
Temple-Inland's Path to Becoming Part of Georgia Pacific was a significant chapter in the company's history. Temple-Inland was a leading manufacturer of packaging and building products, with a strong presence in the US and Europe.
The company's transformation began in 2006, when it acquired the corrugated packaging business of Weyerhaeuser. This acquisition marked a strategic shift towards expanding Temple-Inland's packaging operations.
Temple-Inland continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of the corrugated packaging business of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in 2007. This acquisition significantly increased Temple-Inland's market share in the packaging industry.
In 2013, Temple-Inland announced that it would be acquired by Georgia-Pacific, a leading manufacturer of building products and packaging materials. The acquisition was completed in 2013, marking the end of Temple-Inland's existence as an independent company.
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History and Milestones
Temple-Inland was founded in 1925 by Herman C. Krannert as Inland Box Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In 1978, Time, Inc. acquired Inland in a deal worth about $280 million, equivalent to $1.349 billion in 2024.

The company was manufacturing corrugated shipping containers and container board at 28 plants in the United States and Puerto Rico at the time of the acquisition.
Inland had 50% ownership, along with Mead paper Co., in Georgia Kraft Co., which produced 1.2 million tons of linerboard in 1977.
Georgia Kraft Co. also owned 950,000 acres of timberland in the southeast U.S. and leased another 125,000 acres.
In 1983, Temple-Eastex, Inc. and Inland were spun off and combined into Temple-Inland, Inc.
The new company was headed up by Clifford J. Grum, executive vice president of Time Inc., who became the chief executive officer.
Arthur Temple Jr. served as chairman of the board of Temple-Inland until 1991, having previously been president of Temple Industries when Time acquired it.
Temple-Inland acquired the Gaylord Container Corporation in 2002, expanding its production of corrugated containers and other packaging products.
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Environmental Impact
Temple-Inland's environmental record is a topic worth exploring. In 2002, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst identified Temple-Inland as the 24th-largest corporate producer of air pollution in the United States.
The study found that major pollutants included acrolein, manganese compounds, sulfuric acid, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. These pollutants are not only hazardous to the environment but also to human health.
Fortunately, Temple-Inland did not appear on the 2010 PERI Toxic 100 Air Polluters report, indicating some progress in reducing pollution levels. However, more needs to be done to ensure a cleaner environment.
Here are some of the pollutants identified in the 2002 study:
- Acrolein
- Manganese compounds
- Sulfuric acid
- Formaldehyde
- Acetaldehyde
It's essential for companies like Temple-Inland to prioritize environmental sustainability and strive for continuous improvement.
Statistics and Data
Temple-Inland's industry is highly competitive, with several major players vying for market share.
International Paper Company, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, The Mead Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, and Weyerhaeuser Company are some of the key competitors in the market.
Acquisitions and Mergers
Temple-Inland made several significant acquisitions to expand its operations and product offerings.
One notable acquisition was Temple-Inland's purchase of the containerboard and corrugated packaging business of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in 2011. This acquisition added 16 containerboard mills and 22 corrugated packaging plants to Temple-Inland's portfolio.
This acquisition was a strategic move to increase Temple-Inland's presence in the packaging market and improve its competitiveness.
2007 Spin-Off
In 2007, Temple-Inland made a significant move by announcing its plan to separate into three stand-alone public companies.
The company planned to sell its timberlands by the end of 2007, marking a major shift in its operations.
Shareholders would receive stock in all three companies, depending on their ownership stake at the time of the split.
This spin-off was a result of Temple-Inland's decision to restructure its business.
The three companies that emerged from the spin-off were Temple-Inland Inc., Guaranty Financial Group Inc., and Forestar Real Estate Group Inc.
Here's a list of the three companies that resulted from the spin-off:
- Temple-Inland Inc.
- Guaranty Financial Group Inc.
- Forestar Real Estate Group Inc.
Georgia Pacific Buys Temple Inland
In 2006, Georgia Pacific acquired Temple Inland for $3.7 billion. This deal marked a significant expansion for Georgia Pacific in the packaging and building products industry.
Temple Inland's assets included 135 facilities and 9,000 employees. Georgia Pacific's acquisition of Temple Inland was a strategic move to increase its presence in the packaging market.
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The acquisition gave Georgia Pacific access to Temple Inland's portfolio of packaging products, including corrugated packaging and coated paperboard. This expanded Georgia Pacific's product offerings and strengthened its position in the market.
Georgia Pacific's purchase of Temple Inland was a major acquisition in the industry, demonstrating the company's commitment to growth and expansion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inland Container still in business?
No, Inland Container is not in business as it is part of Temple Inland, which is closed. Inland Container's operations are no longer active.
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