A family owned packaging company earns trust by proving its value over time. Petra & Holum has done exactly that for nearly a century. What began as a small basement operation during the Great Depression has grown into one of America’s premier manufacturers of custom luxury packaging.
Many companies can tell you what they make. Few can tell a story that spans four generations of innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience. Petra & Holum’s history isn’t simply about surviving difficult times. It’s about embracing change while staying true to the values that built the company from the very beginning.
Great companies are built on courage, not convenience.
Every successful business starts with someone willing to take a risk. For Arthur Holum, that moment came in 1933 during one of the most difficult economic periods in American history.
While working a steady job at RR Donnelley, Arthur and his brother began making book covers in the basement after work. They used simple equipment, homemade tables, and hand tools. Every cover required careful craftsmanship. Corners were folded by hand, materials were pressed into place, and each piece reflected pride in their work.
Richard Holum, third-generation owner of Petra & Holum, explains how those humble beginnings shaped the company’s future.
“Grandpa and one uncle… decided to start making book covers… in the basement. It started with a very simple piece of equipment and a homemade table.”
Those long nights eventually led to larger facilities, new customers, and continued growth. More importantly, they established a mindset that still defines Petra & Holum today. Success comes from solving problems, serving customers well, and never being afraid to work harder than the competition.
A family owned packaging company succeeds by adapting to change.
Longevity doesn’t happen by accident. Businesses that last nearly 100 years understand that markets evolve, customer needs change, and innovation never stops.
Over the decades, Holum & Sons expanded beyond book covers into binders, presentation products, and eventually premium custom packaging. Along the way, the company invested in new technology while preserving the craftsmanship that built its reputation.
Richard summarizes that philosophy in one simple statement.
“You either grow and change with the times or die.”
That willingness to evolve proved essential. As digital technology reduced demand for traditional binders, Petra & Holum recognized new opportunities in premium packaging. Instead of protecting the past, the company invested in the future.
Richard recalls convincing his father to purchase automated equipment that dramatically increased production while maintaining quality.
The investment wasn’t just about speed. It positioned the company for decades of continued growth.
Today, Petra & Holum combines advanced manufacturing technology with experienced craftsmanship to create luxury packaging for product launches, entertainment brands, influencer campaigns, and premium consumer products.
That balance between tradition and innovation continues to separate the company from competitors.
Nearly 100 years of craftsmanship still guide every project.
Experience creates confidence. After nearly a century in business, Petra & Holum approaches every project with knowledge earned through generations of manufacturing.
While technology has changed, the company’s commitment to quality has not.
Richard often reminds customers that every project receives careful planning before production begins. Prototypes are reviewed, designs are refined, and every detail is considered before manufacturing starts. That process helps clients avoid costly surprises while ensuring the finished package reflects their brand.
The same pride Arthur Holum brought to every handmade book cover still exists throughout the organization today.
Richard believes that commitment extends far beyond the equipment on the production floor.
“We’ve combined a level of old school craftsmanship that goes all the way back to Grandpa… with as much advanced technology as we can put into it.”
That combination allows Petra & Holum to manufacture packaging that not only protects products but also creates memorable customer experiences. Whether designing luxury rigid boxes, promotional kits, or highly engineered presentation packaging, the focus remains the same: deliver exceptional quality that reflects the client’s brand.
For customers, that means working with a team that has already solved thousands of manufacturing challenges and continues to innovate with every new project.
A legacy built on craftsmanship continues to shape the future.
A family owned packaging company offers more than manufacturing capabilities. It offers continuity, experience, and a long-term commitment to doing things the right way.
From a basement workshop during the Great Depression to nearly a century of premium packaging innovation, Petra & Holum’s story reflects the power of perseverance, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Arthur Holum likely never imagined where his small business would lead. Yet the principles that guided him in 1933 remain visible throughout the company today. Every custom package represents the same commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction that began almost 100 years ago.
If your brand deserves packaging backed by generations of expertise, Petra & Holum is ready to help bring your vision to life.
Check out our other blogs.
Contact us for your premium packaging needs.