Every great company has a story built on grit, vision, and determination. As we celebrate 70 years of Emmerson Packaging, we want to share the remarkable journey that brought us to where we are today. This post marks the first chapter in a special anniversary series depicting our history, our people, and the milestones that defined our success.
For Emmerson Packaging, the story begins with a man shaped by the unique challenges of his time: Philip Emmerson. Born during the Great Depression, Philip spent his early years learning the value of frugality and ingenuity. These formative traits would later become the solid foundation of his entrepreneurial success and the core values of our company.
The Foundation of a Leader
After graduating from high school, Philip pursued a business course at Saint John Vocational. This practical decision set him on a direct path towards the industrial world. He secured his first job as an office clerk at Schofield Paper, which sparked a deep interest in the inner workings of business operations. It laid the vital groundwork for what would soon become a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
But life had other plans before his career could fully take off. When the Second World War broke out, Philip answered the call of duty and served in the Royal Canadian Navy. The military environment tested his limits and taught him profound lessons. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience he developed during the war would later prove invaluable in his business endeavours.
A Partnership Forged in Ambition
Upon returning from his naval service, Philip rejoined Schofield Paper as their New Brunswick salesman. He brought an innovative approach and a relentless work ethic to the role. These qualities quickly made him a standout employee, driving significant sales growth for the company.
During this productive period, he met Ernie Grandy, who worked as Schofield’s Nova Scotia salesman. The two colleagues bonded over their shared frustration with unfair wages and soon discovered a mutual entrepreneurial spirit. Together, they decided to take a bold leap of faith. They pooled their ambitions and founded Eastern Paper Products Limited in Nova Scotia in 1941.
Humble Beginnings and Early Challenges
The era brought booming demand, and Philip and Ernie eagerly seized the opportunity. With the support of key industry manufacturers and financial backing from a prominent external investor, they officially launched their business in Saint John. The initial setup was incredibly humble. They operated out of a single-room office warmed by a potbelly stove, with a small warehouse located just across the driveway. Though their physical footprint was small, their ambitions were massive.
Tragedy suddenly struck in the company’s very first year when Ernie suffered a fatal heart attack. Despite the devastating loss of his partner and friend, Philip pressed on. He remained fiercely determined to honour their shared vision.
Harold Robertson, who had been managing the Saint John warehouse, stepped up to take on the Nova Scotia customer base. Armed with nothing but a price book and a customer list, Harold hit the road. His dedication helped stabilise operations and kept the fragile young business growing during a critical time.
Looking Ahead with a Trusted Team
By 1952, Philip had successfully secured the funds to buy out the shares held by his late partner's representative and the external investor. This crucial move gave him full control of the company. With the business now firmly in his hands, Philip began assembling a trusted leadership team that would help him realise his ultimate dream.
He reached out to Bucky Killam, a trusted friend from his Navy days. Bucky joined as the first Nova Scotia Regional Manager, setting up the province’s first official office and warehouse. The following year, Philip’s brother Charles came on board, fresh from his own Navy service.
Together, these three sailors brought their rigorous naval training directly into the corporate culture. They instilled a culture of teamwork, clear communication, tight organisation, and self-discipline. This unified approach expertly steered the business towards a bright and profitable future.
The Journey Continues
What began as a scrappy start-up called Eastern Paper Products Limited would later evolve into Poly Cello, and eventually become the Emmerson Packaging you know today.
But this is just the beginning of our story. As we commemorate our 70th anniversary, we invite you to follow along with this ongoing series. Stay tuned for our next instalment, where we will delve deeper into the journey of how a small local business expanded its footprint and grew into an innovative leader in the packaging industry. The best is truly yet to come!
