This philosophy plays a key role in the success of Pipeline Packaging and its parent company, Cleveland Steel Container. That’s why after 60 years of building a successful organization and growing into a leading packaging distributor, owner Chris Page decided to give up complete ownership to his employees. In 2014, Pipeline Packaging became part of the CSCC Employee Stock Ownership Plan. While some may consider an owner selling his company to be a major transition, the move was a natural evolution for the organization.

"The ESOP will allow the company to remain Cleveland Steel Container, keep the employees actively engaged, and support the customers with solid stable growth."
- Chris Page, Founder

Continuing an Employee-Driven Culture

Ever since Chris Page first started building pail lines back in 1963, his organization embraced an employee-driven culture. However, he had a serious decision to make after nearly 50 years of growing his business – who would succeed him as the owner of the company? After taking five years to consider what to do with the organization, it became clear that the Pipeline Packaging family was perfectly suited for an ESOP. He felt this was the best method to maintain the company's status as a leading packaging distributor.

For decades, the organization committed to hiring talented employees and treating them with the utmost respect. Every employee already participated in profitability with an annual bonus and felt encouraged to identify new efficiencies or opportunities to improve the business.

This culture of improvement and support allowed the Pipeline Packaging family to grow. As our reputation grew as a leading packaging distributor, our customers enjoyed the benefits of added growth and increased productivity. While research indicates that ESOPs have higher productivity rates and grow faster than privately held companies, those points were already true for Pipeline Packaging and Cleveland Steel Container before 2014.

Our employees were already emboldened to take ownership of their roles and be proud of our products and services and reputation as a leading packaging distributor. Simply put, the ESOP was the best succession plan for the company's future. As such, Chris Page decided to sell 100 percent of the company stock to the employees.

“When our founding shareholder Chris Page decided to sell the corporation to the employees and the ESOP, it was almost like the employees were buying their home with no money down,” says Cleveland Steel Container Executive Vice President Dennis Puening. “They were no longer renters of the company they helped build – they were now owners.”

An organization is only as successful as the people who drive it forward. At Pipeline Packaging, our ESOP is simply another step forward for a culture that empowers employees to be proud of their roles in the company and take ownership of the value they provide our customers.

Chris Page, Founder

People at the Core of Packaging

Pipeline Packaging: Your Trusted Partner in Nationwide Packaging Solutions. Our philosophy centers on people powering success in products, services, and brands. Experience our dedicated service, marked by proactive engagement and timely communication, integral to your company's winning strategy. Proudly ISO 9001:2015 certified, we are committed to excellence and continuous process improvement, ensuring top-tier service for every client.