Our Company History
Founded in 1896, Buckeye Business Products has a long legacy of helping businesses communicate, ship, and label efficiently. See how we've grown from typewriter ribbons to advanced label manufacturing.
Buckeye Business Products Over The Years
1896
Buckeye Business Products, Inc. has been helping customers put ink on paper since 1896. Founded in Cleveland by brothers Michael and James Donovan—originally from Corning, New York—the business began as Donovan & Company, specializing in typewriters and supplies.
1899
Renamed Buckeye Ribbon & Carbon Company in 1899, the business quickly expanded—relocating several times within Cleveland to support its growth. In the early 1900s, it became well known for its "Bucki" brand of typewriter ribbons and carbon paper.
1919
In 1919, Buckeye expanded into New York State with the acquisition of Mercury Manufacturing Company in Rochester. Around the same time, the company broadened its global reach with export branch offices in New York City, London, Cuba, and Copenhagen.
Mid-20th Century
During the mid-20th century, Buckeye was acquired by Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation and became part of its AM Office Supplies Division. The company secured several patents for advancements in typewriter ribbon technology, reinforcing its role as an industry innovator.
1982
Following the rebrand in 1982, Buckeye Business Products, Inc. continued producing inks, typewriter ribbons, cash register ribbons, addressing machine ribbons, computer ribbons, and band printer cartridges. As office technology evolved, Buckeye expanded its offerings to include fanfold bar-lined computer paper and laser toners—reflecting a steady transition into more modern business solutions.
1984
Under new ownership by Pubco and leadership of President Bill Dillingham, Buckeye transitioned away from typewriter and carbon paper products. The company focused instead on pressure-sensitive thermal labels used for shipping and barcode applications. It now operates out of its Cleveland facility on Kelley Avenue.
2010
Since 2010, Buckeye has invested over $125 million in capital improvements—including 22 advanced coating lines, three state-of-the-art adhesive reactors, and cutting-edge digital printing technology. This includes the addition of a high-performance Domino digital press and nitrogen tank systems to support UV ink curing. Buckeye has also implemented robotic automation for producing 1" core labels, streamlining production and increasing efficiency.These upgrades support Buckeye's continued growth as a leader in label manufacturing.
Present
We have expanded our capabilities to full color labeling, with the addition of our Bobst label presses.