Investing in People, Facilities, and the Future of Packaging: My Visit to Southern Champion Tray
By Emily Leonczyk, Executive Director & Vice President, Paperboard Packaging Council
When you step inside Southern Champion Tray (SCT) in Chattanooga, TN, you immediately sense that this is more than a place where packaging gets made. It’s a place built on people, values, and a clear vision for the future.
On my recent visit, I had the privilege of touring two of their Chattanooga plants: the new Centre South facility and their long-standing operation at Compress Street. While one highlights SCT’s latest investment in space and technology, both are a testament to the Zeiser family legacy. For generations, the Zeiser’s have led with values that extend far beyond business, a deep commitment to people, service, community, and the future. Walking through each facility, it’s clear those values aren’t just words on paper but actions in motion, shaping a culture of care, excellence, and forward-looking stewardship that defines SCT today.
A Facility Designed for People
The $60 million expansion at Centre South adds more than 300,000 square feet of space. What struck me the most was not just the scale, but the attention to detail in its design. From the white-painted ceilings to brighten the atmosphere, to the large windows that let in natural light. Every choice was intentional, reflecting a belief that when people feel supported, they do their best work.
I was fortunate to be there on the day the team was firing up their brand-new Heidelberg press. The excitement was contagious. You could feel the pride in the air, the sense that this investment wasn’t just about equipment, it was about building momentum for the future.
Culture and Values in Action
What impressed me even more than the facilities and machinery was the culture. During my visit, I witnessed new teammates beginning their onboarding process. Training didn’t begin by jumping into machinery but started with learning SCT’s core values first. It spoke volumes to see that from the first day, employees are welcomed into a culture grounded in service, humility, and excellence.
I also happened to cross paths with Hayden Poirier, a recent PPC Woods Scholar Award recipient, who was hard at work configuring solutions on the floor. His hands-on, problem-solving spirit reminded me that this is the foundation that defines the SCT team. Across both facilities, the warmth, humility, and pride of the people stood out just as much as the equipment and production lines.
Serving Customers of Every Size
What makes SCT special is how they structured their business to serve customers of every size with flexibility and speed. Their Ready-to-Ship program offers a wide range of packaging options, from bakery boxes to foodservice designs, all available quickly and reliably, thanks to their own fleet of trucks. Even my local Uber driver commented, “Their trucks are everywhere”, a nod to SCT’s reputation as a brand that delivers.
At the same time, SCT is innovating with Printing on Stock, an approach that lets customers bring creative ideas to life using SCT’s stock catalog. This solution combines creativity with convenience, offering brands all the possibilities without the hassle. This ability to balance custom work with ready-to-ship solutions shows how SCT caters to meet the needs of both large and small businesses alike.
Honoring History While Building the Future
SCT’s legacy as a family-owned business runs deep. Over the years, the Zeiser family has welcomed multiple generations of families into the business, building not just a company but a true, thriving community. At their Compress facility, I was touched to see Brian Hunt, Past PPC Chair, honored on the wall for his role in shaping the facility as a distribution hub, a reminder that his vision continues to inspire and guide SCT today.
A Spirit of Service and Sustainability
Beyond technology and expansion, SCT continues to prioritize customer service and sustainability at the center of its work. From designing ready-to-ship products that reduce waste and speed delivery, to offering creative printing solutions that provide customers with more options and less hassle, the company is constantly finding new ways to serve. Sustainability is not just a tagline here; it’s woven into their operations and product design, ensuring that their growth benefits both customers and the environment.
The Spirit of SCT
After visiting both facilities, one thing is clear: SCT’s strength doesn’t come only from new equipment or larger buildings. It comes from its people, its culture, and the way it serves both customers and community. Regardless of the task, SCT maintains the same commitment to quality and care.
Southern Champion Tray is one of the largest family-owned manufacturers of paperboard packaging in the United States. But at its heart, it remains a people-first company deeply rooted in Chattanooga.
SCT is proof that investment and innovation matter most when they’re paired with values and community.