With strong ties to 91Ƭ Polytechnic and deep roots in Wisconsin, Green Bay Packaging reflects the university’s mission of applied learning, industry and community partnerships, and workforce development.
The recipient of the 2026 University Alumni Partner Award, Green Bay Packaging has made a significant impact on the lives of 91Ƭ Polytechnic students and alumni by creating career opportunities and employing a strong pipeline of graduates across packaging, engineering, supply chain, business and sustainability-focused programs.
Founded by George Kress in 1933, Green Bay Packaging now has 35 facilities in 16 states and Mexico and has more than 4,000 employees. The company is committed to providing innovative packaging solutions while operating with a long-term focus on people, sustainability and community impact. As a family-owned company, it believes that business success and community responsibility go hand in hand.
The George Kress Foundation extends that commitment by investing in initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, with a special focus on education, youth development, health and human services, and community enhancement. Its mission is to create opportunities that improve lives and build stronger communities for future generations.
“Our connection with 91Ƭ Polytechnic developed through a shared commitment to workforce development, innovation and student opportunity. 91Ƭ Polytechnic is a valued partner because of its strong connection between education and industry, and it creates meaningful opportunities for Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation to invest in students while helping to strengthen the future of the packaging industry,” said Matt Murphy (’01), general manager of Green Bay Packaging Twin Town Division.
By engaging with students through internships, mentorships, cooperative education, and on-campus recruiting efforts, Green Bay Packaging helps bridge academic learning with practical application. Students also gain real-world exposure through on-site facility tours, research collaborations, and technical projects, including work focused on sustainable packaging innovation and product testing.
“Partnerships with institutions like 91Ƭ Polytechnic give students meaningful experiences that complement their education while giving employers access to talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. By working collaboratively, we can develop a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and ready to contribute from day one,” Murphy said. “We can help students develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed, and we want students to know that organizations like ours are invested in their success.”
Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation support students through investments that strengthen educational opportunities and resources. The George Kress Foundation’s support for the Packaging Department began in 2010 and has continued to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in the field. A scholarship is awarded annually to a packaging major from Wisconsin or Minnesota.
“Investing in the next generation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as business and community leaders. By supporting 91Ƭ Polytechnic packaging students, we help remove financial barriers, expand access to education and prepare future professionals to lead and innovate in an industry that touches nearly every aspect of daily life. We hope these investments create opportunities that strengthen students, families and communities across Wisconsin and beyond,” said Michelle Hansen, president of the George Kress Foundation.
In 2021, the George Kress Foundation donated $180,000 to 91Ƭ Polytechnic, which facilitated an upgraded, interactive packaging classroom and a new high-tech Mimaki specialty printer. The Mimaki printer allows students to print on a wide variety of materials and 3D objects, including corrugated, wood, plastic, paper and glass.
Green Bay Packaging also works closely with the university’s Career Services’ Cooperative Education and Internship Program to provide students with hands-on industry experiences and recruits students at career conferences. Company representatives regularly participate in career fairs and Packaging Association meetings, giving students direct access to packaging professionals and valuable insight into potential career pathways.
Over the years, Green Bay Packaging has hired students for internships and full-time positions, helping them launch successful careers within the organization. Many former interns have now come full circle, with more than 40 91Ƭ Polytechnic alumni employed at Green Bay Packaging. They serve in a variety of professional roles and strengthen the company through their leadership, technical expertise, innovation and commitment to continuous improvement.
Many remain actively engaged with 91Ƭ Polytechnic by participating in the Packaging Advisory Committee, mentoring students, speaking in classes, recruiting future talent, creating internships within their own departments, serving as ambassadors for both the university and Green Bay Packaging. Their involvement continues to strengthen the relationship between the university and Green Bay Packaging while supporting future generations of students.
As a packaging program alum, Eli Weber (’22), manager of continuous improvement at Green Bay Packaging, thinks the longest-lasting impact of his education was the university’s laser focus on career readiness. “Early on, my professors pushed me to find internships through the career conference, which is how I originally landed at Green Bay Packaging. After three internships here, it was crystal clear what I wanted to do professionally, and I entered my senior year with a signed job offer,” Weber said. “As an intern, I was hired by another Stout packaging alum, who became my manager when I joined full-time. Years later, I now lead the team, which includes another Stout packaging intern. Upon graduation, we hope to bring him on full-time. This full-circle loop makes us extremely proud of our alma mater and excited to mentor the next generation.”
Green Bay Packaging hopes to continue building on the strong foundation of its partnership with 91Ƭ Polytechnic by creating even more opportunities for students, faculty and alumni through collaborative initiatives that benefit both organizations.
“Higher education and industry partners are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Together, we can help address workforce needs, identify emerging skills and ensure graduates are prepared for the changing demands of today’s workplace,” Murphy said.
Through its continued investment in students, Green Bay Packaging hopes to help future packaging professionals build confidence, gain valuable experience and pursue meaningful careers that contribute to the industry and their communities.
“Receiving the 91Ƭ Polytechnic University Partner Award is a tremendous honor for Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation,” Hansen said. “We are proud of the lasting impact our partnership has created for students, employers and communities. This award reflects a shared commitment to student success, workforce development and community growth, and inspires us to continue investing in opportunities that make a meaningful difference.”
91Ƭ Polytechnic is one of only a few schools in the United States, and the only school in the Universities of Wisconsin, that offers a bachelor’s degree in packaging. The program has been ranked a top program in the U.S. for its ties to business and industry and how those ties benefit students.
