There are many great organizations in the United States that began operations in the garage of the company’s founder. Hewlett-Packard, Apple and Ford are three that immediately come to mind. A vision, a dream and a little elbow grease got these companies off to a great start. You can add Stafford Corrugated Products to that list of companies. Founded in 1987 by Tony D’Aprile in his garage in Mint Hill, NC, Stafford has since gone on to become the leading supplier of replacement and consumable parts and service to the Corrugated Box Industry.
The name Stafford Corrugated Products might be a little confusing at first. They do not manufacture Corrugated Boxes or other miscellaneous Corrugated items. Instead, they supply all the companies that do make boxes with the parts they need to keep their machinery running efficiently. Box making machines are large, complicated and costly pieces of equipment. These box makers count on Stafford to provide them with the parts, service and industry expertise they need to keep their business going and maintain maximum up time.
It did not take long for Stafford to outgrow Mr. D’Aprile’s garage. Soon, a small warehouse in Mint Hill became the operation’s headquarters. This was followed by a move into Union County where several different locations over time served as the operations center in Indian Trail. In 2023, Stafford held the Grand Opening of our current headquarters, manufacturing and warehouse building on Indian Trail Fairview Road in Indian Trail. This 50,000 square foot facility, built from the ground up to Stafford’s specifications, represents the true growth of the company. The ability to offer customers a wider range of products along with the ability to maintain ample inventory is what propelled Stafford into the leadership position they now enjoy.
The Corrugated Box is something that has been around for over 130 years. It’s a commodity that most people take for granted. That all changed dramatically when we were unexpectedly launched into a pandemic in early 2020. Suddenly, almost overnight, the Corrugated Box became the most sought-after item as e-commerce became the norm. The US Government declared manufacturers of Corrugated Boxes to be an Essential Industry, making sure these facilities would remain open and productive. As a critical supplier to the Corrugated Box Industry, Stafford was also declared an Essential Industry. Stafford’s ability to keep box makers supplied with necessary parts and service assured that the boxes would keep flowing to the consumers. This helped hold our society together as we worked our way through the pandemic. If there is one thing that the pandemic taught us, it’s that the Corrugated Box is here to stay!
Stafford has a network of 7 outside Technical Sales and Service Representatives which covers the United States. When combined, their sales team has over 260 years of experience and dedication to the Corrugated Box Industry. This expertise has propelled Stafford to the leadership position they currently enjoy today. Stafford Corrugated Products is proud of their humble beginnings, which have brought them to the position they are now in. And to think, it all started in Tony D’Aprile’s garage!
Fun Fact, Tony is a lover of pinball, and there are dozens of machines at their location in Indian Trail.
Last modified: August 12, 2025
