Companies to Watch: Lone Star Labels and Packaging

Perry Wray founded Lone Star Labels and Packaging in Lewisville, TX, USA, but there is nothing “lonely” about this family-owned business that is experiencing significant growth. A dedicated team and a family atmosphere have been key factors in its success, which has led to significant investment in new equipment and a focus on sustainability.

In addition to Perry, Brandon Wray, VP of Operations, was instrumental in the company’s equipment and environmental initiatives. Katie Wray is now the company’s vice president of sales as she oversees sales and business operations for this custom label converter, and Carolyn Wray is responsible for accounting.

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

He then used his knowledge of the industry and seized an opportunity. Perry recognized the growing demand for fast delivery labels and founded Lone Star Labels as a broker/distributor. However, its suppliers were unable to meet its customers’ needs, leading to the strategic decision to invest in its own equipment. At this time he began making labels directly for Lone Star Labels.

“We have seen numerous growth milestones along the way, such as rapid expansion following an early surge in business due to strong demand for in-house printing,” explains Katie. “We also made the decision to enter the flexible packaging market, which was a strategic move that opened up new opportunities and further fueled growth. We are also GMI and UL certified.”

Today, Lone Star Labels and Packaging employs 20 people at its 250,000-square-foot facility in Texas. Perry continues to manage day-to-day operations as the company owner. “We promote a collaborative and supportive company culture based on open communication and mutual respect,” comments Katie. “Our team-oriented approach focuses on employee well-being and work-life balance. By empowering our employees and creating a shared vision, we create a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and engaged.”

“As a family business, we value exceptional customer service,” adds Katie. “We know our success depends on strong partnerships, which is why we are committed to providing our customers with unparalleled care, responsiveness and support. Our motto “Solutions, Savings, Support” expresses our commitment 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 purchase of a carbon-neutral HP printing press is evidence of this commitment. We work closely with suppliers to identify environmentally friendly materials and provide sustainable solutions to our customers.”

Lone Star Labels and Packaging has actively invested in new technologies such as the HP printing press. In the past, the company has added several flexographic printing machines to continue to meet customer demand. “Our investment in advanced equipment, including the Nilpeter FA-Line 17-inch, 11-color flexographic press and extensive converting capabilities, has been instrumental in establishing us as a full-service provider,” notes Katie. “This in-house expertise ensures exceptional product quality and consistency, from production to delivery.”

Digitalization has also been an important part of Lone Star’s journey. 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 handling capabilities. The Company operates in numerous end-use markets, as food and beverage, industrial, nutraceutical, pet and household, and personal care labels are all central to Lone Star’s business portfolio.

“Lone Star Labels is proud to be one of the few companies in our market to have an HP Indigo 6K digital press,” says Katie. “While 4-color process printing is great for many applications, the expanded color gamut of 6K allows us to achieve a wider range of Pantone Colors (PMS), giving our customers even more options and flexibility. We felt HP offered the most sustainable, carbon-neutral and versatile option on the market.

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

Flexible packaging will play an important role in Lone Star’s future growth strategy. “We are committed to remaining at the forefront of flexible packaging technology,” notes Katie. “We believe flexible packaging is both the present and the future of the industry. To ensure we meet the changing needs of the market, we are committed to continually investing in knowledge, expertise and state-of-the-art equipment.”

The addition of the latest technologies – such as those developed for the flexible packaging market – serves as another tool in Lone Star Labels and Packaging’s arsenal for providing outstanding customer service. “Our primary focus is providing exceptional care to our clients,” says Katie. “We are committed to continually investing in education and resources to ensure optimal outcomes for everyone involved. Rather than aiming for rapid growth, we value building strong, lasting relationships with our customers. Our commitment to ethical business practices, careful listening and understanding of our customers’ needs is the cornerstone of our success. By fostering trust and collaboration, we aim to create mutually beneficial partnerships that promote shared prosperity.”