OnionBusiness.com is thrilled to introduce an innovative endeavor – the “Onion Business of the Month” program. Kicking off this exciting venture in November 2023, we proudly shine a spotlight on Volm Companies, based in the vibrant town of Antigo, WI.
In the heart of Antigo, a remarkable success story has been unfolding for nearly seven decades. Volm Companies, which traces its roots back to 1954, has evolved from a small family-run operation in Bryant, Wisconsin, to a national industry leader in packaging and equipment solutions.
Founded by the Volm family, the company initially sold groceries and hardware supplies, catering to the needs of local dairy and potato farmers. As time passed, Gerald Volm, the visionary at the helm, recognized the local demand for reliable suppliers of burlap bags for transporting potatoes to market. This revelation marked the first step toward the company’s expansion.
Volm Companies cultivated distributor relationships with other bag manufacturers, leading to its eventual relocation to Antigo, Wisconsin, and the commencement of in-house manufacturing to meet the evolving needs of the market. The company’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable, encompassing multiple manufacturing and distribution locations across the nation.
Today, Volm Companies stands as a trusted partner for industry giants like Sunkist and Green Giant, producing packaging tailored to their exacting specifications. They also serve national and regional retailers such as Menards and Fleet Farm, distributing consumer items, including snow and garden fences, shade cloth, and privacy fabric.
But what sets Volm apart is their commitment to delivering personalized customer service and high-value solutions, inspired by the legacy of Gerald Volm. In an industry where some providers offer only stock items and others focus exclusively on custom solutions, Volm offers the best of both worlds.
The company maintains a comprehensive catalog of standard bags and packaging, mesh fabric products, and more. However, their true strength lies in their ability to customize offerings to meet the unique specifications demanded by their clients. Whether it’s creating custom color combinations for brand-compliant mesh bags or tailoring solutions for renowned consumer brands, Volm rises to the challenge.
What began as a single production house in 1988, primarily providing mesh bags for the fresh produce industry, has since expanded into multiple manufacturing facilities offering a wide array of product solutions. Their capabilities encompass manufacturing Half-N-Half® produce bags, all mesh L-sewn, wicketed mesh, and tube-style bags, Leno woven bags, and baler bags. Volm also provides Raschel rollstock and 3, 4, and 5-panel roll stock for Vertical Form, Fill, and Seal machines.
In 2009, Volm Companies introduced Ultratech® mesh, their proprietary mesh, as a sustainable alternative for produce packaging. This innovation not only provides strength and stability but also reduces the volume of material used, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, Volm manufactures knitted mesh fabric used for shade, wind, and privacy screens, fencing, construction fabrics, and silt fences. Their products are UV stable and available in multiple colors, widths, and constructions, making them versatile and in demand.
Volm’s reach extends beyond their home base. Yellowstone Plastics, an affiliated company founded in 1998 in Idaho Falls, was established to meet the flexible packaging needs of the produce industry. They offer a wide range of printing and converting services, including water-based and solvent inks, various substrates, and converting processes, catering to the unique requirements of the industry.
The Volm and Yellowstone teams take pride in their ability to recognize the ever-changing needs of their customers, offering industry knowledge and expertise. In cases where even their in-house experts face questions about evolving industry regulations, they turn to their industry affiliations for assistance.
Volm Companies is an active member of various industry-related associations, including the International Fresh Produce Association, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. These affiliations reflect Volm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments.
Volm Companies has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and their unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has made them a trailblazer in the packaging and equipment solutions industry. Their journey from a small family-run store to a national leader is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence and continuous growth.
Look for more details about Volm during the month of November and read more about this great company at Packaging Solutions | Machines for Packaging | Volm Companies
