Graham Packaging FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Custom Packaging, Shipping Supplies, and More

Graham Packaging: What You Need to Know

I'm Leslie, office administrator for a 50-person design studio. I handle all our packaging and shipping supplies—about $45,000 a year across 4-5 vendors. When I first started managing this role in 2020, I assumed the lowest quote was always the best choice. Three budget overruns and one very awkward conversation with finance later, I learned to look at total cost, not just unit price. So trust me: the questions below come from real experience. (And a few mistakes I'd rather you avoid.)

1. What is Graham Packaging and where are your facilities located?

Graham Packaging is a custom packaging and shipping supply company with manufacturing facilities in York, PA and Muskogee, OK. We produce everything from standard corrugated boxes to bubble wrap, tape, envelopes, and custom totes. Having two locations means faster turnaround for clients on both coasts—order from the closer plant when time is tight (though custom orders still need planning). If you've ever dealt with a single-location supplier that runs out of stock, you'll appreciate the built-in backup.

2. Does Graham Packaging do custom packaging? Like a handmade denim tote bag or a movie poster?

Absolutely. Custom packaging is kind of our specialty. Need a handmade denim tote bag with your brand logo? We can design and produce that. Want a sturdy tube with inner padding for shipping The Ugly Stepsister 2025 movie poster? We'll spec the right diameter and wall thickness. The mistake I made early on: assuming “custom” meant expensive and slow. It doesn't—if you give us clear specs and a reasonable timeline. (Mental note: always ask about setup fees up front. Most online printers include them, but for complex custom jobs they're separate.)

3. How can I apply for jobs at Graham Packaging?

I get this one a lot. Visit our careers page at grahampackaging.com/careers or check platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn for Graham Packaging jobs. We regularly hire for manufacturing, logistics, customer service, and administrative roles across both locations. Full disclosure: I'm not in HR, so I can't speak to specific openings. What I can tell you is the company culture is pretty straightforward—people here know their stuff and aren't afraid to say “I don't know” (rare in this industry).

4. What's the best way to remove super glue from glasses lenses?

Okay, this sounds off-topic, but it actually came up during a packing mishap. I was sealing a box with super glue (don't ask) and a drop landed on my glasses. After panicking for a minute, I learned: how to get super glue off glasses lenses safely. Use acetone (nail polish remover) on a cotton swab—but only on glass lenses, never on plastic or coated lenses. Rub gently, then wipe clean. If you have plastic lenses, try warm soapy water and patience. (I've also heard using a small amount of dish soap mixed with baking soda works. I haven't tested it. Take it from someone who learned the hard way: just use packing tape next time. Avoid super glue near your face.)

5. What mistakes should I avoid when ordering custom packaging?

It took me about 150 orders and 3 years to understand that the biggest cost is not the unit price—it's rework. My golden rule: prevention over cure. Spend 15 minutes verifying specs (dimensions, weight, material thickness) before approving a proof, and you'll save days of corrections. The 12-point checklist I created after my third mistake has saved us an estimated $8,000 in potential rework. 5 minutes of verification beats 5 days of correction. Honest.

6. How does Graham Packaging ensure quality across multiple locations?

Both our York, PA and Muskogee, OK plants follow the same standard operating procedures. That said, I can't claim every order is perfect—no manufacturer can. What I appreciate is their philosophy: they'd rather tell you upfront if a spec will cause issues than ship it and hope for the best. Most buyers focus on pricing and completely miss the value of honest pre-production feedback. I'd argue that's worth more than a 5% discount. (Circa 2025, that's still the case. I check their latest quotes regularly.)

7. Does Graham Packaging offer rush shipping for custom orders?

Yes, but here's something vendors won't tell you: “standard turnaround” often includes buffer time. For true rush, expect a premium of 25–100% over standard pricing depending on how tight the deadline is. I've found it's usually worth it for deadline-critical projects—but I also build in a extra day when I can. (Note to self: the last rush fee I paid was about $200 for a 2-day turn on 500 custom boxes. Ouch.)