S. Walter Packaging group is committed to strategic growth through innovation, efficiency and acquisitions.
We are proud to be North America’s premier custom packaging solutions company specializing in the design, manufacturing and delivery of products and services that are purpose-built to enhance the brand image of its more than 40,000 customers. With nearly 120 years of experience and expertise, S. Walter Packaging Group continues to provide innovative custom packaging and logistics solutions to the retail industry combined with the best-in-class, value-added services.
Team SWPG
Leadership
Kurt Koloseike
President and CEO
Kurt is a proven and respected leader, managing Private Equity backed growth companies with revenues in excess of $100 million. He is responsible for overseeing all key corporate operations and functional areas. Kurt has led these companies through start-up, early-stage development, growth stages, and transaction stages with specific emphasis on capital formation, allocation, and return of capital. Kurt has spent 25+ years as an entrepreneur, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare technology and services, consumer products, and textile products.
Kurt’s breadth of experience and understanding encompasses several categories of operations including, strategic business development, finance, technology development, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, both domestic and international sourcing channels to name a few.
Kurt earned his MBA from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Marketing from West Chester University.
Steve Kochanski
Senior Vice President and CFO
Steve Kochanski is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the S. Walter Packaging Group.
Steve is a highly accomplished, financial executive with a track record of delivering results in complex and challenging environments. He is responsible for the finance, human resources, and technology and equipment functional areas of S. Walter. Steve has lead midmarket companies within the industrial manufacturing and distribution industries. He is a trusted, strategic partner with a lean management background that emphasizes the establishment of key performance indicators to maximize capital position and drive operational and financial efficiencies. Steve is experienced in financial analysis, working capital management, strategic planning and business development, acquisitions and divestitures, technology development, and team building and performance.
Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Rider University and is a CPA in the State of New York.
Robert Cunningham
Senior Vice President and COO
Robert Cunningham currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the S.Walter Packaging Group (SWPG), as well as the President of the Uniflex division of the company.
During his 28-year career with S. Walter, Robert has received many awards and is a recognized leader in the sales and operations of the packaging industry. He is currently responsible for all operational functions and oversees sales for the Uniflex division. Robert began his career as a graphic artist and has held multiple leadership roles including: Art director, Production Manager, Plant Manager, and Vice President of Operations. Robert has managed multiple major IT projects and ERP implementations, plant closures, warehouse builds and moves, in addition to process improvements, and strategic buying. He has worked on MMA deals as a seller and a buyer and has experience with three current equity partnerships during his tenure at SWPG. Robert has steadily increased sales and developed key strategic relationships with large distribution customers. He has served on multiple industry committees and understands the importance of being a mentor to other suppliers in the industry.
Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from SVA in Advertising and Graphic Arts in New York City.
Mike Draver
Senior Vice President and General Manager
Mike Draver is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the LPI operations within the S. Walter Packaging Group.
With 25-plus years of demonstrated performance in the print, in-store display and specialty packaging industries, Mike is a results-driven leader who is always striving to position LPI, S. Walter’s packaging and finishing division, at the forefront of growth and innovation. Mike has led various companies through transformative growth cycles by identifying new market opportunities, developing talented teams and driving operational excellence. An authentic leader known for providing front-line leadership, Mike excels at setting a clear vision and goals, attracting and growing talent and providing overall leadership and direction for strategy, operational performance and business development to deliver consistent, sustainable business results.
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, Graphic Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Gordon Summerfield
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Gordon Summerfield currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the S. Walter Packaging Group (SWPG).
With over 38 years of experience, Gordon has seen the development of various products and markets giving him a keen sense of market shifts, technological innovation and product enhancements. Notable events have been the shift from traditional brick and mortar retail to online ecommerce and a greater focus on sustainable packaging products.
As owner and President of Summerfield Packaging, Gordon was responsible for all facets of the company, including sales, finance and operations. During his tenure, revenues tripled through organic growth and three acquisitions.
At. S.W Packaging (SWP), Gordon supervises more than 50 sales representatives, has transitioned four SWP acquisitions and oversees all marketing activities, including digital, for the company.
Gordon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has been an active member of the packaging industry trade associations, including being a founding board member and past president of the Retail Packaging Association.
Raising the Bar
SUSTAINABILITY
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
Sustainability is a principal part of our purpose and promise.
At S. Walter Packaging Group (SWPG), we are committed to ensuring an environmentally sustainable future for our clients, employees, and communities. Our efforts include usage of responsibly sourced materials in our production process, recycling in all our locations, including our production facilities and corporate offices and using environmentally friendly inks and coatings. In addition, a significant portion of our consumable energy is generated through our solar panel power field.
We are a “brand” focused company that recognizes the importance of providing
environmentally sustainable solutions to our customers who can then demonstrate to their own clients their awareness and commitment to the environment through the packaging solutions used in their businesses.
Our five largest resource projects since 2009 have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 metric tons, annually. This represents the equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions from 212 passenger vehicles. And while these gains are important for the planet, they have also helped us reduce our energy costs by 1,400,000 kw /h, annually.
Our continuing energy audits have led to repeated investments in reducing our carbon footprint, through both energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. But the savings are not just for our planet: by controlling our energy consumption, these five projects have reduced our energy costs by 1,400,000 kw /h, annually.
We recognize our responsibility to help protect the planet. Everyone at S.Walter Packaging Group is committed to constantly exploring ways to minimize the impact we have on the environment.
