In 1980, the East Coast economy was dependent on manufacturing, agricultural and dairy businesses. Nestled among these giants, a few wineries were trying to establish a place in an industry dominated by California wines.

It was during this year that Waterloo Container was founded by Norm and Bill Lutz. Starting with a small inventory of bottles, Bill traveled throughout New York State offering a local service that was desperately needed in the East.

“ to keep the industry on the East Coast competitive, he needed to stock new and innovative bottles, offer customized service, and find a manufacturer located in the United States ”

Sales were steady. Established wineries began to expand, new ones sprouted and dreams of planting vineyards and creating wine slowly became a reality. Waterloo Container grew along with them. Offering a “one-stop shopping” market, Waterloo added closures and shipping boxes to their inventory in the mid 80's. Waterloo's reputation for in-stock inventory, fast and reliable service, and a business based on family values soon spread throughout New York and nearby States.

In the early 90's, Bill realized that in order to keep the industry on the East Coast competitive, he needed to stock new and innovative bottles, offer customized service, and find a manufacturer located in the United States. Armed with the facts of the growth occurring in the East, and a vision of what could be, he contacted Saint Gobain. At the time, SG had a small part of the East Coast wineries business. After meeting, both companies realized the potential market, and a partnership was formed.

In keeping with the changes occurring around them, Waterloo began offering additional products and services that were currently not available. They became the largest stocking distributor on the East Coast. In 2004 a personalized packaging program was launched. This program offers individualized service to create a personalized packaging based on the customers vision. From the bottle to the box- they could help customize it all.

This year, Waterloo has launched a “Fast from Stock” program.

This shipping option is available for customers in our newly extended shipping lanes. Similar to the “milk runs” of old, they will deliver on the same day, every week to certain outlying shipping areas.

What does the future hold for Waterloo, and SG? Researching less expensive options to the ever popular European glass, providing direct ships to their customers, and coordinating production runs so they are cost effective for all.

We are proud to have been an integral part of the industry's growth on the East Coast. We look forward to growing together for years to come.