Driscoll Label Co. has new owners

Label & Narrow Web, Nov-Dec, 2004

Bob and Pat Biava have sold their stock in Driscoll Label Company Inc., Fairfield, NJ, to John Raguso and Roy Palmer.

Bob Biava, president of the company that he and his wife acquired 20 years ago from Elwood Driscoll, made the announcement in early October. Over the years Driscoll Label has won numerous awards in various industry competitions. Early this year the company received the prestigious Eugene Singer Award for Management Excellence from the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute.

John Raguso has more than 40 years of experience in graphic arts and the pressure sensitive industry, most recently as vice president of sales for Paris Art Label, Ronkonkoma, NY. He had been a co-owner and vice president of sales and marketing for Anco Packaging Company in Shelton, CT, and remained there for 10 years after it was sold to CCL Industries. He also has held sales positions with Alford Industries, F.J. Patton Label Company, Keller Ticket, and Normandy Press. Active in the cosmetic and packaging industry, he is past president and former board member of Cosmetic Industry Buyers & Suppliers.

Roy Palmer has more than 35 years in operations management, most recently as vice president and general manager of Paris Art Label. He has a background in the cosmetic and beauty industry through management positions with Tristar Corporation, Circle of Beauty and Del Laboratories.

"It was the right time," says Biava, "and especially to the right people, who will further grow Driscoll Label Company well into the future." Biava will remain with the company on a consulting basis, as will Ken Mihalik, the former GM.

"Taking over Driscoll Label Company just after it won the TLMI Management Excellence Award puts us on a springboard to accelerate the development of the company into new markets and opportunities," says Raguso.

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"The solid foundation of people, customers and infrastructure will ensure a seamless transition," adds Palmer. "We are happy that Bob Biava and Ken Mihalik will remain on staff in an advisory capacity for some time into the future."

In late October, the company took delivery of a new Nilpeter press, a 10-color, 13" machine with three Stork screenprinting units and rotary hot stamp capability.