Coastal Container Strengthens Leadership Team With 2 New Hires

West Michigan-based Coastal Container announced two new hires as the company prepares to open its expansion later this year.

Troy Howard has joined the team as a plant manager in its container and honeycomb divisions. He brings over 37 years of corrugated packaging experience, including working as the operations manager at Hood Container Corporation and as plant superintendent and process improvement champion at Timbar Packaging & Display. 

“The growth that this company will see over the next year and beyond is incredible,” said Troy, “and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

In his free time, Troy and his wife are avid hikers and bikers and love spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Also new to the team is Thomas Staal, who has joined as the Director of Management Systems. Thomas brings over 33 years experience in supervisory and quality systems roles. He has also served on several Technical Association for Pulp and Paper Industries (TAPPI) boards and committees, making contributions to performance, safety and communication throughout our industry.

“I am excited to help build a growing independent corrugated container business,” said Thomas. “So many of our peers have been swallowed up by the large integrated manufacturers that it creates a great opportunity for a locally owned business to distinguish itself.”

Thomas is married with two adult sons and enjoys geocaching and going to wineries with his wife.

Coastal Container plans on hiring more employees in the next few months as they complete their facility expansion project. The expansion, which will add 65,000 square feet as well as a new railway spur line to the Holland location, will allow for on-site corrugating capabilities.

About Coastal Container

Headquartered in West Michigan, Coastal Container is a locally-owned, full-service packaging company supplying businesses nationwide with on-time delivery, durable, cost-effective packaging products and innovative services. With decades of experience, our customers know us for getting things done right. For more information about Coastal Container, visit us online at coastal-container.com.

About Coastal Group

The Coastal Group is a family-owned investment-management company based in Holland, Michigan. Its operating companies include Coastal Automotive, Coastal Container, and TKP Investments.