History

The continuing growth and recognition of Acme Corrugated Box Co., Inc. is a classic story of family, hard work, and the American dream.

Edward J. Cohen founded Acme in 1918, selling scrap paper from a horse-drawn wagon throughout Philadelphia. Eventually, he realized there was business to be had by selling reclaimed corrugated boxes and factory rejects to a wide variety of customers.

In 1938, Ed incorporated his burgeoning company and moved to its new location at 3rd and Race Streets in center-city Philadelphia. The company prospered after World War II, and into the 1950s and 1960s, now assisted by Ed’s sons, Arnold and Bob, who juggled their work duties with school.

In 1963, due to illness, Ed relinquished his role in the business as the responsibility of leadership moved to his oldest son, Arnold. Ed passed away three years later, but would have been pleased to know that in 1969 his youngest son, Bob, also joined the company on a full-time basis.

Acme took a major step one year later, moving from their Race Street location to a 25,000 square foot building in the American Street business corridor in North Philadelphia. In 1973, Arnold and Bob purchased their first manufacturing equipment and began producing corrugated boxes. New products were introduced, employees were hired, and sales increased.

By 1980, Acme had outgrown its American Street facility and moved from the city to a 59,000 sq. ft. facility in Bensalem, Bucks County. Arnold left the business in 1981 and Bob assumed the role of President, presiding over two more decades of continued growth, during which the firm stayed on the cutting edge of technology to remain ahead of its competition.

In August 2001, Acme moved to its present 234,000 sq. ft. facility in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, adjacent to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, giving the company easy access to its regional markets that include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland.

Acme further integrated and expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the addition of two corrugators, which help keep its
200-person, three-shift, five days-a-week operation busy. John Kochie, General Manager, Ken Henry, Vice President of Sales, and David Platt, Chief Financial Officer, combine to add 85 years of converting experience to Acme’s staff.  

And the family tradition continues: Bob’s sons have joined the firm—Erik in sales and Jeremy in operations—establishing a third generation of family involvement and continuity.