1935: An idea spawns a new business, industry
A promising new business is established in the midst of the Great Depression when young entrepreneur R. Stanton Avery manufactures the world's first self-adhesive labels in a 100-square-foot rented loft space in Los Angeles. Marketing his labels under the name Kum Kleen Products, Avery improves his new product through innovation and determination. He develops the first die-cutting method, in-line machinery and rotary die for the manufacture of self-adhesive labels, the first synthetic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive and quick-release coated backing for self-adhesive products, the first systematic approach to label identification and pricing, and the first manual dispenser for self-adhesive labels. By the end of Avery Adhesives' first decade, annual sales approach half a million dollars. Avery labels are a success.
1945: Avery sells to worldwide markets
New industrial uses for self-adhesive labels expand dramatically during World War II, fueling the Company's rapid growth. Avery Adhesives establishes new customers abroad with the establishment of its first license holder, in England. An important strategic business direction is set for the Company with the creation of a new self-adhesive base materials business, Fasson, and the construction of the first base materials plant in Painesville, Ohio. By the end of its second decade, Avery Adhesives reports sales of $5 million.
1955: Avery gains operational, financial strength
The Company establishes its first overseas subsidiary, in the Netherlands. Now called Avery Adhesive Products, Inc., the Company divisionalizes its converting and base materials operations as Avery Label Company and Fasson Products. Avery Adhesives "goes public" through the sale of 250,000 shares of common stock and issues its first cash dividend in 1964. Meanwhile, capital expansion, by the third decade's end, accounts for 15 plants in the United States and overseas, with sales reaching $40 million.
1965: Company acquires, develops superior technologies
By its fourth decade, the Company, Avery Products Corporation, continues to surge on all fronts. Important new self-adhesive products propel Avery into new markets, while intensive research in adhesive technologies and environmentally safe coating methods result in the start-up of many new production facilities around the world. With annual sales at $300 million, Avery Products is recognized in 1974 by its inclusion on the Fortune list of the 500 largest U.S. industrial corporations.
1975: Avery recognized as industry leader
The opening of new manufacturing facilities around the world continues unabated through the decade, as does the introduction of new, technologically superior adhesives. Major acquisitions extend the Company's reach in office products and specialty chemicals, expanding its product lines and strengthening its market positions. Company headquarters moves to a new Corporate Center in Pasadena, California, as sales approach $1 billion.
1985: Worldwide opportunities spur growth
Strategic investments in capital programs result in new production facilities and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment around the world, while advanced research and development in adhesive technology and materials science add important new proprietary products to the Company's core business areas. In 1990, the Company becomes Avery Dennison through a major strategic merger, resulting in a substantially strengthened corporation with global leadership in office products, adhesives and materials and label converting technology.
1995: Avery Dennison moves toward global leadership
Avery Dennison significantly strengthens its international presence, moving aggressively into rapidly expanding consumer markets in developing economies in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Eastern Europe with innovative Fasson- and Avery-brand products that dramatically expand Avery Dennison's original concept of a self-adhesive label. Accelerated opportunities develop from the ever-increasing use of computers, greater sophistication in information management and the proliferation of compelling graphics on packaging and consumer goods.
2000 to Present: Worldwide growth
In 2002, Avery Dennison acquired Jackstädt GmbH, RVL Packaging and L&E Packaging.
Avery Dennison had sales of $6.3 billion in 2007, and is ranked 382 on the 2007 Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations. Combined with Paxar, the Company's latest acquisition, the Company now employs more than 30,000 individuals in over 60 countries worldwide who develop, manufacture and market a wide range of products for both consumer and industrial markets.
Products offered by Avery Dennison include: Fasson brand self-adhesive materials; Avery Dennison and Paxar brand products for the retail and apparel industries; Avery brand office products and graphics imaging media; specialty tapes, peel-and-stick postage stamps, and labels for a wide variety of automotive, industrial and durable goods applications.
