 |
|
History of Hampden Papers
|
| A 19th Century dream grows into a 21st Century $30 Million company employing over 150 wage earners |
In 1880, three men founded the Hampden Glazed Paper and Card Company in Holyoke, Massachusetts; Joseph C Parsons, 66, George Fowler, 67 and Colonel Aaron Bagg, 70. At the time of the founding of the company, all three men were of "retirement age"; however they astutely recognized and responded to a market demand for specialized papers. Thus was born the the Hampden Glazed Paper and Card Company as a paper converter, specializing in coated and "glazed" papers, (Glazing involved methods of applying gloss to colored papers).
All three of the founders would be dead within the decade: However while Fowler was originally a small shareholder compared to Bagg, Parsons and others, he had one advantage over these other gentlemen; Fowler had family eager to join the management of the company. Eventually, the Fowlers would buy up a clear majority of shares in the company and would go on to own and manage the company through five generations. In 1973, the name of the Company was shortened to Hampden Papers, Inc.
Over the years, the products and technology of the company have seen many changes. We no longer "glaze" paper, but accomplish gloss through modern coating methods. During the war years, the Company manufactured many products to support the war effort, including "chaff", the tiny bits of "tin foil" that were released from planes to confuse enemy radar. The Company also printed rationing coupons, a product often more precious than money.
After the war years, Hampden focused on producing over-wrap papers for the set up or rigid paper box industry. The company still services this industry. However, during the 1960's, the Company diversified into many other markets, including gift wrap, greeting cards, book covers, bags, pouches, and a myriad of other consumer markets. Today, the company services over eighty distinct product markets.
Also during the 1960's, the Company began foil laminating. Film laminations were added during the 1970's. During the late 1980's, the company added 26,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space. State of the art machinery has been acquired, including a 65" laminator, a Jaganburg sheeter, a high speed slitter/re-winder and a guillotine trimmer. Most recently, the Company added another 56,000 square feet of modern manufacturing space.
Today, Hampden Papers, Inc. has sales of over $30 million, employes 155 full time employees and sells it's products world wide. Over the years, we have earned and have proudly announced our slogan, "THE STANDARD OF QUALITY SINCE 1880". |
|
|
