LBS Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LBS Celebrates 100-Year Anniversary and Local Businesses

This milestone marks a century of family-owned innovation and the strength of Des Moines businesses.

DES MOINES, Iowa (10/19/2021) — Founded as a bookbindery in 1921, LBS has grown to include three business units: LBS, Corporate Image, and Archival Products, offering customers a range of products and services in custom packaging, bindery materials, and preservation products. The company celebrated its 100-year anniversary last week by inviting the local Des Moines community for a celebration event with self-guided tours of two of their manufacturing facilities, food trucks, live music, and more. This significant milestone marks not only a century of successful innovation, but also serves as a testament to the Des Moines business community.

During the celebration, the community was also given the opportunity to hear from speakers, including Scot Storjahann, IA/NE ESOP Chapter President and LBS trustee; Jay Fairfield, HF Group President; Rob Mauritz, LBS President and CEO; Linda Westergaard, Eastside Councilmember; and Fritz James, former owner, President, and CEO of LBS.

Alongside these speakers, Chris Paxson, Senior Vice President of LBS, presented the East Side Library with a monetary donation of $10,000 on behalf of LBS. As long-standing members of the Des Moines East Side and a legacy of promoting literacy, LBS is excited to see how this donation will continue promoting literacy and education in the community.

“Not only are we proud to have been in business for 100 years, but we are grateful to continue to serve and support Des Moines for over a century,” said Rob Mauritz, President & CEO, LBS. “Local businesses represent the backbone of our community, which is why we were honored to give back to the East Side Library to celebrate our centennial year.”

LBS was a family-owned business from 1921 to 2014, when it became employee-owned. Moving to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) model allowed LBS to continue growing while preserving the original company culture. Now, the company is comprised of 80 employee owners.

“We’ve stayed true to the values that have been core to LBS since the beginning — including innovation, partnership, and customer service — and are confident in continuing these values for the next 100 years,” said Mauritz. “With the support of the Des Moines community, there is only opportunity for growth.”

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About LBS

LBS is a manufacturer and distributor of materials for publishing, photo books, bookbinding, and luxury packaging. Founded in 1921, LBS has grown from a family bookbindery to a diverse supplier, serving all facets of the book publishing and luxury packaging industries.

Today, LBS is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with 80 employee-owners. Proud of its roots in the world of fine craftsmanship bookbinding, the company continues to seek avenues for growth, meet the needs of its customers, and work hand-in-hand with suppliers and partners to provide superior bookbinding and luxury packaging materials and products.

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