Premier Protective Packaging was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in October 2000 with a simple commitment: provide exceptional service, flexibility, and custom protective packaging solutions to packaging distributors throughout North America.
Beginning as a privately held startup in a 12,000-square-foot facility with a single-shift operation, Premier Protective Packaging specialized in converting bubble, foam, and non-woven materials into custom bags and sheets. From small custom orders to full truckload quantities, our ability to respond to the unique needs of our customers has remained at the heart of our business from the very beginning.
As customer demand grew, so did Premier Protective Packaging. The original facility quickly expanded to 17,000 square feet before the company relocated to a larger 30,000-square-foot facility in 2005. Continued growth eventually expanded that operation to 56,000 square feet.
In 2008, Premier Protective Packaging took another significant step forward by expanding into the laminating of protective packaging materials. Investments in thermal laminating technology and modern computerized converting equipment increased our capabilities and allowed us to provide an even broader range of customized protective packaging solutions.
In 2021, continued growth led to another major milestone with the move to our current facility. Today, Premier Protective Packaging operates from a 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility running 24 hours a day, five days a week.
More than 25 years after our founding, we continue to invest in our people, equipment, capabilities, and operations. While much has changed since 2000, the principle on which Premier Protective Packaging was founded remains the same: deliver exceptional service, remain flexible to our customers’ needs, and provide quality protective packaging solutions they can depend on.
Meet Our Team
Doug Doelder
President
Doug Doelder is President and one of the original founders of Premier Protective Packaging. For more than 26 years, he has played an integral, hands-on role in growing the company and establishing its commitment to quality, service, and lasting customer relationships.
Prior to founding Premier Protective Packaging, Doug spent 10 years in the blown film packaging industry, gaining valuable experience in both sales and financial management. He is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business.
Originally from the Grand Rapids area, Doug returned to West Michigan after spending several years in Indiana and Mississippi. Outside of work, he enjoys boating and fishing on Lake Michigan with his wife, daughter, and their dog. Much of the summer is also spent traveling to watch his daughter play softball. During the winter months, Doug and his family enjoy spending time in Florida, where boating, fishing, and relaxing are usually on the agenda.
Lucas
Manufacturing Manager
Lucas serves as Manufacturing Manager at Premier Protective Packaging, bringing extensive manufacturing experience with a hands-on approach to leadership. His background includes several years in automotive injection molding for Tier 1 suppliers, where he developed a strong commitment to teamwork, operational excellence, and delivering quality results.
A Hudsonville, Michigan native, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and their two dogs. Whether boating, relaxing at the family cottage, golfing, traveling, or attending live concerts, he enjoys making the most of Michigan’s seasons. A devoted University of Michigan fan, you’ll often find him cheering on the Wolverines—Go Blue!
Joe
Sales & Marketing Manager
Joe brings more than 30 years of diverse sales, marketing, and customer relationship experience to Premier Protective Packaging. His career includes two decades in the office equipment and IT industry, preceded by 10 years in the concert and corporate event rental business. As Sales & Marketing Manager, he is passionate about building lasting partnerships and helping customers find the right packaging solutions for their unique needs.
Originally from the Greater Detroit area, Joe has called West Michigan home since 2020. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, hiking, exploring local farmers’ markets, and sampling fine bourbon and Scotch with his wife. He is also deeply involved in the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, where he previously served as President, has been the Master of Ceremonies for the Highland Games for the past decade, and has performed in more than 20 community theatre productions, winning multiple acting awards.
Jason
Senior Accountant
Jason is the Senior Accountant at Premier Protective Packaging and has spent more than 15 years building his career in accounting, primarily within the manufacturing industry. After relocating from Michigan’s east side to attend Davenport University, he made West Michigan his home and has remained dedicated to supporting businesses through sound financial management and strategic insight.
Outside the office, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife, their three children, and their dog. Summers are filled with boating and relaxing at the lake up north, while winters are often spent at the hockey rink cheering on his oldest son.
Chanda
HR Manager
Chanda brings more than 20 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with a passion for building strong workplace cultures, supporting employee growth, and helping organizations achieve long-term success. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leadership teams across a variety of business functions to develop and implement strategic Human Resources initiatives that align people, processes, and business objectives.
Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to fostering positive employee experiences, Chanda is dedicated to creating an environment where both individuals and organizations can thrive. She believes that investing in people is the foundation of a strong, successful business.
Let’s Talk About Your Packaging
Tell us what you need to protect and our team will help you find the right solution.