Proud Past.
Inspired Future.
Our History
The Flame of Innovation
The LDI Story
For more than a century, LDI has demonstrated how dedication and hard work, combined with a commitment to core values and continuous innovation, can produce great things from humble beginnings. Today, as we embark on our second century of innovation, we are still guided by the principles present at our founding. We are grateful for the people, past and present, who have kept the flame of innovation at LDI burning bright.
The Early Years
In 1918, our founder Jack Fiterman launched the business that was to become LDI. As a new immigrant grateful for the opportunity his new country provided, he named his business liberty, in honor of one of the country’s founding principles. Over the years, the business grew through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to its founding values. What began as a small family venture has flourished into a multi-faceted enterprise that proudly remains family-owned and operated.
Mid Century
In the post-war years, LDI expanded its operations to meet growing demand, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most respected privately-held companies in the Midwest. By the mid-20th century, the second and third generations started modernizing processes and expanding into the core businesses we have today; launching Safco with file boxes, expanding the corrugated business in Texas, starting Diversiplast to make corrugated plastic totes for the US Postal Service, and building the paper mill to produce 100% recycled paper.
The 21st Century
The early 2000s ushered in a new era of remarkable growth. The business continued to expand, acquiring new ventures and evolving into a family of companies. We created a new line of enhanced coatings, established operations in Mexico, opened facilities in California, expanded our office solutions product offerings, and made major investments in capital improvement across the organization. Despite our growth, LDI has stayed true to its roots — dedicated to customers, employees, and the communities we serve.
LDI Today
The future is burning bright for our company and our team. Greg Theis, promoted to CEO in 2022, is leading the organization into its second century of innovation, growth, and commitment to excellence. We have strong leadership and engaged team members across all four of our businesses, and we continue to demonstrate industry-leading innovation in the four core markets we serve. Today, LDI is thriving and growing while remaining committed to our people and our planet. We are proud of our past and inspired about our future.
Snapshots
See how LDI has grown and evolved from era to era, becoming on of the most successful privately held businesses in the Midwest.
Russian immigrant Jack Fiterman forms a company called Liberty Used Boxes. Fiterman buys a horse and names him Dan. He delivers boxes to customers by wagon.
Liberty moves from the Fiterman barn to its first building on 3rd Ave. in North Minneapolis. It was 4,000 square feet and rented at the rate of $10/month!
Liberty entered the manufacturing business when they purchased equipment such as a slotter, slitter, saw and taper to make boxes.
Liberty outgrows its current facility and moves to a new 120,000 square foot facility in Golden Valley.
Through increased demand for corrugated filing and storage products, Safco Products was established to wholesale corrugated products to other retailers.
Liberty Diversified Industries was formed as a holding company that would provide essential services for all the various divisions.
Mike Fiterman is formally named President and CEO of Liberty Diversified Industries.
Liberty Paper was formed, featuring a state-of-the-art paper mill that recycles old corrugated containers into new paper for packaging.
LDI acquires Service Container Corporation and with it, a factory in Mexicali, Mexico, later to be renamed Liberty Packaging de Mexico.
The company name is changed to Liberty Diversified International to better reflect the scope of our operations.
LDI proudly celebrated 100 years with a Gratitude Tour—honoring our employees, customers, and communities. We traveled far and wide, celebrating at every location and countless stops in between. From veterans to garbage haulers, educators to cancer researchers, first responders to volunteers—we showed our appreciation.
20 days. 17 stops. 26 state lines. 8,347 hot dogs. 6,246 miles.
Endless gratitude.
LDI embarks on a transformative five-year strategic journey, driving growth, innovation, and excellence in everything we do.
Multiple diversified
markets, one innovative
team.
markets, one innovative
team.
Discover the diverse range of businesses under our organization.