Greater Pacific Industries
- Founded
- 1995-01-01 in Seattle, Washington, USA
- Headquarters
- Issaquah, Washington, USA
- Phone
- (425) 643-6576
Greater Pacific Industries (GPI) is a privately held, top-50 supplier of custom promotional products in the United States. Founded in 1995 by current President and CEO Ben Zhang, the company started in a small apartment bedroom and has grown into a multi-location operation with headquarters in Issaquah, Washington, and additional offices in Philadelphia, San Diego, and Shanghai, China. GPI specializes entirely in custom, non-catalog products, meaning every order is tailored to the client's specifications. Its core capabilities include sourcing, project management, product design, 3D prototyping, compliance testing, and door-to-door logistics. The company serves promotional distributors and businesses seeking branded merchandise, gifts, and corporate giveaways. With over 26 years of import experience, GPI has been recognized as a "Best Places to Work" by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and earned the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council's "Supplier of the Year" award. The company employs between 51 and 200 people and continues to invest in warehousing, design technology, and client-centric service.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Greater Pacific Industries was founded in 1995 by Ben Zhang in the bedroom of his apartment, initially under the name "Greater China." Over nearly three decades, the company expanded from a one-person operation into a full-service custom promotional products manufacturer and importer. It has weathered three economic recessions, trade wars, tariff volatility, and the COVID-19 pandemic, attributing its resilience to reliability, integrity, and fast service. In April 2022, GPI relocated to a new corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Washington, with expanded warehousing and 3D design capabilities.
Business Model
GPI operates as a 100% custom shop—it maintains no traditional product catalog. Every project is developed from scratch in partnership with clients, making the company a solution provider rather than a commodity supplier. The firm offers full-service importing, including sourcing from vetted overseas factories, managing production timelines, handling compliance testing (e.g., CPSIA, FDA), and shipping directly to end-users. Its “client centric” model promises quotations within 24–48 hours and creative design support via 3D prototyping and CAD services. Revenue is generated through manufacturing and import fees, with a focus on high-volume, customized orders for promotional distributors.
Products and Capabilities
GPI’s specialties span multiple categories: custom OEM plastics (ABS, poly resin, PP, PS, PE), textiles (cut & sew apparel, uniforms, bags, backpacks), metals (aluminum, stainless steel, tin items such as badges and keychains), small electronics (branded USB drives, power banks, wireless chargers), and drinkware (custom bottles, mugs, tumblers). Beyond manufacturing, the company provides 3D design and CAD services to accelerate product development. All orders are non-catalog and fully custom, targeting promotional distributors and corporate clients seeking unique branded merchandise.
Market Position and Recognition
GPI ranks among the top 50 suppliers in the U.S. promotional products industry. It is a member of the US-China Business Council and the Washington State China Relations Council, reflecting its cross-border trade focus. Recognitions include being named a PPAI “Greatest Companies to Work For” in 2025 and receiving the John A. Gilmore award for minority business advocacy for CEO Ben Zhang. The company remains privately held and owner-operated, with a lean management team focused on operational excellence.
Leadership
Ben Zhang serves as founder and CEO. Tom Havens joined as Senior Vice President of Sales in May 2023. Mel Cutter has been Human Resource Manager since 1996, and Mark St. Peter has managed the marketing team since 2008. No other C-level executives (CTO, COO, CFO) are confirmed in independent sources.
Key Products
Full-Service Import & Project Management
Sourcing, design, prototyping, compliance testing, and logistics from overseas factories.
3D Design & CAD Services
Custom product development support with 3D prototyping and CAD.
Custom OEM Plastics
Custom-shaped items, promotional giveaways made from ABS, poly resin, PP, PS, and PE.
Textiles (Cut & Sew)
Custom apparel, uniforms, bags, totes, and backpacks.
Metals
Custom badges, keychains, and drinkware in aluminum, stainless steel, and tin.
Small Electronics
Branded USB drives, power banks, wireless chargers, and custom electronic gadgets.
Drinkware
Custom bottles, mugs, and tumblers.
Offices & Headcount
125 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Ben Zhang
Founder & CEO