About
The Evolution of a Leader
Huston Patterson Printers is a leader in the package print industry. Having been in business for more than 115 years, we are the longest-standing package printer in North America. We’ve earned our reputation by providing services the way no one else can.
Our longevity and success are rooted in our attention to client needs. That focus has guided our company into providing results that exceed client expectations.
We were one of the first companies to install in-line aqueous coaters on our presses, which range from 19" x 25" up to 47¼” x 63¾”. With our in house sheeter and CREO Computer-to-Plate System, we handle every size job, efficiently, professionally and with a quality above the rest.
Three Generations of the Kowa Family
(Left) Robert G. Kowa acquired the company in 1961
(Right) CEO/Chairman Thomas W. Kowa
(Center) President Tonya Kowa-Morelli
(Top) Director of Sheeting Operations Zachary Kowa
As a privately owned company, Huston Patterson is moving into the future by “raising the bar” in providing the highest quality printing and services possible.
We have developed a reputation for unmatched craftsmanship. In fact, we refer to our craftsmanship as an art form. We are proud of our exceptional employees who everyday amaze clients with innovative and simply incredible work. Our shared ability, knowledge, skill and dedication have defined Huston Patterson as the quality craftsmanship leader.
Huston Patterson has paved the way by creating, developing and adopting the best innovative solutions around. The result is greater quality, and decreased turnaround time for our clients.
Adding value for our clients is the top objective at Huston Patterson. That means combining all of our efforts to provide tailored products and services. Many of our clients view us as an extension of their business – and that close working relationship has great value. Our clients know we will do whatever it takes to maintain their business.
Humble Beginnings
What began as Herald & Review Printing and Stationery in 1895, a commercial printing division of the Decatur Herald & Review newspaper in Decatur, Il., is today Huston Patterson, the oldest, privately owned large-format package printing company in North America, with annual sales of more than $28 million in 2015.
The longevity and success of Huston Patterson is attributed to the century-old focus on providing clients with unparalleled value and performance through the effective use of both technology and craftsmanship. Since Robert G. Kowa bought Huston Patterson in 1961, the company has grown leaps and bounds. At that time, Huston Patterson was a letterpress printing company with print revenues of $200,000.
As the company grew, Huston Patterson added 2-color and 4-color presses. Not until 1978 when Huston Patterson was running three shifts and weekends did the company buy its first new presses. In the mid-1980s, Huston Patterson added another commercial printing segment, for top sheets and labels for packaging and point-of-purchase (POP). In 1989, equipment was added to keep pace with the packing and greeting card markets.
Well Executed Expansion
During the same decade, Robert Kowa purchased Sigma Graphics, a printing company in Ottawa, Ill. Today, Sigma Graphics is Huston Patterson’s specialty printing division, with 4 multiple-color presses and aqueous coating and 4 single-color presses.
Thomas W. Kowa became President/CEO following his father’s death in 1991. Since that time, Huston Patterson has added an in-house sheeter to better serve clients competitively and to pass stock savings on to clients. By the late 1990s, Huston Patterson had moved almost entirely to CTP, nearly eliminating film all together.
Firm Future Focus
Today, Huston Patterson leadership and employees focus on incorporating the principles of trust, integrity and commitment into every client’s success, with the goal of becoming the largest, privately owned package printing company in North America.
