A HISTORY OF BLAZING NEW PAPER TRAILS.

1907

The Early Years

Incorporated in 1907 by E.S. Rookes, the original MIDLAND Paper was solely a Chicago-based paper distribution operation. Control was held in a New York railway supply company until 1935, when Zellerbach Paper Company purchased MIDLAND Paper to operate as its own division. When Zellerbach limited distribution to cities west of the Rocky Mountains in 1945, private investors purchased MIDLAND. It has been privately held ever since.

Incorporated in 1907 by E.S. Rookes, the original MIDLAND Paper was solely a Chicago-based paper distribution operation. Control was held in a New York railway supply company until 1935, when Zellerbach Paper Company purchased MIDLAND Paper to operate as its own division.

1983

Chicago Growth

In 1983, CEO Stan Hooker and then-executive vice president Frank Morley acquired MIDLAND. Their plan was to establish a customer-centric, service-based operation to support the large Chicago printer market. Their vision quickly expanded, and the resulting growth initiative gained rapid speed through strategic planning and acquisition. From that original location on North Pulaski Street to the opening of more offices around the upper Midwest, MIDLAND’s core mission of building an experienced team and providing outstanding service with deep inventory has kept the company growing.

In 1983, CEO Stan Hooker and then-executive vice president Frank Morley acquired MIDLAND. Their plan was to establish a customer-centric, service-based operation to support the large Chicago printer market. Their vision quickly expanded, and the resulting growth initiative gained rapid speed through strategic planning and acquisition.

2002

Strategic Expansion

The entrepreneurial mindset got a boost with the hiring of new partners Ralph DeLetto, Mike Graves and Jim O’Toole in the early 2000s. A goal was the strategic expansion of the MIDLAND National segment and the establishment of dedicated packaging and a specialty papers and films segment. In this period, MIDLAND saw its revenues triple and its footprint expand to all of the Upper Midwest and sales offices on the east and west coast.

The entrepreneurial mindset got a boost with the hiring of new partners Ralph DeLetto, Mike Graves and Jim O’Toole in the early 2000s. A goal was the strategic expansion of the MIDLAND National segment and the establishment of dedicated packaging and a specialty papers and films segment.

2006

Continued Growth

Ralph, Mike, and Jim joined as equity partners, marking the next generation of leadership and fueling MIDLAND’s continued growth.

2017

Succession Transfers to Minority Partners

At the end of 2017, Stan Hooker, the company’s long-time Chairman & CEO, retired and sold his majority interest to his three partners, Ralph DeLetto, Mike Graves, and Jim O’Toole. This transition allows the company to continue its long tradition of being the leading independent paper and packaging distribution company in North America. Mr. Hooker said: “The timing of this transition is good for me personally, as my wife and I can devote more time to being with our friends and family, and the timing is good for MIDLAND given the company’s strong financial position and its proven senior leadership team at the helm”.

At the end of 2017, Stan Hooker, the company’s long-time Chairman & CEO, retired and sold his majority interest to his three partners, Ralph DeLetto, Mike Graves, and Jim O’Toole. This transition allows the company to continue its long tradition of being the leading independent paper and packaging distribution company in North America.

2021

MIDLAND SERVES A NATIONAL MARKET WITH $1B IN ANNUAL REVENUE

The results speak for themselves. In 1983, MIDLAND generated annual sales of $14 million. In 2021, revenue reached $1 Billion. MIDLAND ranks as one of Chicago’s Top 50 Private Companies and is one of America’s largest independent paper and packaging distribution firms.

2024

MORE THAN A PAPER COMPANY

MIDLAND has approx. 1,000 employees across 50 locations and 8 business segments: Commercial Paper, Specialty Paper & Film, Packaging, Equipment & Automation, Facility Supplies, Converting, Marketing Services and E-Commerce.

2025

LEADERSHIP CONTINUITY

After partner Ralph DeLetto’s passing in September 2025, Midland leader Christopher DeLetto was promoted to CFO, carrying forward his father’s legacy.

TODAY

MIDLAND IS MORE THAN A PAPER COMPANY

We’re a growing band of problem solvers. The key for us has always been bringing together the best people to grow the business and never being timid about investing in the future. We’ve made several acquisitions and investments to ensure we can deliver more services and deepen relationships with our customers.

We’re a growing band of problem solvers. We’ve made several acquisitions to ensure we can deliver more services and deepen relationships with our customers.

This powerhouse combination of best-in-class partners enables us to offer a unified approach, providing a network of knowledge built to help our customers grow. MIDLAND didn’t get to where it is without doing things right, and the continued commitment to our customers, suppliers and employees has us poised for a bright future.

This powerhouse combination of best-in-class partners enables us to offer a unified approach, providing a network of knowledge built to help our customers grow.

Our mission is to meet our commitments. Make good things happen. And always exceed expectations.

At Midland, performance rules.

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