Nichols Celebrates 85 Years of Business

In 1936, the Nichols brothers founded Nichols Paper and Supply, and 2021 marks the 85th Year Anniversary of Nichols. Today, Nichols is one of the largest independently owned paper, packaging, and sanitary supply distributors in the Great Lakes region.

Throughout the month of July, Nichols celebrated their 85th Anniversary with a themed luncheon for its associates at each of our main branch locations: Bowling Green, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Norton Shores and Rochester Hills (photo album below).

Mike Olthoff, owner of Nichols, said, “We are very pleased to celebrate our 85th year in business. This is only possible because of our great customers, suppliers and associates. What a wonderful group of people with which to conduct business. We look forward to growing with all of you.”

In 1957 Ken Olthoff purchased Nichols Paper and Supply, from there the business has remained in the Olthoff family. Mike Olthoff is the current owner of the company. The Olthoff sons have returned to the family business, first starting with Chris Olthoff in 2019 coming on as the VP of Operations, and Jason following in 2020 as the VP of Business Development and New Markets.

Over 85 years Nichols has gone through nine acquisitions and continues to expand the business throughout the Great Lakes region.

Nichols has been a preferred distributor to the industrial, education, building service contractors, healthcare, and lodging industries since 1936 by assisting customers with making clean and healthy facilities and safely shipping products. Based in Norton Shores, MI with branch locations in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Holland, Traverse City, Bowling Green and Cleveland, OH and Fort Wayne, IN. Nichols leads the industry with a You First service model of innovation, knowledge, and excellence.