret is one such individual who exemplifies this tradition with his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others through the school of Thought Mechanics and we are pleased with his induction into our order."