Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company
 Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company tower | |
| Company type | Wholesaling |
|---|---|
| Industry | Home & office products |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Founder | Jacob Fink |
| Headquarters | Scranton, Pennsylvania |
Key people | Douglas Fink, President & CEO |
Number of employees | 230 |
Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company, a privately held wholesaler located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, specializes in industrial packaging, facilities management supplies, equipment, and related products. Established in 1922, it stands as one of the state’s longest-running family-owned enterprises.
The building housing the company’s headquarters gained recognition through its appearance in the opening credits of the American television series The Office, making it a notable local business icon.
History
In 1922, Jacob Fink launched the company initially to provide small grocery retailers with paper bags. Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, the firm broadened its product assortment. It was officially incorporated in 1951.
At the outset, ownership consisted of 150 shares divided among Jacob Fink (44 shares), his brother Samuel Fink (51 shares), and their sister Pearl Fink (55 shares), who also held the position of secretary. All three were members of the board. Additionally, Jacob Fink founded the Scranton Hebrew Day School.
Jacob Fink experienced a severe injury at work in 1930 and subsequently lost a workers’ compensation lawsuit because he was classified as a company officer.
Following World War II, leadership passed to Jerome Fink, Jacob’s son and an alumnus of the University of Scranton. Under Jerome’s guidance, the company underwent major growth including a merger, an acquisition, and relocation to a larger facility at 215 Vine Street. This move facilitated expansion into warehousing and storage services. Jerome remained actively involved in philanthropy and civic leadership until his passing in 2011.
Douglas Fink, son of Jerome and grandson of Jacob, assumed the roles of president and CEO in 1993. During his tenure, the company acquired two competitors in the early 1990s, which nearly doubled its sales volume.
Although still providing paper goods such as office paper, packaging materials, toilet tissue, and paper towels, janitorial supplies now constitute the largest segment of its offerings.
By 2017, Pennsylvania Paper’s core operations employed around 50 individuals while its affiliated companies collectively staffed approximately 230 employees.
In January 2021, Pennsylvania Paper expanded by acquiring American Janitor and Paper Supply Company based in Scranton. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting event at its headquarters in May 2022.
Buildings and headquarters
Between 1924 and 1938, Pennsylvania Paper and Supply shifted its headquarters several times within Scranton, moving from locations on 7th Avenue to Mulberry Street and subsequently to 6th Avenue. In 1929, it moved into a larger warehouse at 440-2-4 North Sixth Avenue, formerly occupied by Harry Solomon & Company.
From 1938 until 1944, the firm operated from an entire block at 12 Lackawanna Avenue before relocating to 25 Lackawanna Avenue where it remained until 1970. A notable event during this period was roof damage caused by a windstorm in December 1964.
The current headquarters at 215 Vine Street was established in 1970 within a former A&P bakery known as the Quackenbush Warehouse. In December 1977, Jerome Fink acquired several adjacent parcels including the historic Dickson Works building located at Penn Avenue and Vine Street; this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Today, the company continues operations from this expansive 255,000-square-foot facility on Vine Street. The building prominently displays a painted sign greeting visitors, while the main office showcases samples of its products as part of its ongoing dedication to presenting its portfolio.
Inspiration for The Office
In 2004, during the development phase of adapting a British series for the U.S. audience, CEO Douglas Fink collaborated with Reveille Productions as they conducted research on paper companies. The production team gathered insights by interviewing representatives from various firms.
The introductory sequence of the show was shot in Scranton, with actor John Krasinski capturing footage while preparing for his portrayal of Jim Halpert. Scranton was chosen as the backdrop due to its realistic role as a regional branch for a company headquartered in New York City. The exterior of the company’s tower has since become a memorable television icon, standing alongside landmarks such as the Brady Bunch residence and Seinfeld’s Tom's Restaurant.
This prominence has significantly boosted the firm's brand recognition and market presence, turning its main office into a popular annual pilgrimage site for The Office enthusiasts.