
James River Corporation is a leading manufacturer of specialty paper products. The company was founded in 2005 through the merger of two separate companies, James River Group and International Paper.
The company's headquarters is located in Richmond, Virginia. James River Corporation has a diverse portfolio of products, including packaging paper, specialty paper, and other related products.
James River Corporation has a strong presence in the North American market, with a significant customer base in the packaging and specialty paper industries. The company's products are used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and specialty printing papers.
James River Corporation has a long history of innovation, with a focus on developing new and improved products to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
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Company History
The James River Corporation was established in 1969 by Brenton Halsey and Robert Williams. They acquired Ethyl Corporation's Specialty Papers Division and headquartered their new enterprise in Richmond, Virginia.
Brenton Halsey and Robert Williams were the founders of James River Corporation. Their strategic inception marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the paper industry.
The James River Corporation's early success was characterized by swift company growth and substantial impact on the local economy. This growth had a positive effect on the community, creating jobs and contributing to economic stability.
The company's expansion continued with the acquisition of the Dixie division in 1982. This move further cemented James River Corporation's position as a pivotal industry player.
The historical records of the James River Corporation are housed at the Virginia Historical Society.
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Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Exposure was a significant issue for James River Corporation employees. Asbestos was present in various forms throughout the paper mills, including in the bleaching and refining process where talc was used as a paper additive.
Paper mill workers were exposed to asbestos during the different stages of paper manufacturing. This included the drying process, where asbestos dryer felts or fabrics were used.
The mineral was also present in building materials such as industrial adhesives, pipes, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos ceiling tiles and asbestos pipe insulation were common in the paper mills.
Asbestos products workers at James River Corporation would manufacture or encounter various asbestos-containing products. These included boilers, floor tiles, gaskets, pipes, and insulation.
Some of the most prevalent asbestos products in the paper mills were:
- Asbestos boilers
- Asbestos cement pipe
- Asbestos floor tiles
- Asbestos gaskets
- Asbestos refractory materials
- Asbestos wallboard
Secondary asbestos exposure posed significant health risks to family members of James River Corporation employees. This was due to contact with workers' contaminated clothing and equipment.
The impact on family members was insidious and profound, manifesting in illnesses that mirrored those of the primary exposed workers.
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Key Information
James River Corporation was once the largest paper manufacturer in the world, a fact that's hard to wrap your head around considering the company's relatively humble beginnings in 1969. The company was founded in Richmond, Virginia, and went on to achieve great things.
The company's acquisition of the Dixie division of American Can Company in 1982 was a significant milestone in its history. This move helped expand the company's operations and reach new markets.
Employees of James River Corporation were exposed to asbestos through various sources, such as machinery, equipment, insulation, and paper additives. This is a serious concern that highlights the importance of workplace safety.
Expansion and Acquisitions
Expansion and Acquisitions was a key strategy for James River Corporation's growth. They acquired the Dixie division from American Can Company in 1982, broadening their product range and reinforcing market dominance.
This acquisition disrupted the paper industry's market equilibriums, propelling James River to the forefront of paper manufacturing. Their strategic maneuver marked a shift in the competitive landscape of the industry.
By assimilating Dixie's established brand and resources, James River Corporation diversified its portfolio and capitalized on economies of scale, enhancing operational efficiency and market reach.
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Key Takeaways

James River Corporation was once the largest paper manufacturer in the world. Its massive size and influence in the industry are a testament to the company's impressive history.
The company was founded in 1969 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. This small city in the United States played a significant role in the company's early success.
James River Corporation acquired the Dixie division of American Can Company in 1982. This strategic move marked a significant expansion of the company's operations.
Employees of James River Corporation were exposed to asbestos through various sources, such as machinery, equipment, insulation, and paper additives. This exposure has had serious consequences for the health and well-being of many former employees.
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People and Services
At James River Corporation, people are the backbone of the company. We're dedicated to giving our employees the tools and technology they need to deliver smart energy management solutions.
The company believes in a team approach, where every member of the management, service, and technical teams plays a critical role in providing reliable and efficient petroleum service. This dedication is key to the company's success and that of its customers.
Each member of the team is empowered with creative freedom to innovate and bring individualized solutions for all customers.
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Purchases and Spinoffs
As we explore the world of people and services, it's worth noting that some companies have made significant purchases to expand their offerings.
In 2015, Google acquired DeepMind, a UK-based artificial intelligence company. This move allowed Google to tap into DeepMind's expertise in machine learning and AI research.
Google's purchase of DeepMind has led to the development of advanced AI-powered tools, including Google Duplex.
Duplex allows users to make phone calls to businesses using AI-generated voices.
The acquisition of DeepMind has also enabled Google to improve its search capabilities and provide more personalized results.
In addition to purchases, some companies have spun off their services to create new independent entities.
In 2014, Google spun off its YouTube video-sharing platform into a separate company.
People
At James River Petroleum, people are at the heart of the company. We believe that a company is its people, and we're dedicated to giving our employees the tools, technology, and creative freedom to deliver smart energy management solutions.

Our employees are the key to our success, and their dedication to providing reliable and efficient petroleum service is unwavering. Each member of our management, service, and technical teams plays a critical role in what we do.
James River Petroleum is a privately held company, and we're proud to say that we know the fuel business inside and out. We know the needs of our customers, and we provide competitive petroleum products locally and nationally through our nationwide card network of 250,000 fueling locations.
Our people are what set us apart from the competition, and we're confident that their innovation and energy will bring individualized solutions for all customers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is James River a good company to work for?
According to 170 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor, James River Group has a 3.4-star rating, indicating a generally positive but not exceptional employee experience. Employees' mixed opinions suggest there's more to explore about working at James River Group.
What does James River Group do?
James River Group specializes in underwriting small to medium-sized business insurance risks in the US excess and surplus lines market. They provide insurance solutions for companies that don't fit into traditional insurance categories.
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