RABADON, MA. DIANNA S. BSMA- 1A MRS.

LIBERTY GUTIERREZ

STERLING PAPER
Sterling Paper Group of Companies, which started as maker of photo albums and stationeries is now
a conglomerate of a successful business ranging from greeting cards, school and office supplies, toys
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.

OUR PRODUCTS
Sterling Paper has a variety of products from albums and notebooks including other school and office
essentials such as envelopes, folders and pad papers. Novelty items like coinbanks, autographs,
scrapbooks to mention a few are also available in the market. Sterling has also ventured into the
packaging business producing paper cups for big food chains nationwide

OUR BRANDS
Our notebook brands have been subdivided to Sterling, Avanti and Orions. The Sterling brand
represent the premium quality of our notebooks. The Avanti brand have designs catered for the youth
while the Orions brand have designs for the kids. Our Sterling Kids brand was created for all the arts
and crafts items of Sterling Paper.

WHERE DID THEY SUPPLIED THEIR PRODUCTS?

The businesses supplied by the Sterling Paper company are the National Book Store, as well as the
Expression , who is known for selling school supplies such as stationeries, books, pens and etc.