Union City
33050 Western Avenue
Union City, CA 94587
Our story / 1963 — today
Built by family.
Driven by what’s next.
Our roots are humble. Our curiosity never has been. Six decades of turning fresh challenges into better packaging solutions.
MADE WITH
CARE1963 — NOW
CARE1963 — NOW
Who we are
Independent in spirit.
Industrial in scale.
We're a multi-generational, family-owned packaging manufacturer with the expertise to solve hard problems—and the relationships to make the work feel personal.
Our team brings together polymer science, design, print, converting, production, and quality. We believe great packaging begins when everyone works together, from first conversation to final shipment.
The Emerald story
From a single press
to a new chapter.
196301
It starts in Berkeley.
James Kelly and three partners open a small California operation with one four-color press and two bag machines, making bags for neighborhood bakeries.
197902
Fresh thinking takes hold.
An opportunity in the Salinas Valley changes everything. Specialized lettuce packaging points Emerald toward a future in fresh produce.
199303
The family takes the lead.
James Kelly acquires his partners' interests and the business moves to a larger Union City facility, ready for its next era.
Today04
Generations of know-how.
Under CEO Kevin Kelly and president Pallavi Joyappa, Emerald combines family ownership with experienced professional leadership.
202605
Room to grow.
The acquisition of flexible packaging manufacturing assets in Santa Ana establishes a second California operation and supports customers across the Southwest and northern Mexico.
The people behind the process
We know the
details matter.
Machines help us make exceptional packaging. People help us make exceptional partnerships.
Kevin KellyChief Executive Officer
Pallavi JoyappaPresident
An experienced team of engineers, designers, press operators, and service specialists helps bring every project to life.
Where we work
California roots.
Wider reach.
Two manufacturing locations support our ability to serve growers, packers, and food brands with the reliability they need.
Santa Ana
4042 W Garry Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Partners, not just suppliers