Larson Packaging Co

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗧𝗔 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲? In this podcast episode, Mark Hoffman (MBA ’91), owner of Larson Packaging, shares how he went from consulting to bootstrapping a packaging company—and what 24 years of building a “boring” business taught him about leadership, wealth, and legacy. “If you think you want to do it… go do it. You’ll figure it out. There’s so much support now.” Listen here: Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/etainsiderpod/… Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ent… Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2FJXqCmBD… Polsky: polsky.uchicago.edu/podcasts/eta-i… #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #SmallBusiness #Leadership #ETA #Entrepreneurship

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗮𝗺 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸? 📦 Traditional polyethylene has been the industry standard for decades, but it's time to talk about the "far superior" alternative: Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) from ARPLANK. In our latest video, Larson Packaging Company's Todd Teach and Terry Craig from ARPLANK break down why LPC is shifting more customers toward EPE. The benefits are clear: ✔️ Massive Weight Savings: We recently shaved 16 lbs off a single case unit by switching to EPE. ✔️ Superior Performance: Isotropic properties mean predictable protection from every angle. ✔️ Cleaner Tech: Blown with CO2, eliminating the off-gassing and "fogging" issues found in chemically blown foams. We aren't just making boxes; we’re engineering protection. Watch the full discussion to see how we’re reducing fuel costs and environmental footprints without sacrificing a shred of durability. #PackagingEngineering #MilitarySpec #Sustainability #Innovation #LarsonPackaging #ARPLANK

💡 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆: 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 A military customer faced repeated equipment damage in transit and a slow packaging process, impacting costs and efficiency. Our team delivered a custom, toolless rack-style crate designed for protection, durability, and easy handling. 📦 Impact: • Eliminated transit damage, saving repair and replacement costs • Streamlined packaging workflow, reducing handling time • Created a reusable logistics asset that supports long-term operations Smart design doesn’t just protect equipment — it drives measurable operational and financial benefits. Read the full case study → larsonpkg.com/case-studies/n… #PackagingSolutions #SupplyChainEfficiency #OperationalExcellence #LogisticsInnovation #CustomCrating #CaseStudy

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 By exploring the potential of AI in pricing, scheduling, and design, Larson Packaging pre-engineers "best-in-class" solutions for the most demanding applications before the customer even asks. The result? A massive head start for our customers, saving them significant time and money in the design process. Watch the video to see how Larson Packaging is adopting AI-assisted tools for the Industrial Packaging Industry. #Innovation #PackagingDesign #AI #SupplyChain #LarsonPackaging

🚚 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 In a recent project, a telecommunications customer faced a recurring problem: shipping an extremely delicate optical clock that was prone to damage when packed in standard hard-plastic cases with “pick‑and‑pluck” foam. They needed: ✅ Repeatable, engineered shock protection ✅ A single packing solution for two product configurations ✅ A system that could withstand real‑world freight conditions That’s where Larson Packaging stepped in. We designed a custom corrugated shipping system with a precision‑cut antistatic PE foam insert that securely houses both configurations — eliminating multiple SKUs and the risk that comes with manual foam swapping. To prove performance, we put the packaging to the ultimate test: 📦 Three units were shipped with 15 g shock indicators on all axes. ⚠️ One box showed evidence of significant handling mishaps. ✔️ Yet none of the shock indicators triggered, and all three optical clocks arrived in perfect working order. This case highlights not just protection — but engineered resilience customers can trust in commercial freight. 🔗 Read the full case study here: bit.ly/4sssdAt #PackagingEngineering #CustomSolutions #PrecisionTransport #LarsonPackaging

𝗖𝗠𝗠𝗖 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗜 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 Larson Packaging is progressing toward CMMC Level 2 compliance by Q2 2026, strengthening how we protect sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the supply chain. This advancement reflects our commitment to rigorous cybersecurity standards, third-party validation, and helping our customers remain secure, compliant, and audit-ready. Security isn’t an add-on—it’s built into everything we do. Read the full flyer here: info.larsonpkg.com/asset/55: #CMMC #SupplyChainSecurity #Cybersecurity #Compliance

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? Larson Packaging partnered with a medical device manufacturer to replace single-use packaging with a reusable system—delivering measurable results: ✅ 75% reduction in per-unit packaging costs ✅ 29% lighter shipments ✅ Less handling time and warehouse waste ✅ Improved shipping density and workflow efficiency A smart packaging redesign can drive long-term savings while supporting sustainability goals. Read the full case study: larsonpkg.com/case-studies/r… #ReusablePackaging #MedicalDevices #SupplyChain #Sustainability

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman and Operations Manager Hector Monrroy discuss how synchronizing processes — especially foam production — is key to fast turnarounds because it means every department gets the material they need at precisely the right time for maximum speed. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Klimps (the metal wires on the box edges) are an alternative to using nails or wood staples. The advantage is they can be quickly removed and reused. Read this Hector How To if you want to learn how to remove one! larsonpkg.com/how-to/hectors… #PackagingInnovation #ShippingSolutions #CustomCrateDesign #SupplyChainOptimization

Mark Hoffman explains how Larson Packaging Company is using insourcing of many production elements to improve custom manufacture of ATA cases, as well as SKB and Pelican cases. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman says that the business’s success is more than good strategic decisions focusing on server and AI racks, robotics, drones and (medical) electronics; it’s the relentless drive to improve on time performance, quality and lead times. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

What's the key difference between corrugated and plastic corrugated shown in this example? Plastic corrugated is better suited to areas exposed to water, such as clean rooms, and for products needing medium-term storage. Learn more about our On-Demand Box & Foam products here: larsonpkg.com/product/custom… #CustomPackaging #PackagingDesign #ESD #FoamPackaging #CustomFoam

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman explains how having machinery that lets them change dies and tooling quickly helps drive rapid production and higher throughput. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman explains how customers ought to be considering value in their packaging, rather than just price. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Stackable crates allow for more crates to be stored in the same amount of space. By stacking them on top of each other, you can utilize your warehouse's vertical space, saving you money on storage costs. Learn more about Crates here: bit.ly/4cBwGcf #PackagingInnovation #ShippingSolutions #CustomCrateDesign

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman outlines the false economy of prioritizing foam yield in production. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Larson Packaging Company CEO Mark Hoffman explains how the first and most-important step in the design process is really what the customer truly needs — because that’s how the greatest savings are found. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

A custom foam insert with a corrugated outer box offers great protection at any affordable price. This is why it's the most common packaging type used by manufacturers and product shippers. Learn more about our On-Demand Box & Foam products here: larsonpkg.com/product/custom… #CustomPackaging #PackagingDesign #FoamPackaging #CustomFoam

Mark Hoffman explains how lately operations have stepped up an order of magnitude with management adding machinery and capacity to meet new orders. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany

Packaging designer Oscar Hernandez explains how Larson Packaging Company has evolved in size and sophistication of projects it's able to tackle in the 19 years he’s been here. #CustomPackaging #PackagingSolutions #LarsonPackagingCompany