Our History

R.W. Hartnett’s reputation for excellence was noted by New York’s FORD GUM company in 1945 and they tasked our team with developing a machine that would print on their line of gumballs. The project was a groundbreaking success. Shortly thereafter, R.W. Hartnett was asked by Philadelphia-based Smith-Kline to design and build the first printing machine capable of printing on a pharmaceutical product. This undertaking was again successful and it was then that R.W. Hartnett began to focus its talent and energy on developing the best machines in the world to impact both the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and confectionery industries. Operated by the same family since the early 1900s, R.W. Hartnett has played an integral part in the development of printing machines. Both large pharmaceutical companies and small entrepreneurial start-ups continue to rely upon our pioneering approach for their technological and mechanical solutions. Located in Philadelphia, our new facility boasts state-of-the-art equipment while maintaining a family atmosphere, ensuring that satisfying the needs of our customers will always remain at the forefront of our focus.