Tuapeka Gold Print officially turns 25 on December 17, but plans are under way for a free concert in Lawrence next month to celebrate the milestone.
The company was founded in 1987 by Jim Robertson, who started printing business cards at home on the kitchen table.
The company has grown significantly and now employs 70 people, a large portion of the town's population of 400.
Mr Robertson soon branched out and began printing pens and now the company prints "just about anything you can get a logo on".
By 1991, a year after starting, the company was the second-biggest printed pen business in New Zealand, selling one million pens. By 1993, with sales of up to four million pens, it was the largest.
The company also manufactures its own drink bottles but buys most of its products from China before printing and distributing them throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
"To grow a business from nothing to an international business using just locals is huge."
Mr Robertson was joined in business by Brad Houghton in May 2007.
With a background in engineering, Mr Houghton brought in fresh ideas and a new set of skills.
Mr Robertson said bringing in Mr Houghton was a move that worked well and ensured the company continued to operate.
"Bringing in Brad's skills and expertise before the recession really kept us going. We needed operational support to grow with the changes in the market."
Mr Houghton said he looked at Tuapeka Gold Print with an open mind and found it "ticked all the boxes".
"My father was a farmer and a printer after farming. It's very sad that he didn't get the chance to see what we're doing here.
"I haven't looked back since joining the company. I'm 100% committed to the success of this business," Mr Houghton said.
As the business grew, the company's presence has spread in the town, occupying many different buildings.
Today, the company occupies five facilities in Lawrence - the main office, drinkware facility, drinkware warehouse, the main decoration and assembly compound and a large satellite warehouse on the outskirts of town.
"The last 25 years has been a challenge, and there has been massive changes in the market.
Running an international business from Lawrence is very difficult. It says a lot about the community that we found the skills we needed here," Mr Robertson said.
The pair also aimed to upskill people, and encouraged employees to further their education.
Mr Houghton said he offered one employee a certificate in industry management. The man had since spoken at an international symposium, achieved a top industry qualification, and was now the company's operational manager.
"We're slowly building the skills we need to take it to the next level. We're well-supported by the people who are here already. All of us are learning, growing, and changing."
Mr Robertson said the company was coming in to the most challenging time in its history.
"It's a real period of change - right now is the biggest amount of change I have seen. We're facing some really tough challenges. The goal is to promote the kind of changes that will keep the company around for the next 25 years."
He said he was looking forward to celebrating the past 25 years with the district, and invited Clutha residents to attend a free concert in Lawrence on November 24.
Jo Romanes, of Rotorua, who owns the restored former Presbyterian church "The Churrch" in Lawrence with her husband, Mike, is organising the entertainment in the natural amphitheatre between "The Churrch" and Jafa Motels.
Mrs Romanes said the concert would be run in a variety show style similar to the thank-you event run by the couple in 2009.
"There will be an '80s influence because Tuapeka Gold Print was created in 1987.
People can dress in '80s gear if they really want to get into the swing of things."
The event would be entertaining and colourful; comedy and "popera" acts were planned as well as glam rock music.
"It's quite a variety of acts planned, and we're hoping there's something for everyone."
She hinted there would be surprises in store for guests, including "iconic '80s Kiwiana".
Mr Robertson hoped former employees would attend the concert.
"The company started when the whole district was in a very bad recession.
"Over the years, we've had great support from the district so the concert is about giving something back as well as celebrating the milestone."
• Tuapeka Gold Print 25 years concert, Lawrence, November 24, from 7.30pm.
