Jerry Frisch Makes Tribute to the Late Paul Keyser of Utah Paper Box

The paperboard packaging industry lost a giant this January. Paul B. Keyser, Chairman of the Board of Utah Paperbox, passed away in his sleep due to a long battle with cancer.

Paul Keyser (PK) was born and lived his early childhood in Salt Lake City, Utah. PK attended high school at The Hill School in Pennsylvania. Following High school Paul attended and graduated from Princeton University, NJ. At Princeton, Paul learned the value of a great education and over the years set up numerous education funds for the children of friends and employees.

Paul started his packaging journey in 1965 at Utah Paperbox (UPB). Paul came into the family business as the third generation. Within a few short years Paul’s father fell ill and passed away thrusting Paul into the big chair. At that time UPB was a small rigid box company, that made boxes for various candy companies, garment boxes for retail stores and boxes for the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

In the 70’s Paul decided to expand into the folding carton business and purchased a used 29” 2 color printing press along with a die cutter and straight-line folder gluer. UPB was off and running in the folding carton world. In 1988, UPB purchased a used 38” x 50 “used 4 color press. In 1996, UPB purchased its first new press which was a 6 color 50” press. In 1998, UPB installed its first 7 color offset press. If you knew Paul you knew he loved state-of-the-art new cutting-edge shiny equipment. That is also true for his love of cars and toys.

In 2012, Paul and his son Steve consolidated all plant locations into its new 250,000 sq ft. headquarters with a new 7 color UV press. PK worked at UPB for 57 years and worked up until the week he passed away. Today UPB is celebrating being in business for 109 years. Steve Keyser ( 4th generation) is the CEO and his daughter, Madison (5th generation), recently joined the company overseeing Human Resources. Paul’s goal was to set up UPB to be successful today and in great shape for another 100 years.

Paul was a great father figure to so many people and he helped many of his friends start new businesses. One of them is Wasatch Container who was founded by Jerry Frisch and Paul Keyser in 1995.

Paul was a great mentor to many people in and out of the packaging world. Paul had many friends and colleagues that he experienced exciting adventures with.

He loved Utah and sharing it with others. Paul knew every backroad and trail in Utah. During those explorations Paul shared his feelings about the true meaning of life and happiness.

If you were blessed to know PK you would be really blessed in life! Men like Paul do not come around often. He is one of the good ole guys of our industry as well as the world.

Jerry Frisch, Wasatch Container, March 2023