Paper manufacturing is booming here in Muncie.
Under the watchful eyes of brothers Josh and Austin Burton (company president and vice president, respectively), and with father and former owner Matt Burton as consultant, Sinflex Paper Company’s single-face corrugated cardboard is flying off the shelves.
With its genesis in 1982, Sinflex was purchased by Matt’s uncle, John Stilwell, in 1985, bringing Matt on board as general manager. He acquired the company in 1995. Relocating from Eaton to Albany, and then to Muncie in 2015, the company had outgrown its small operation. An empty paper plant on Butterfield Road seemed a perfect spot. A central location in the industrial Midwest, with cheap freight costs and easy access to and from the area, made sense. A bigger building meant an increased workforce and one shift instead of two.
Taking two years for the move, the company added state-of-the art equipment and electrical and plumbing throughout.
“We maintained two locations to begin with, controlling expenses as well as we could,” said Josh. Sixteen-hour days were the norm.
Ultimately the company jumped from three to 30 employees. Building additions provided extra square footage.
“We wanted to stay local,” said Matt, who retired on January 1, 2024. “Even if we expanded elsewhere, this would remain our hub.”
Once the cardboard is produced, the team leaves it to their factory reps to secure hundreds of distributors to sell the product nationwide.
“We may never know where the product ends up,” said Austin.
Coffee sleeves, bulletin-board borders, tubing, and industrial packaging are among the many diverse needs Sinflex helps with.
Amazon, Chewy, and even Muncie’s Reber Machine & Tool Company are clients.
Like every business, Sinflex experienced some lean years after the 2008 recession. When the economy rebounded, so did the company’s bottom line. Business thrived during the pandemic with the uptick in e-commerce. “We were definitely considered essential,” stated Josh.
Running a family business has had its advantages.
“It’s easier to communicate if you’re family,” said Austin. “We’re not afraid to say what we’re thinking, and it’s made us closer.”
Austin attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in music education and performance. Austin studied under some of the finest musicians in the world, including one of his favorite artists, John Mayer, a Berklee alum. If you’d like to catch some live music when Austin isn’t enjoying his time at the family business, look for the band 5 Speeds at various Muncie venues.
What sets Sinflex apart from competitors?
“We pride ourselves on customer service,” said Matt. “Paper is all we do; it’s why we stand out above the rest.”
“Plus, we’re not automated,” added Josh. “If you call into our office, you’ll speak to a live person. Customers appreciate that.”
The company has also gone green, which is just one of many practices contributing to their success. All of their paper is 100% recyclable.
Heading into the future, the Sinflex team’s overall goal is to continue to empower businesses to enhance their product protection, branding and sustainability efforts.
“We’re here to provide our customers with a customized, high-quality product every time,” said Matt.
Sinflex can be reached at 765-216-6142.
