History

A Legacy of Innovation: The History of McCourt Label

Welcome to a journey through time, where tradition meets innovation, and history shapes the future. The McCourt Label Company, with its roots deeply embedded in the dawn of the 20th century, represents more than just a business; it is a legacy. Our story unfolds in the bustling era of 1896, within the modest confines of a grocery store’s back room in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where Newton W. McCourt’s vision brought to life an invention that would set the stage for a century of innovation. This is the tale of a company that grew from a single patented idea into a leader in the pressure-sensitive label industry, overcoming challenges and embracing advancements to provide high-quality products. Join us as we explore the milestones that have defined history of McCourt Label Company, a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Innovative Beginnings

Founded on Newton W. McCourt’s pioneering label dispensing cabinet invention in 1904, McCourt Label Company established its legacy of innovation early on. Click here to read more about the cabinet that is at the Smithsonian.

Resilience & Expansion

Despite facing significant challenges in its early years, McCourt Label persevered and expanded into the pressure-sensitive label market by embracing flexographic printing technology in 1967.

Modernization &Growth

With a move to a state-of-the-art facility and the adoption of advanced technologies, McCourt Label has cemented its status as a national leader in high-quality label production.

From its humble beginnings in 1896, nestled in the back room of a grocery store, to a modern facility in the heart of Pennsylvania, McCourt Label Company’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and commitment to quality. Our story begins with Newton W. McCourt, an inventor with tireless energy and a knack for transforming his visions into tangible products. Among his creations, the McCourt Label Cabinet stood out, revolutionizing label dispensing with its practical and efficient design, securing McCourt’s place as a pivotal figure in the industry.

A photo from 1896 of a grocery store where the history of McCourt Label got its start.

A photograph showing the original stakeholders of McCourt Label Company.

In the early days, operations took root in Bradford, Pennsylvania, leveraging a simple yet ingenious invention for storing and dispensing labels. The company’s foundation was cemented on March 13, 1903, when Newton W. McCourt and George W. McAllister patented their “Druggist’s Label Holder,” a move that led to the formation of the McCourt Label Cabinet Company on August 20, 1904. This incorporation marked the beginning of an era, with a unique assembly of stakeholders from various walks of life, including oil and gas producers, bookkeepers, and even a former mayor, all united by a shared vision.

The history of McCourt Label is filled with challenges and milestones. From the loss of key figures to near financial collapse, McCourt Label’s resilience was tested. Yet, under the stewardship of Herbert H. Black from 1912, and later Isadore I. Rogalsky and John L. Egbert, the company not only survived but thrived, expanding operations and embracing technological advancements like the flexographic printing process, which marked its entry into the pressure-sensitive label market.

Our foray into flexography in 1967 with the acquisition of a cutting-edge Webtron flexo press, and subsequent expansions, underscored our commitment to innovation and excellence. This relentless pursuit of improvement propelled McCourt into new markets, including data processing labels, thanks to strategic investments in technology and machinery.

A press operator at McCourt label printing durable labels on a press.

A Photo of the exterior sign in front of the McCourt Label building.

Today, McCourt Label stands proud in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania, with a 43,000 square foot facility and a dedicated team of approximately 75 employees. Our evolution from a small operation behind a grocery store to a leading converter of pressure-sensitive label products reflects our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service. As we look back on our rich history, we are reminded of the journey that brought us here and the countless individuals who have been part of our story. McCourt Label Company, with over a century of experience, continues to lead with innovation, serving customers across the nation with high-quality label products, just as Newton W. McCourt envisioned.