Sterling Paper Group of Companies, which started as maker of photo albums and stationeries is now a conglomerate of a successful business ranging from school and office supplies to real estate and agri-business. 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.
