How to Choose the Right Co-Packer for Your Food Brand

Econo-Pak’s story spans more than a century, starting with inventive packaging ideas and growing into one of the leading high-volume contract food packaging companies in the United States. This journey has been shaped by entrepreneurial vision, family leadership, and a dedication to innovation in food packaging.

Early beginnings: Innovation in packaging (1902–1930s)

In 1902, Charles Cook—uncle of future Econo-Pak leader Paul Wiebel—became President of Tiffany’s. He later helped fund Paul’s creation of Econo-Pak. Another uncle, Peter Randolph, entered the packaging business between 1905 and 1920, selling wooden butter packages and folding cartons around the time of World War I.

The 1920s brought a pivotal meeting between Peter Randolph and Clarence Birdseye, the inventor of frozen food. During a lunch at Luchow’s in Manhattan, a spilled candle led Peter to experiment with wax-coated surfaces. That simple moment inspired the wax-coated box, the first frozen food package for Birdseye—an innovation that changed how frozen goods were shipped.

By 1934, Peter had brought Paul’s grandfather into the business, forging relationships with international brands that continue today.

Growth through the decades (1940s–1960s)

After serving as a Navy captain during WWII, Paul’s grandfather returned to expand into folding cartons and the newly developed corrugated boxes. In the late 1950s, Paul’s father, Jules Wiebel, launched Wiebel Associates with his wife, Dorothy. From their home and later an office in White Plains, NY, they sold packaging to major food producers.

The 1960s saw another advancement: Jules developed point-of-purchase (POP) corrugated displays, helping food brands stand out in stores.

From family basement to packaging plant (1968–1979)

Paul Wiebel joined the family business in 1968, working alongside his parents in their Parsippany, NJ home—Paul and his father in the basement and garage, his mother handling calls from the kitchen. In 1977, Wiebel Associates acquired Conocraft, a display manufacturer, and opened a 4,000 sq. ft. plant in East Hanover, NJ.

By 1979, Conocraft expanded into a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Pine Brook, NJ, pioneering club store packs—bulk packaging for warehouse retailers.

Entering food packaging at scale (1980s–1990s)

In the early 1980s, Conocraft invested in a Doboy Flow Wrapper, making it possible to package single-serving products for major cookie brands. In 1981, the company rebranded as Econo-Pak and became FDA-approved by 1983.

The late ’80s and ’90s marked steady growth:

• 1986 – Moved into a 44,000 sq. ft. facility at 1 Wiebel Plaza.

• 1987 – Entered the flow wrapping business.

• 1990 – Added bundle wrapping and shrink wrapping capabilities.

• 1995 – Began producing pillow pouches with vertical form fill seal machinery.

Expanding capabilities and focus (2000–2014)

In 2000, Econo-Pak began producing variety packs with large flow wrappers and tray makers. Leadership transitioned in 2007 when PJ Wiebel became CEO. By 2009, the company had shifted its focus exclusively to food product packaging.

A major milestone came in 2014 with the move to a custom-designed Milford, PA facility created by architect Myron Goldfinger. That same year, Econo-Pak earned the SQF Level 3 certification, the highest standard in food safety.

Modernizing operations (2015–2024)

From 2015 onward, Econo-Pak embraced technology to improve efficiency and product quality:

• 2015 – Transitioned to servo equipment.

• 2016 – Purchased the Milford facility and added energy-efficient, temperature-controlled ductwork.

• 2022 – Updated the company logo to reflect a modern brand identity.

• 2024 – Invested in the first robotic production line, automating physically demanding tasks.

Looking ahead

From a spilled candle in a New York restaurant to a fully automated, high-volume production floor, Econo-Pak’s history reflects a deep commitment to packaging innovation. With over a century of expertise, the company continues to evolve, embracing technology and sustainable practices to meet the future of food packaging.