Buhl Press | Buhl Press History

The Buhl team draws upon a half-century of experience to provide solutions to many of North America’s premiere companies. Our vision, coupled with our unmatched experience, is why the Buhl Press has become synonymous with fine printing on plastic. It’s also why we are able to measure many of our customer relationships in decades.

1955 Founding

The Buhl Press is founded by Carl and Birdie Buhl. Starting with a handful of dedicated employees and a couple single color presses, the company sets up shop in downtown Chicago.

1973 Pioneering

The Buhl Press becomes known among local printers as a company that can “print anything.” Our pressmen take pride in handling jobs that others can’t or don’t want to print. From highly textured and embossed papers to the first commercially available plastics, Buhl finds a way to run unique substrates and get the ink to dry. Buhl’s pioneering efforts with plastic printing sets the course for the company’s future.

1975–1999 Growing

Peyton Barkley acquires the Buhl Press in 1975. Within a decade, growth requires the relocation of the business to a modern 20,000 square foot facility. Buhl replaces its single-color presses with 4-color and 5-color equipment and installs custom UV drying systems to enhance specialty print capabilities. The company relocates again in 1993 to accommodate the addition of a new 6-color 40” UV press and Buhl’s first large- format press, a 7-color 60” Miehle.

2000–Present Leading

The Buhl Press gains recognition as an industry leader. To meet the specialty POP print needs of nationally recognized clients, the company further expands its facilities to over 100,000 square feet, acquires a prepress company, and installs computer-to-plate technology. Over the next 10 years, equipment and processes are continually upgraded to meet customer demand.

1955 Founding

1973 Pioneering

1975–1999 Growing

2000–Present Leading

New Investments