We are all familiar with the term “big box stores,” but ABC Insert might aptly be called a “big box business.” One could even say that when it comes to delivering pharmaceutical products to medical facilities where clinical trials are conducted, ABC Insert, based in Ambler, checks off all the boxes.

ABC Insert is the kind of business most of us probably never gave one second of thought to. (I admit I never did.) But owner and CEO Bill Lamb, 59, a Wyndmoor resident for 26 years (and Chestnut Hill before that) and legendary rowing coach for St. Joseph's Prep who was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, has thought about it every day since buying the company in 1990. (Lamb also went to Norwood Fontbonne Academy with Gen. H.R. McMaster, who resigned as National Security Advisor in March of 2018.)

And last November, Lamb, whose company manufactures precision custom folding cartons for clinical trial pharmaceuticals, expanded its operations with the purchase of Ray Products located in Parsons, Kansas. ABC Insert has been in business for more than 35 years and employs 16 workers while Ray Products was founded in 1966 and employs 45 workers. Both companies are continuing to operate their respective manufacturing plants in Ambler and Parsons, Kansas. Lamb, who now visits the Kansas facility often, said he expects this year's revenue for his companies to be $15 million.

“I am very proud of the fact that we did not lay off anyone during the pandemic,” Lamb said last week. “In fact, I told my employees that they could stay home and continue to get their pay and benefits, but not one did. In fact, I want very much to hire more people for both companies, but like so many other companies, I cannot find them. Some others are paying big bonuses to get new employees, but I can't do that because it would throw our entire pay structure out if whack.”

ABC Insert is a global supplier of custom-made folding cartons for industries. They ship anywhere in the world and can provide quantities ranging from 50 units to 500,000 or more. More than 90 percent of clinical trial orders can be filled within 73 hours. Customers include Fortune 500 pharmaceutical firms and small drug manufacturers.

Lamb, a native of Chestnut Hill, grew up in a family-run business. His great grandfather started a printing/stationary company in 1910 located on Chestnut Street known as Lamb Brothers Stationers. The company remained in the family for many years and was eventually sold to Staples in the 1990s.

“One of the things I liked about acquiring Ray Products is that it is also a family-run business. We  treat our employees like family, and we are very proud of the benefits we offer. And the culture and work ethic of Ray Products is a perfect fit for ABC Insert, which has many of the same qualities. This is one of those situations where one plus one equals three.” 

Ray Products is a designer/manufacturer of custom set-up or rigid paper boxes: tightwrap, loosewrap, clear vinyl boxes, shoulder boxes, DVD slipcases, book boxes, boxes with hinged lids, die cut inserts, etc. The company, founded by John Joseph Ray, has been a longtime supplier of boxes to Hallmark Cards Inc. in Kansas City.

“Small family businesses in particular can be an incredible instrument of good for all its constituents, customers, employees and communities when operated properly,” Lamb said. “The success of these two family businesses shows that manufacturing is alive and well in America.”

Lamb, a graduate of St. Joseph's Prep and St. Joseph's University, began coaching the rowing team at his high school alma mater while he was still in college. He was part of the coaching staff from 1982 to 2001 and then again from 2003 to 2008, serving as head coach from 1992 to 2001 and 2003 to 2008. During that time he led the crew to seven Catholic League Championships, eight Stotesbury Cups and seven National Championships. He also led the Prep V-8 to the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta in England five times, winning in 2000 and finishing second in 2005.

For more information, visit abcinsert.com. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com