Clark County at Work: Portco Packaging
Vancouver-based Portco Packaging has seen its business grow over the past six years, its owner and managers say. The company has invested more than $5 million to expand its operations.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Business name: Portco Packaging.
Owner: Macy Wall.
Marketing manager: Kent Wall.
Sales manager: Linda Malmstadt.
Address: 3601 S.E. Columbia Way, No. 260. The company also owns a bag plant in Toppenish.
What the business does: Portco, a third-generation family business, provides high-end packaging solutions for the food, construction, agricultural and retail industries. The company's focus has broadened over the last decade to include printed, laminated films for both food and industrial packaging applications.
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Steps you are taking to build your business: The company has been fortunate to see business grow over the past six years, its owner and top managers say. Portco has recently invested more than $5 million in capital to expand printing and converting operations in order to promote growth, expand its capabilities and keep current with customer demands.
Greatest challenge: The company says its challenge is to continue to produce products that its customers need. This requires them to stay abreast of new technology and reinvest in equipment that keeps them at the cutting edge of the industry. Portco's owner and top managers believe their greatest challenge is to work on the next project without losing focus on what they are currently doing.
What is your favorite part of the job: Kent Wall says he feels fortunate to work in an environment that approaches the daily challenges of running a business with humor and hard work. When you are surrounded by intelligent, caring, free thinkers, he says, you are constantly challenged and motivated to work harder and make things better.
Year established in Clark County: Started the company in 1929 in Camas, moved to Vancouver in 1934.
Employees: About 45.
Telephone: 360-696-1641.
Fax: 360-695-4849.
Email: info@portco.com
Website: Portco Packaging
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
