www.lonestarlabels.com
By Greg Hrinya

Perry Wray established Lone Star Labels and Packaging in Lewisville, TX, USA, but there is nothing “lone” about this family-run business that is seeing significant growth. A dedicated team and family atmosphere have been key drivers behind the success that has led to sizeable investments in new equipment and an emphasis on sustainability.

In addition to Perry, Brandon Wray, VP of operations, has been instrumental in the company’s equipment and environmental initiatives. Meanwhile, Katie Wray is the company’s vice president of sales, as she oversees the sales and business operations for this custom label converter.

Perry founded Lone Star Labels after embarking on a career as a national account manager for K-Mart and Walmart. After gaining valuable experience in the industry, he transitioned to a large label company, where he worked for eight years.

He subsequently leveraged his industry knowledge and seized on an opportunity. Recognizing a growing demand for labels with tight turnaround times, Perry founded Lone Star Labels as a broker/distributor. However, his suppliers were unable to meet his customers’ needs, leading to the strategic decision to invest in his own equipment. At that time, he began manufacturing labels directly for Lone Star Labels.

“We’ve enjoyed numerous growth milestones along the way, such as rapid expansion following a surge in business early on due to the strong demand for in-house printing,” states Katie. “We’ve also made the decision to enter the flexible packaging market, which was a strategic move that opened new opportunities and further fueled growth. We’re GMI and UL certified, too.”

Today, Lone Star Labels and Packaging is home to 20 employees in its 24,000-square-foot, Texas-based facility. Perry continues to run the daily operations as company owner. “We foster a collaborative and supportive company culture built on open communication and mutual respect,” comments Katie. “Our team-centric approach prioritizes employee well-being and work-life balance. By empowering our employees and creating a shared vision, we cultivate a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and engaged.”

“As a family-owned business, we prioritize exceptional customer service,” adds Katie. “We understand that our success hinges on strong partnerships, and, therefore, we are committed to providing unparalleled care, responsiveness, and support to our clients. Our motto, ‘Solutions, Savings, Support,’ encapsulates our dedication to meeting our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations. We are committed to environmental sustainability and staying at the forefront of industry trends. Our recent acquisition of a CO2-neutral HP press is a testament to this commitment. We collaborate closely with suppliers to identify eco-friendly materials and offer sustainable solutions to our clients.”

Lone Star Labels and Packaging has been active in investing in new technology such as HP Indigo press, BST Tube scanners on all presses and inspector rewinder.  Historically, the company has added multiple flexo presses to continue meeting customer demand. “Our investment in advanced equipment, including the Nilpeter FA-Line 17″, 11-color and 10 color  flexo presses and comprehensive finishing capabilities have been instrumental in establishing us as a full-service provider,” remarks Brandon. “This in-house expertise ensures exceptional product quality and consistency, from production to delivery.”

Digital has been a key part of Lone Star’s journey, too. The converter acquired a Mark Andy digital press and recently added an HP Indigo 6K digital press. Both moves have significantly expanded the company’s printing and turnaround capabilities. The company is active in numerous end-use markets, as labels and shrink sleeves for food and beverage, industrial, nutraceuticals, pet and household, and personal care products are all pivotal to Lone Star’s book of business.

“Lone Star Labels is proud to have added an HP Indigo 6K digital press,” says Brandon. “While 4-color process printing is excellent for many applications, the 6K’s expanded color gamut allows us to achieve a wider range of Pantone (PMS) colors, providing our customers with even more options and flexibility. We felt HP offered the most sustainable carbon neutral, versatile option on the market.

“Recognizing the need for enhanced efficiency and environmental responsibility, we invested in state-of-the-art, sustainable technology,” she adds. “This strategic decision was also influenced by client feedback indicating increased business potential with such advancements.”

In the future, flexible packaging will play a strong role in Lone Star’s growth strategy. “We’re dedicated to remaining at the forefront of flexible packaging technology,” remarks Katie. “We believe that flexible packaging is both the present and the future of the industry. To ensure we meet the evolving needs of the market, we are committed to continuous investment in knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment.”

The addition of the latest technologies – such as those designed to serve the flexible packaging market – serves as another tool in Lone Star Labels and Packaging’s arsenal for delivering excellent customer service. “Our primary focus is delivering exceptional care to our clients,” says Katie. “We are dedicated to ongoing investment in education and resources to ensure optimal outcomes for all stakeholders. Rather than pursuing rapid growth, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. Our commitment to ethical business practices, attentive listening, and understanding our clients’ needs is the cornerstone of our success. By fostering trust and collaboration, we aim to create mutually beneficial partnerships that drive shared prosperity.”