Paul McClure

Paul acquired Gilpin in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has evolved beyond a traditional distribution model into a value-added integrator, helping customers manage risk, navigate global trade dynamics, and build resilient packaging systems. His work spans easy-open ends, specialty closures, composite paperboard packaging, plastic containers, and other formats, serving customers ranging from large multinational brands to specialized niche producers.

Prior to Gilpin, Paul served as international market manager for easy-open ends at Sonoco, a $7 billion packaging corporation. There he led global market development initiatives and played a key role in launching new manufacturing capacity in Brazil. Earlier in his career, he held engineering and plant leadership roles at Sonoco, giving him a rare, end-to-end understanding of how packaging systems perform from factory floor to customer application.

Paul is known for his steady leadership style, strong operational discipline, and ability to identify risk and opportunity ahead of the curve. He frequently engages with manufacturing partners and customers on topics including innovation, supply chain resilience, sustainability, and global trade policy.

In recognition of his experience and perspective, Paul has served as a juror for the prestigious Innovation Award at METPACK in Dusseldorf, Germany, most recently in 2026. As a juror, he was responsible for evaluating and selecting the best next-generation packaging technologies and solutions in the world.

Beyond his professional work, Paul is an instrument-rated pilot and a devoted husband and father. He places a strong emphasis on stewardship, legacy, and developing people both within and beyond his organization.

Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Georgia State University. He is based in the United States and works extensively with partners and customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.