Solutions

We’re constantly receiving phone calls and emails from customers and potential customers who need a solution to that out-of-the-box problem.

Even though we make paper tubes, paper cores, and edge protectors in an array of sizes, sometimes it’s just not quite right. Our creative engineers have built a reputation for providing solutions to unique problems.

Sometimes a paper tube is the best “sleeve” to fit over a part or tool…but it needs a small notch. Or sometimes a slot or slit will be needed.

If you have a unique problem, contact us and let us create a solution that is just as unique.

Made in America. Made in Los Angeles.

Over the past 10 years, California manufacturing has become nearly nonexistent.

Many businesses that were started by the Greatest Generation have gone out of business, moved out of California, or moved their operations off shore. And for good reason.

California businesses pay some of the highest taxes in the country. California businesses also have to endure crippling regulations. Most recently, we had to sell a few of our 26 foot bobtail delivery trucks, though they worked just fine, because California outlawed them.

Even though Los Angeles is a tough place to run a business, we continue to endure. We adapt, and move forward. We’re proud of our history, and proud that our products are still manufactured here in the Los Angeles area.

Over the past seventy years, we’ve expanded our product line, and value the relationship we have with each and every one of our vendors and customers.

In 2022, we’re looking forward to solving more packaging and shipping problems, one paper tube at a time. Happy New Year!

When choosing a paper tube, be sure to consider the End Closure

Getting a product to market, or planning how best to ship it, is quite a feat. There’s a million details that need to be considered.

A brown cardboard box is simple and economical. Think about all of your amazon.com orders. How do they arrive? In a brown cardboard box with an Amazon logo. It gets the job done. But does it leave a lasting impression? No.

When you order a rare print or poster, and it arrives in a poster tube (not a box), but default, it’s exciting. But why?

It’s different. It’s not a box. It’s round.

Round packaging is less common, so it feels exciting.

A “paper tube” becomes a “poster tube” when two things happen: first, when you insert a poster. And second, when you insert end closures.

Friction-fit plastic end plugs are used with poster tubes for a variety of reasons. Plastic end plugs are light and help keep shipping costs low.

The ribbed, friction fit helps the packer and end user easily remove and replace them. And lastly, they’re available in different colors.

For more information on our end closures, visit our product page.

Serving Los Angeles since 1949

Spiral Paper Tube & Core was founded by George Hibard Sr., a US Marine and World War II veteran, nearly seventy years ago.

A machinist by trade, he designed and fabricated most of our first machines. From 1949 to 2004, we were located south of downtown Los Angeles at 8802 S. Graham, Los Angeles, CA 90002.

Bursting at the seams, we needed a bigger building, more more efficient transportation, and additional office space.

Originally, we manufactured spiral paper tubes such as garment tubes, tape cores, and mailing tubes. All were, and still are,  relatively simple to manufacture and serve a wide audience.

Over the years, we’ve explored more industries, discovering even more spiral paper tube needs. This has resulted is us making smaller diameters, larger diameters, shorter tubes, longer tubes, thinner tubes, thicker tubes, as well as adding custom paper, plastic and metal end closures.

In 2002, George Hibard Jr., like his father, designed and fabricated a machine that manufactured a paper product with a few different names: edge protectors, corner protectors, or simply “v-board.”

Invisible to most retail consumers, this v-shaped corner protector can always be seen at big box retailers such as Costco and Sam’s club on pallets of merchandise still shrink wrapped on the shelving.

 

With nearly seventy years of business under our belts, we’ve learned, grown, adapted, and have enjoyed serving Los Angeles with our paper packaging and shipping products. We’re looking forward to another seventy!

The 5 Most Common Paper Tubes

They say the average American uses 8 paper tubes a day…all without knowing it. Are you average? Above average? Below average?

If the “average” American uses 8 paper tubes, where are they?

How are they being used? Are they subconsciously using them? Do they realize it? Do you realize it?

Here are the 5 most common paper tubes:

  1. Toilet paper tube
  2. Paper towel tube
  3. Produce section plastic bags (wrapped around a tube)
  4. Tape (wrapped around a tube)
  5. Retail receipts (printed on paper wrapped around a paper tube)

Tomorrow, as you’re going about your daily routine, be on the lookout for paper tubes and discover how many spiral paper tubes you’re using.

See our Edge Protectors in action!

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We toured a major retailer on a recent visit to Washington state. We spotted our Edge Protectors in action and wanted to show you a few different ways they’re used.

The Edge Protectors in these photos have white paper on the outside (top) and kraft paper on the inside (less visible side).

If you look closely, you can see that some pieces seem to have multiple layers – this is an indication of a thicker piece.

In some photos, the Edge Protectors are being used to protect the product and primary packaging. In others, they’re being used to increase column strength.

Can you tell the difference?

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Have a question about Edge Protectors? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us anytime.