Johnston Paper began in 1881 with founder F.S. Johnston in Auburn, New York.

Our modern evolution began in 1963 when two entrepreneurs, David May and Paul Belton, formed a partnership and purchased the company.

After Mr. Belton died in 1976, the May family incorporated Johnston Paper. Since then, the company has grown rapidly while holding fast to its most basic goal – "Where Value Comes First".

In 1978, David passed away, leaving his wife Eileen and his two sons (Mike and Kris) to run the business. Then, as always, customer satisfaction, extraordinary service, and competitive pricing kept the business running strong.

By 1979, Johnston Paper had a sales volume of $400,000 with a sales territory encompassing Auburn and Syracuse, New York. In 1981, the company purchased three acres of land in Auburn and built a new warehouse with 11,000 square feet at 21 Allen Street. Soon, annual sales were just over $1 million in the same service area. In 1989, the 21 Allen Street facility expanded another 22,000 square feet and the company continued to grow and expand its sales territory into Western New York.

In 1995, Johnston Paper grieved the passing of Eileen May. Eileen’s sons, Mike and Kris May, continue to carry the business with the same values of quality, service and commitment that David and Eileen May bestowed upon everyone at Johnston Paper.

In 1999 Johnston Paper made a strategic move to align themselves with Network Services, while being a member of the ISSA, NPTA and IDDBA. This ownership in a $10 Billion Sales and Marketing Corporation gives Johnston Paper a National sales presence with retaining a local sensitivity to customer needs.

In 2003, Johnston Paper purchased 24 acres of land within two miles of our Allen Street facility. We constructed a new 120,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in 2004. Located at 2 Eagle Drive in Auburn, directly off Routes 5 and 20, this new location allows for easy access to the NYS Thruway and enhanced capabilities to serve our expanding customer base.

Having been at your service for the past 130 years, our sole commitment will always remain in adding more growth, success and value to your business.