WESTERN STATES ENVELOPE & LABEL IS 100 YEARS STRONG

Print Professional Magazine - February 5th, 2008
In an age of trendy start-ups and massive corporate mergers, few companies today can tout a century-long history that's still a success in the making. Western States Envelope & Label, Butler, Wis., is one of those proud companies celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Founder George French Moss left the paper selling business in 1908 and opened the company's first location on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. An ambitious entrepreneur and visionary, Moss wanted to create an enterprise for producing unique, reliable envelopes. In fact, Western States was a pioneer in developing a system for printing envelopes flat before folding. "That commitment to innovation still holds strong today. It's our progressive spirit combined with exceptional service that sets us apart in the industry," noted Mark Lemberger, president and COO.

Growth ever since the company's early days has been continuous and significant. By 1922, Western States Envelope Company had grown substantially within the U.S. and housed one of the world's largest inventories that year. As Western States kept growing into the 1960s and 1970s, it continued to emphasize customer service and make production technology a priority. Beginning in the 1990s, Western States became a sort of "industry Mecca" for the latest envelope printing and production equipment, doubling its size and expanding its product lines. By 2002, Western States became the country's sixth largest envelope producer, creating 14 million envelopes each day.

By its 95th anniversary in 2003, Western States was one of the world's first test sites for Mark Andy's DT Series digitally automated label printing and laser die-cutting system. "Dedication to technology and increased product value has kept us ahead of the curve in recent years," added Lemberger. "Being a beta site for the newest technology in our industry is a source of pride for our employees. It's also a promise to customers that we are committed to the highest quality and most efficient methods of manufacturing."

Beyond an ongoing pledge to customer service, innovation and product development, the environment has always been a priority for Western States. Ever since its first years, the company saved paper scraps from its manufacturing process and shipped them back to the mills for recycling. In the early 1990s, Western States developed Recovery and Globe 100-two lines of products made from 100 percent post-consumer waste. Other eco-friendly products are reusable envelopes, and a line of "Please Recycle" products designed to encourage recycling of discarded mail. In 2007, Western States earned Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). "We can now certify that our products originate from responsibly managed forests," said Steve Brocker, vice president of sales and marketing. "Our employees deserve all of the credit for implementing the stringent Chain-of-Custody process."

Western States has developed hundreds of new products within the last decade to improve processing for mailers, graphic options for designers and an industry-leading number of choices for printers-its largest category of customers. Throughout 2008, Western States will be promoting its 100th anniversary to customers and vendors with a special gift-a one-of-a-kind diorama-style letter holder depicting the first manufacturing plant with an early replica of one of the delivery trucks parked in front. Inside each holder are engraved cards, gold embossed labels and gold trimmed envelopes. Western States will also honor 100 years through special print industry advertising initiatives and an anniversary celebration held at each of its five locations.

Western States Envelope & Label has more than 100 million products in stock daily, and also specializes in custom envelope and label production using the world's most advanced equipment. The Company exceeds its customers' needs from five full-service locations: Butler, Wis. (headquarters); Madison, Wis.; Erlanger, Ky.; Toledo, Ohio; and Vadnais Heights, Minn.

For more information, call (800) 558-0514 or e-mail steve.brocker@westernstatesenvelope.com.

Originally from Print Professional Magazine® February 5th 2008 © Copyright 2008, North American Publishing Co., Philadelphia PA 19130
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