Sterling Paper Group of Companies, which started as maker of photo
albums and stationeries is now a conglomerate of a successful business
ranging from school and office supplies to real estate and
agri-business. It has also ventured into importation of office furniture
and other imported school and office supplies.
In 1946, an ambitious and energetic young man, Lim Seh Leng
started the Central Book Store, Inc. (CBS Inc.) in Binondo, Manila. A
decade later, through his interest in photography, Mr. Lim formed the
"Sterling Bookbinding" with the Sterling Family Photo Album as its main
product. In 1960, he added the manufacture of lettersets, stamp albums
and autographs books and saw the growth of his business from 2 employees
to 30. He then transformed his residence in Kalookan City into both a
residence and business operations center. At about this time that Mr.
Lim started to import school and office supplies such as ballpens and
stationeries.
In 1961, he changed his company's name to "Sterling Paper
Products Enterprises." (SPPE)
Satisfied and proud with the quality of his products, Mr. Lim
started to turn his attention abroad. He made numerous business trips to
introduce his products to other countries. During one of these trips in
1976 that Mr. Lim met his untimely demise.
Inspired by the legacy of the patriarch, his wife, Maria Co Chiao
Ti Lim and their children. Henry, Joseph, Willy, Gerry and Evelyn, took
over the operations of the company.
In the middle of the 70's. Sterling Notebooks was introduced. The
company now has become too big for the Kalookan office to accommodate
fully its operations that a 5 hectare production plant was constructed
in Marilao and a warehouse/distribution center in Meycauayan, both in
Bulacan. At about this time that the company was incorporated into
"Sterling Paper Products Ent. Inc."
Sterling branched out into gift wrappers and greeting cards with
the creation of StraightLines International in the 80's. Later, other
products were added such as notes, bags, puzzles, board games and wall
charts. "Sterling Greetings" is the only completely Filipino greeting
card brand. At the same time, to ensure that Sterling has a continuous
inflow of quality imported materials for its products, the "LSL
International" was created.
In 1984, retail outlets were established with the first one
located in Cariedo, Sta. Cruz, Manila. They were later named
"Expressions".
Through CBS Inc., Sterling continued to import well known brands
such as Pentel, Olympia Calculators and Orion Rulers for its school and
office supplies. Honsteel, Bristol and Singbee for its office furniture
and toys like Little Tikes.
Sterling entered the real estate business in 1992 with the
creation of "S.P Properties, Inc." among its ventures are the Sterling
Industrial Park in Meycauayan and Sterling Technopark in Carmona,
Cavite.
In 1996, the company moved its main office to Makati City where a
six-storey building was developed and simply called Sterling Place. It
accommodated not only the Marketing, Finance and Administrative
Departments but also a showroom where all the products of the company
are showcased.
Today, the Sterling Paper Group of Companies has grown not only
in its paper products, but also through its other ventures. It has
realized its mission statement of being the leading company in its field
by achieving total quality in its production and by fostering strong
bonds with its customers, suppliers and employees.
Sterling Products are exported to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore,
India, Egypt, Latin America, South America and the United States.
