Keva Sonderen was reading the December issue of Seattle Business Magazine which featured the 2019 Family Business Awards. She observed that there were many fantastic family businesses and thought that Sonderen Packaging deserved recognition as well. In the side-bar of an article in the magazine, she noticed an ad for the 2020 manufacturing awards and decided to apply. One month later she was contacted by the magazine. They informed Keva that Sonderen Packaging had been chosen as the Manufacturer of the Year for Large Companies!

It has been said that Sonderen Packaging is one of Spokane’s best kept secrets and our customers agree. Paul with Sterling International writes, “Sterling International, Inc. has been a Sonderen Packaging customer for the past seven years. During this time, we have experienced the Sonderen Packaging difference!  We’ve had nothing but the best customer experience during our partnership.”  

Sonderen Packaging’s vision is Fierce Independence and we take that vision seriously. The nomination form Keva submitted describes the meaning of Fierce Independence, “we are the last remaining independently owned and operated folding carton manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and despite the pressures to sell to large conglomerates, our vision is to remain Fiercely Independent and maintain a legacy business.  Fierce Independence is personalized customer service from folks who truly want our customers to win. We are nimble and opportunistic which means we can rapidly make decisions to support our customers growth and our business growth. We can respond quickly to problems and troubleshoot solutions. We are passionate about our craft, our people, and our customer’s success.”

Kendra with Reser’s Fine Foods offered her observations related to her firsthand experience with Sonderen that proves that we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. “Sonderen Packaging has been a business partner with Reser’s Fine Foods for over 15 years. We consider Sonderen to be one of our top vendors.  Their business acumen extends beyond our business relationship. They understand Reser’s, our customers and the refrigerated food industry. We have built a strategic alignment based on years of service and quality product.  All of our suppliers perform well during good times.  Sonderen shines through the difficult challenges we often encounter.”

The awards ceremony is slated to be in Seattle on April 28th. Unfortunately, it has been postponed due to COVID19. “Despite this news, it does not take away from our accomplishments and the fact that we are a premier manufacture in our region”, Matt Sonderen sates. “We are looking forward to celebrating with our folks, and our customers and hopefully catch the eye of our top prospects.”