50 Years of History
1974
Humble Beginnings
Working out of the back of the family station wagon, second generation Mexican-American immigrant Bob Ontiveros decides to strike out on his own after seven years working for a local packaging company in the Quad Cities, forming Bi-State Packaging. Later in '74 the company lands its first Fortune 500 client, John Deere, setting the path forward for continued growth and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive it today.
1979 - 1985
More New Beginnings
Seeking to break into the supply chain management business, a new division launches as R&O Specialties, and signs clients Miller-Coors and Caterpillar. With both Bi-State Packaging and R&O Specialties experiencing solid growth and increasing sales, the company opens warehouses across the United States.
1987 - 1989
Expanding Product Offerings
Tape and stretch film solutions are developed for Frito-Lay, leading to a long-term, nationwide relationship with PepsiCo. Bi-State Contract Packaging is created to provide outsourcing services for packaging and promotional fulfillment. The company grows to 100 employees.
1990 - 1992
The Family Business Grows
In the early 90's, Bob is joined by sons Gregg and Chris and other extended family members as the company expands into new ventures. Group O acquires Wolf Packaging and moves into the food-grade paper wrap business servicing the fast food industry. All three of the company's divisions - Packaging Solutions, Supply Chain Solutions, and Marketing Solutions - are combined under the same corporate umbrella. GO-Temp is created to support temporary staffing needs in multiple divisions and locations.
1996 - 1999
New Locations, New Clients
Group O moves into its new headquarters in Milan, IL. Work also begins within Caterpillar's Aurora, IL facility. Growth across all divisions continues as Group O brings AT&T on board as a client, a relationship that is still thriving today.
2001 - 2007
New Century, New Accomplishments
Group O achieves ISO 9001 certification, further cementing itself as a dependable, high-achieving solutions provider across multiple industries. The Company launches Pre-Flex, the next generation of printing technology for corrugated packaging and displays. Mid-decade Group O hits the 1,000 employee mark. The Business Analytics division is launched, providing IT professionals to AT&T.
All companies merge into single entity: Group O, Inc.
2008 - 2011
A Proud Time of Diversity and Growth
Group O is named one of the 500 Largest U.S. Hispanic-Owned Companies. The Company begins managing Caterpillar's indirect spending through a purchase to pay solution, later becoming Group O Tail Spend Management Solutions. Group O becomes a mobile device value-added reseller and begins to purchase, receive, inspect, and inventory OEM devices. Group O is listed among Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for the third straight year and annual sales exceed $500 million. The company is named National Minority Supplier of the Year by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). In addition, Best Buy is onboarded as a client.
2012 - 2013
New Honors, New Facilities
The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognizes Group O as one of the Top 5 Hispanic-owned businesses in America and selects Gregg Ontiveros as its HBE Hispanic Businessman of the Year. The company also opens a new facility in Mendota Heights, Minnesota and onboards Michelin as a corporate client. Group O is named Miller-Coors Brewery Operations Supplier of the Year. Group O also opens a facility in Carrollton, Texas and begins retail POP management for Samsung. Gregg Ontiveros is also named in the Top 50 Hispanic influentials by HispanicBusiness.com.
2014 - 2018
Leading the Way with New Technology
O-vations™ Enterprise Reward Technology Solution is launched. The Mobile Device Testing Lab opens in Memphis, Tennessee. Group O named AT&T Supplier of the Year as well as AT&T Entertainment Group's preferred Reward & Loyalty Program supplier. Roanoke, Texas operations and Call Center opens, serving Samsung and providing VAR for AT&T. Group O is named Miller-Coors Supplier of the Year. Fort Worth, Texas operations opens in support of expanding Device Lifecycle Management and Testing Services. Group O becomes an AT&T Authorized Retailer and begins testing remanufactured devices for AT&T.
2019 - 2020
New Countries, New Partnerships
Group O expands supply chain technologies in Forth Worth, Texas to include radio shuttle racking and mobile device testing lab with 3D X-ray, and Apple direct scan tool. Group O is awarded GSA Professional Services Schedule Contract from the United States General Services Administration to provide services to United States government agencies. Group O launches Group O Analitica in Juarez, Mexico offering industrial package engineering, testing, and component kitting. Group O partners with Displays.Direct to offer additional services to manufacturing companies. Displays.Direct manufactures and assembles custom touch panels and displays used in the automotive, industrial, gaming, and medical industries.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Group O mobilizes in less than one week to move people and services to a virtual environment and reconfigure essential warehouse operations ensuring employee safety while keeping our clients' operations going.
2021 - 2024
A Company Rich in History, 50 Years in the Making
In 2022, Group O mourns the loss of its esteemed founder, Robert Ontiveros, followed by the loss of his beloved wife, Blenda, in 2023. Despite the somber occasions, the company continues to forge ahead, marking significant milestones. An automation line is introduced to bolster support for AT&T/DirecTV kitting operations, showcasing Group O's commitment to efficiency and innovation. Simultaneously, the Packaging division joins the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, underscoring the company's dedication to environmentally responsible practices. Group O sponsors the 20th Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley Golf Invitational, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement. Additionally, the company expands its operations by onboarding Amazon X-Dock operations in Austin, Texas, and attains the prestigious ISTA Performance Testing Lab Certification, affirming its dedication to quality and reliability.
In 2024, Group O proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, a testament to five decades of excellence and growth.
