HISTORY
Early in 1980, Les and Kathryn Prystup were making plans for a leisurely retirement after 30 years in the folding carton industry. By Spring, however, they had gathered 20 family members and long-time friends in the industry to form a privately-owned, independent folding carton company in Sumter County, Alabama. Prystup Packaging Products was incorporated on June 1st and production began almost immediately, on July 1st. At that point, any notion of retirement was long forgotten.
With $2,000,000 of sales in their pocket, the corporate family started operations with used Bobst AutoVariable web-fed 6/color presses, a Staude Master gluer and an ancient International right-angle gluer—which is still in service, by the way. Fiscal 1981 was a profitable year and the fledgling company had made a favorable first impression in the fast food and bakery markets.
Relying on an experienced management team, Prystup Packaging weathered external challenges like skyrocketing interest rates and repeated economic recessions while steadily lengthening their client list and upgrading their process capabilities. A reputation for consistent quality and unparalleled customer service led to opportunities in the electronics and consumer goods markets.
After completely upgrading their first production line, the Prystup team expanded operations to a second plant in Demopolis, Alabama in 1993. They marked the new millennium—and their 20th anniversary—with the purchase of a larger building to house the corporate headquarters and Livingston production line. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, they are eagerly awaiting start-up of a third production line, which will be housed in the Livingston plant.
Years of willing sacrifice, carefully planned growth, and dogged determination to succeed have earned Prystup Packaging Products the loyalty and trust of buyers as well as suppliers. As the second and third generations begin to assume leadership responsibility, they are still guided by the Prystup’s founding principals: family, integrity, and excellence.
