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 | 1955 | 1965 | 1975 | 1985 | 1995 | 2000 to present

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