Yazoo Mills, a large family-owned and operated manufacturer of paper tubes and cores, has prioritized tailored service solutions for label converters. To learn how it meets the high standards required for tape and label applications, L&NW sat down with Chris Evans, North American sales director.

L&NW: What can customers expect when working with Yazoo Mills?

CE: We take the time to understand our customers’ challenges and provide custom solutions tailored to their needs. As the third largest paper tube and core manufacturer in North America, we operate the world’s most automated core-cutting department and manufacture our cores using 100% recycled paperboard from three top US source providers to ensure consistent quality and reliability. We offer unmatched flexibility with no minimum order requirements, same-day shipping on the industry’s largest stock inventory, and a 48-hour turnaround on custom orders. Through continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and operational advancements, we ensure precision, efficiency, and reliability – keeping your business ahead of the competition.

L&NW: How do you ensure that customers receive customized solutions?

CE: Trust Yazoo Mills for rapid and tailored paper tube and core solutions. We cater to each customer’s specific needs without minimum order requirements, working closely with businesses of all sizes to deliver products with precise dimensions and features. Our expansive 300,000 square-foot facilities boast advanced technology that can produce tubes and cores up to 20″ in diameter, 0.660″ in wall thickness, 53 feet in length, and up to 10″ diameter for precut cores. We offer a variety of customizable options, including printed liners, logos, covers, and double-sided tape application at a nominal fee. Each order is subject to rigorous quality checks and is guaranteed timely delivery, with acknowledgments provided for customer review to ensure every detail is flawless. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each product not only meets but exceeds your expectations, providing customized solutions for every project.

L&NW: What quality control measures have you implemented?

CE: Quality control is a cornerstone at Yazoo Mills. We partner with three major source providers, holding them to stringent tolerances to ensure consistent, high-quality paperboard. Our production stages include rigorous testing and inspections, using advanced equipment and comprehensive measures like material inspections, dimensional checks, and performance testing. This ensures each tube and core is crafted to be exceptionally durable and reliable.

Furthermore, all our measuring devices are regularly verified and calibrated by certified service providers to meet industry standards. This thorough approach to quality control not only meets but exceeds client expectations, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.

L&NW: How has your emphasis on logistics led to decreased lead times?

CE: Our emphasis on unmatched speed-to-market, fueled by continuous investments in new technology and operations, has enabled us to maintain our lead times despite increasing product demand. By integrating next-generation high-speed converting lines and proprietary production scheduling software, we’ve bolstered our operational efficiency and kept pace with market needs. Since 2022, Yazoo Mills has upgraded our infrastructure, ensuring that we can handle increased demands without delays. We continue to offer LTL shipments within 48 hours and full truckloads within 72 hours. Our optimized internal processes, including instant order entry, support rapid production cycles. These strategic enhancements allow us to deliver consistently fast and reliable service.

L&NW: What overall trends are you seeing in the industry?

CE: The packaging and manufacturing industries are steadily shifting toward sustainability and efficiency, and Yazoo Mills remains a leader in this movement. Our tubes and cores are crafted from premium-quality, 100% recycled paperboard made from post-consumer waste. We continually reinvest in refining our processes, including the installation of the latest technology for trim-free production. With no minimum order requirements, we provide unparalleled flexibility, accommodating orders of any size – from a single box to a full truckload. This commitment enables us to meet the diverse needs of our customers while upholding our dedication to environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

L&NW: What can we expect from Yazoo Mills in the future?

CE: As we enter 2025, Yazoo Mills is investing $13 million in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hanover, PA, designed to meet the growing demands of the label industry. This facility will feature multiple high-speed production lines, expanded stock core storage, and ample space for future growth. With the launch of our third facility in 2026, we will increase our overall operational capacity to over 400,000 square feet and enhance our production capabilities with more than 40 production lines and 80 loading docks. This strategic expansion is set to significantly enhance our capacity to support the label industry’s need for fast, reliable, and high-quality solutions. Our continued focus on solution-based investments and cutting-edge technology highlights our strong commitment to the label industry. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months as we enhance our capacity to deliver unmatched turnaround times and top-quality products.