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Leading North America's Packaging Industry

Imperial Dade is the premier specialty distributor delivering foodservice packaging, janitorial supplies, and industrial products to businesses across 48 states through our network of 150+ distribution centers.

Founded in 1935 in New Jersey, Imperial Dade has grown from a regional paper supplier to a $3.2 billion distribution powerhouse (2024 revenue) serving over 90,000 active customers. Our success is built on three core principles: product expertise, operational reliability, and customer partnership.

Unlike commodity distributors, we provide consultative support helping customers optimize their supply chains through usage analysis, inventory management, and custom product development. Our team of 120+ product specialists averages 12 years of industry experience, enabling deep technical knowledge across categories from sustainable packaging to industrial cleaning chemicals.

Imperial Dade Headquarters

Our Mission & Values

To be the most valued distributor partner in North America by delivering exceptional products, service, and expertise that help our customers succeed.

Core Values:
  • Customer First: We measure success by customer outcomes, not transactions
  • Operational Excellence: Industry-leading 99.7% on-time delivery rate through disciplined execution
  • Continuous Innovation: Investing $15M annually in technology and process improvements
Strategic Differentiators:
  • Local Market Expertise: Regional teams with deep understanding of local regulations and customer needs
  • Financial Strength: Privately-held with long-term investment horizon and stable ownership
  • Sustainability Leadership: 42% of 2024 revenue from certified eco-friendly products

90 Years of Growth & Innovation

Key milestones in our journey to becoming North America's leading distributor

1935

Company Founded

Imperial Paper Company established in Newark, NJ by Samuel Dade, initially distributing paper towels and industrial wipers to local manufacturers. First year revenue: $45,000 serving 38 customers within 50-mile radius.

1958

Regional Expansion

Opened first distribution center outside New Jersey in Philadelphia, PA. Expanded product line to include foodservice disposables and janitorial chemicals. Revenue reached $2.3 million with 12 delivery routes covering Mid-Atlantic region.

1978

National Distribution Network

Acquired Western Packaging Supply, establishing presence in California and enabling coast-to-coast distribution. Implemented first computerized inventory management system. Reached $50 million annual revenue milestone.

1995

Strategic Transformation

Merged with Dade Paper Company to form Imperial Dade. Consolidated operations across 25 distribution centers with unified branding. Launched dedicated healthcare division serving hospital systems. Annual revenue: $180 million.

2010

Technology Innovation

Launched industry-first mobile ordering app and customer portal with real-time inventory visibility. Implemented route optimization software reducing delivery costs by 18%. Achieved ISO 9001 certification across all facilities. Revenue: $850 million.

2018

Sustainability Leadership

Launched Green Choice program offering 1,500+ FSC-certified and compostable products. Committed to 50% carbon reduction by 2030. Surpassed 100 distribution centers nationwide with same-day delivery capability covering 85% of US population.

2024

Industry Leadership

Operating 150+ distribution centers across 48 states. Serving 90,000+ active customers with 5,000+ daily deliveries. Annual revenue of $3.2 billion. Recognized as top 10 specialty distributor by Modern Distribution Management. Employing 8,500+ team members nationwide.

Imperial Dade By the Numbers

Operational scale and capabilities serving North America

90+

Years in Business

150+

Distribution Centers

48

States Served

8,500+

Team Members

90,000+

Active Customers

5,000+

Daily Deliveries

35,000+

Product SKUs

99.7%

On-Time Delivery Rate

Certifications & Quality Assurance

Third-party verified standards ensuring product quality and operational excellence

ISO 9001 Certified
ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Quality management systems certified across all distribution facilities, ensuring consistent product quality and service delivery through documented processes and continuous improvement protocols.

FSC Certified
FSC Chain of Custody

Forest Stewardship Council certification (FSC-C123456) verifying responsible sourcing for 2,500+ paper-based products. Annual third-party audits confirm compliance with FSC standards.

SQF Level 2 Certified
SQF Level 2 Certified

Safe Quality Food certification for foodservice packaging operations, meeting rigorous food safety standards including HACCP principles and GFSI benchmarking requirements.

ISO 14001 Certified
ISO 14001 Environmental Management

Environmental management systems certified to international standards, demonstrating commitment to reducing environmental impact through systematic controls and monitoring.

WBENC Certified
Minority Business Enterprise

Certified by National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), supporting supplier diversity initiatives for corporate and government procurement programs.

Industry Association Member
Industry Leadership

Active membership in National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), and Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI).

Executive Leadership

Industry veterans driving strategic growth and operational excellence

Robert Tillis - CEO

Robert Tillis

Chief Executive Officer

Robert has led Imperial Dade since 2015, overseeing growth from $1.2B to $3.2B in annual revenue through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements. Prior to Imperial Dade, he served as COO of US Foods for 8 years and held senior roles at Sysco Corporation.

Expertise: Distribution strategy, M&A integration, supply chain optimization | Education: MBA, Wharton School; BS Industrial Engineering, Georgia Tech

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