Our Legacy: Over a Century of Printing Excellence
Founded in 1907, Louisville Label has a rich history of adapting to the times, embracing new technologies, and serving the local community. For over a century, the company has evolved from a small, single-press operation into a fully realized label printing and converting business.
The Early Years
The company was originally founded by J.C. Burton as Louisville Label Works. In its earliest days, the business operated out of a modest residential garage on Baxter Avenue, in the Highlands neighborhood.
During these formative years, printing was done exclusively by letterpress. Louisville Label Works built its foundation by servicing drug stores not only throughout Kentucky but across the United States, providing custom-printed labels, prescription blanks, and other essential pharmacy items.
Growth and Relocation
As the business grew, the company relocated to the historic Snead Building on Market Street. It was during this period that ownership transitioned to J.C. Burton’s nephew, J.D. Stodghill. In the late 1950s, Theodore “Ted” Diemer joined the team as a salesperson, marking the beginning of a long family legacy with the company.
The mid-century brought several location changes. The company moved to Jefferson Street near 9th Street, but local urban renewal projects soon prompted another move. By the 1960s, Louisville Label Works found a new home at 1017 South 3rd Street.
Embracing Innovation: The Mid-1960s
The 1960s marked a major turning point for the business. Recognizing the potential of emerging technology, the company became an early adopter of flexographic printing. To support this new capability and begin cultivating commercial accounts, a sister company called Prestik Label Corp. was established. By this time, the company boasted a diverse lineup of equipment, utilizing flexographic, letterpress, and offset printing to serve both its traditional pharmacy clients and a growing commercial base.
The Diemer Era: 1970s to 1980s
In 1972, Ted Diemer purchased both Louisville Label Works and Prestik Label from J.D. Stodghill. He merged the two entities, officially renaming the business Louisville Prestik Label.
After decades of leasing various buildings around the city, Ted secured a permanent home for the business in 1978. He purchased the former General Plywood building at 417 South 32nd Street, where the company still proudly operates today.
When Ted retired to Florida in the early 1980s, his daughter, Anne Diemer, stepped in to run the daily operations. In 1987, Anne officially purchased the business from her father. She simplified the company’s identity by dropping the “Prestik” moniker, officially incorporating as Louisville Label, Inc.
Louisville Label Today
Today, under new local ownership, Louisville Label stands as a testament to print craftsmanship and adaptability. While the company still honors its roots by occasionally fulfilling traditional prescription label orders, operations are now dedicated almost entirely to providing high-quality custom labels for a vast array of modern businesses.
