International PaperBox accelerates national expansion with Tim Schultz as Director of Growth

Strategic restructuring in the folding carton sector

The competitive landscape for mid-sized folding carton manufacturers in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026. As brands increasingly demand agile, consultative packaging partners rather than mere transactional suppliers, independent converters are restructuring their leadership to capture national market share. In this context, Salt Lake City-based International PaperBox has appointed Tim Schultz as its new Director of Growth and Partnerships.

This newly created leadership role, reporting directly to General Manager Jim Caro, signals a clear pivot from regional stability to aggressive national expansion. Schultz brings a robust background in sales, account management, and manufacturing, having recently served as an Account Executive at Peczuh Printing. His mandate at International PaperBox is not simply to drive volume, but to deepen client relationships and navigate complex packaging requirements from initial concept to final delivery.

Building on a foundation of recent investments

The appointment of Schultz is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the Utah-based converter. Earlier this year, in May 2026, the company brought on Jim Caro as General Manager to oversee daily operations and long-term strategic direction. Caro, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in folding carton production, has been instrumental in optimizing workflow and expanding production capabilities.

To support this commercial push, International PaperBox has been actively investing in its technological infrastructure. The company operates advanced equipment, including a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 7-color UV press, which provides the high-end finishing capabilities required by premium retail brands. Furthermore, the operational team under Caro is currently pursuing ISO and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. In the 2026 packaging market, these credentials are no longer optional extras but fundamental prerequisites for securing contracts with sustainability-focused consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

• Leadership alignment: Schultz's commercial strategy will directly interface with Caro's operational improvements.
• Technological backing: High-end printing capabilities like the K&B Rapida 106 support the push into premium markets.
• Sustainability compliance: Ongoing efforts to secure FSC certification align with the broader industry shift toward responsible sourcing.

The shift toward consultative packaging partnerships

The creation of a "Director of Growth and Partnerships" rather than a traditional "Sales Director" reflects a broader trend in the converting industry. Buyers in 2026 are navigating complex challenges, from lightweighting initiatives to the integration of alternative barrier coatings. They require manufacturing partners who can provide technical guidance early in the design phase.

"Tim brings the kind of initiative, market awareness, and relationship-building ability we need as International PaperBox enters its next phase of growth," noted Jim Caro regarding the appointment. Schultz himself emphasized that his goal is to understand each customer's specific needs and serve as a reliable partner throughout their entire packaging journey.

For independent converters like International PaperBox, competing against multinational packaging conglomerates requires leveraging their inherent agility while matching the quality and reliability of larger players. By aligning a seasoned operational leader with a dedicated growth director, the company is positioning itself to capture market share from brands seeking responsive, high-quality domestic manufacturing.

The strategic alignment at International PaperBox demonstrates how independent converters can successfully scale their operations by pairing targeted capital investments with specialized commercial leadership. Will the broader adoption of consultative partnership models by mid-sized converters force larger packaging corporations to rethink their often rigid customer service structures? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai