About

From Our President

After a relatively recent changing of the guard at Cauthorne Paper Company, I am aware that any stakeholder in the company is probably curious how the leadership transition will play out. Whether you are an employee, a customer, or a supplier I want to assure you that I will work hard to further promote the incredible, well-established brand of Cauthorne Paper. I accept the responsibility of being a good steward of the brand that has been entrusted to my care. Here are a few reasons why I believe the transition will be successful.

First of all, I am determined to succeed. Success has a ripple effect and I very much want that for both direct and indirect stakeholders, especially our employee’s families. Additionally, like the Company’s founder Ross A. Cauthorne, I am an alumnus of the Virginia Military Institute. We share a common bond and it is an honor to be in a position to pay his legacy forward. The company has an excellent reputation based on its current performance in the marketplace but it has established its character over a much longer period of time. It is my goal to do whatever it takes to preserve both.

Secondly, I am surrounded by walking encyclopedias. The company’s employees on average have over 20 years of experience each. Not only are they knowledgeable about their jobs but they are also thoughtful people in general. They have been extremely helpful getting me acclimated to my new surroundings. It is clear that they take pride in what they do and they put a lot of effort into successfully managing the business. The systems here, like the people, are solid and this bodes well for the future.

Lastly, Cauthorne Paper made the strategic decision years ago to complement its distribution business with custom converting operations in order to differentiate themselves from competitors and enhance their value to customers.  My background is in converting. Prior to joining the company, I worked in a family business my Dad founded that manufactured corrugated boxes. I see a lot of potential in the products Cauthorne Paper currently converts and I am excited about the possibility of adding others in the future.

In the year Cauthorne Paper was founded, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in less than 3 hours. That is not going to happen to Cauthorne Paper Company. Between unwavering persistence, knowledgeable staff, sustainable systems, and a strategic agility that is customer focused, the company has chartered safe passage into the future and I look forward to being at the helm.

Mark Williams

President
Cauthorne Paper Company

Tom Zbell

Mark has utilized GENEDGE consulting resources many times over the years at his previous company RCB and at Cauthorne Paper. Process improvements implemented at RCB included; set up reduction, ISO 9001 certification, 5S (workplace organization), and work center instructions. Additionally an energy audit was conducted. The improvement process is now starting at Cauthorne Paper, with 5S currently being implemented. These successes show that Mark is serious about providing a top quality product to his customers through continuous improvement.

Tom Zbell
GENEDGE Alliance