Huston Patterson's KBA Sheetfed Presses Spotlighted

DECATUR, IL—April 9, 2013—Huston Patterson, a packaging printer headquartered in Decatur, IL, was the featured company on "Manufacturing Marvels" on FOX Business Network, which highlighted its craftsmanship, technology and its roster of KBA sheetfed presses. The segment aired on March 21, 2013, during "The Willis Report."

“It is truly an honor to be able to participate in this distinguished production,” declared Huston Patterson Sales and Marketing Vice President Tonya Kowa-Morelli. “This is a true testament to the exceptional reputation Huston Patterson has earned over the years as a North American leader in the package print industry.”

The segment was shot on location at Huston Patterson’s 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Decatur, IL, in HD broadcast format and was narrated by nationally acclaimed voice talent John Criswell, who has been a news anchor for CBS and ABC for over 40 years. Award-winning producers Bob and Jerry May and award-winning director Bryan McCullough produced the segments. The two-minute clips spotlight American manufacturers and their products, as well as the companies’ processes and customers.

To describe Huston Patterson’s manufacturing process, the director showed the firm’s KBA sheetfed presses in action. Huston Patterson uses a six-color, 56" KBA Rapida 142 aqueous coating press, a seven-color KBA Rapida 162a press with UV and aqueous coating ability and a six-color Rapida 162a press with aqueous coater, installed in 2005.

“Our outstanding KBA presses provide us with the latest technology and come with every option available," stated Thomas W. Kowa, president and CEO of Huston Patterson. “We have increased our flexibility for quicker turn times, less overtime and improved capabilities, which ultimately will hold costs down for clients.”

The "Manufacturing Marvels" episode also noted the extraordinary steps taken by Huston Patterson to provide its clients with the best service and care. What sets the firm apart from others is its academic training for clients, vendors and employees; its own flight service directly to its headquarters; and its owner’s suite for overnight client visits.

The Robert G. Kowa Theatre is a venue designed for employee education, corporate and client presentations, and events for media and the community. Dedicated to HP’s president/CEO Thomas W. Kowa’s father, the theater is equipped with a full-size projection screen and surround-sound stereo system. Theater-style seating accommodates up to 24 participants.

Huston Patterson also operates HPx Air, a private aviation company that serves as the primary concierge carrier east of the Rocky Mountains. HPx Air’s Cessna T206 aircraft features the latest avionics packages for all navigation and weather conditions. Once clients are on the ground in Decatur, the firm continues to take care of them during visits. Huston Patterson offers a new, luxury owner’s suite for overnight stays when customers need to stay for color approvals and press checks.

Watch this two-minute episode of "Manufacturing Marvels."

About Huston Patterson
Huston Patterson, a world-class printing organization, provides unparalleled value and performance through the effective use of craftsmanship and technology by incorporating the principles of trust, integrity and commitment. The firm prides itself on being the longest-standing, privately-owned package printer in North America, having been in business for nearly 115 years. It was founded in 1895 as the commercial printing division of the local newspaper in Decatur, IL. In 1939, E.V. Huston and J.W. Patterson purchased the company from the newspaper and renamed it Huston Patterson. In 1961, Robert G. Kowa acquired the company and became its new owner and president. In 1971, his oldest son Thomas (Tom) Kowa joined the company. In 1990, Tom was named executive vice president of Huston Patterson. When his father passed away in November 1991, Tom Kowa was named CEO and president of Huston Patterson. Today, Kowa is aided by his daughter, Tonya Kowa-Morelli, who joined the company in 2004. In 2006 she was promoted to director of sales, special products division, at Sigma Graphics in Ottawa. More recently she was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing.

About KBA
KBA North America is located in Dallas and is a member of the KBA Group. Established almost 200 years ago in Wuerzburg, Germany, Koenig & Bauer AG (KBA) is the oldest and second-largest press manufacturer worldwide. KBA's banner, 'People & Print,' reflects its dual focus as a leading innovator for print entrepreneurs. The group's product range is the broadest in the industry; its portfolio includes commercial and newspaper web presses, sheetfed offset presses in all format classes, inkjet systems and presses, special presses for banknotes, securities, metal-decorating, smart cards and discs.

Source: KBA.