Taking Packaging to Heart

Picciolo says he'll outsource work if need be, but not unless it's absolutely necessary. "I'm very particular about my packaging," he asserts. "I look it over. That's why I'm here every morning at 6 o'clock. I take my packaging to heart."

Continual reinvestment

Residents of New Jersey and surrounding areas know that if you want to locate people, the best way to do it is ask what exit they are near on the New Jersey Turnpike. Picciolo owns a building located just about a mile from exit 9. "First U-turn and we're right there," he says. His customers are mainly within 200 miles and the location of his shop is convenient to both Philadelphia and New York City. Owning the building means his largest capital investments are in equipment, and Century Packaging is home to much more than the single press and two diecutters from 1986. Equipment here includes three printing presses, four diecutters, six folder/gluers, a window machine, paper joggers, aerators, and guillotine cutters.