L&M Corrugated Container Corporation Grows Through Collaboration

Steve Lopes, President and CEO of L&M Corrugated Container Company 

Ever think about how that Potosi beer or slice of Mill Creek cheese made it safely into your hands and onto your taste buds? Probably not, but chances are that L&M Corrugated Container Corporation (L&M) was responsible for making the corrugated packaging that protected these and other products you use. L&M started when the founder, Dick Lopes, realized that the packaging for a majority of local products made in Southwest Wisconsin were being serviced by companies in other states. After looking at shipping costs and travel time, Lopes saw an opportunity to bring costs down by providing a local alternative. 

Thus began L&M which continues today as a family run corporation under the guidance of Dick Lopes’ son, Steve Lopes. The operation originally started in Illinois, but was relocated to Wisconsin because Lopes felt it was a nicer place to do business. L&M benefited from two important facets of Platteville’s economic development efforts: the Business Incubator and the Industry Park. While L&M’s new facility was being constructed, the Business Incubator housed the sales and administrative offices. Lopes has been very complimentary of his experience working in Platteville. “I’m old school. Your word is your honor and not once was I let down.” 

As President & CEO, Steve Lopes gives back to the community through his service on the Platteville Area Industrial Development Corporation (PAIDC) Board of Directors. PAIDC is comprised of local economic developers, non-profit institutions like UW-P and Southwest Health, city officials and private business owners. Together they help guide industrial growth for Platteville and manage the Industry Park. According to Ela Kakde, Executive Director of PAIDC, the Industry Park was designed for companies like L&M. “Manufacturing companies have very specific needs with respect to space and access. Steve understands these needs and has the vision to help us attract more high-caliber businesses like L&M.” 

L&M has also jumped at the chance to partner with UW-P. Recently L&M participated in a pilot project with UW-P’s School of Engineering – Sustainable & Renewable Energy Systems Program. L&M flexed their operations to allow two students to work on a part-time basis. According to the students, the experience was invaluable. “We learn the concepts in class, but to see it play out on the factory floor with a bottom line…time really is money,” explained former student Casey Riley. For Kakde, the pilot project was a win-win situation. “L&M was able to test a non-traditional schedule and tap into the student’s knowledge. The students got great work experience that they will be able to use throughout their careers. This is how we truly leverage our advantage as a university town.”

Casey Riley followed his initial experience on the production line with an internship focused on sustainability. L&M had an existing commitment to sustainability; though in their eyes, it’s about being efficient in every way possible. Riley spent the summer researching aspects of daylighting, investigating a solar array and calculating the potential return on investment. While the up front costs didn’t ultimately work with L&M’s budget, Riley’s work with L&M got him a job at Eagle Point Solar in Dubuque. “L&M really allowed me creative license to put my learning into practice. They listened to what I had to say and I learned a lot about what a business needs in order to be sustainable. It’s nice to talk about these cool ideas, but it’s different when a business is putting their money on the line. They have to make the numbers work on their schedule.”

There is no question that L&M views nurturing talent as a key part of their business strategy. “If an individual shows the right aptitude and work ethic, we will help them acquire the skills needed for the job. Our work force is our competitive edge. If we want our employees to be partners in our business, we have to be partners in growing their careers” stated Lopes. Kakde couldn’t agree more. “The most competitive market today is for workers, especially in the manufacturing sector. To be successful, companies are going to need a flexible mindset like L&M.”