Greenwell Chisholm, a fixture of Owensboro’s business community for more than a century, has been acquired by BOPI, a family-owned commercial print and packaging company based in Bloomington, Illinois.
Company leaders said the move marks a new chapter for the 106-year-old business while ensuring that its legacy continues under another multigenerational, family-led business.
“This partnership reflects months of thoughtful conversation and shared vision,” said Brian Greenwell, president of Greenwell Chisholm. “It represents both the closing of a meaningful chapter for our family and the beginning of an exciting new one for our employees and customers. Partnering with BOPI ensures that Greenwell Chisholm’s tradition of craftsmanship, integrity, and personal service will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Founded in 1919, Greenwell Chisholm has been guided by four generations of the Greenwell family, including current chairman Carl Greenwell and his son Brian. The company evolved from a small local print shop into a full-service commercial printing and marketing provider.
Brian said he and his father had been exploring potential partners for several months and wanted to ensure any transition maintained the company’s close ties to its employees and the community.
“We really wanted to make sure that we found the right cultural fit for both our employees as well as the community,” he said. “Owensboro has always been a big part of Greenwell Chisholm, and we wanted to make sure we were ensuring that continued commitment to the community — to continue to be involved with the nonprofits and events and all of that sort of thing.”
Brian said BOPI felt like a natural fit, noting the company’s similar family story and Midwestern roots.
“They bring a whole lot of additional capabilities to the table that are going to help our customers here in Owensboro as well as our employees,” he said. “They were really excited about our large-format department that we’ve grown over the last few years. There are a lot of synergies that will be created.”
Brian said his father will retire, and he plans to stay on for a short time to assist with the transition before focusing full-time on his investment advisory business.
He added that operations and personnel at the Owensboro facility will remain unchanged.
“We’re trying to keep everything as consistent as possible,” he said. “Very little is going to change for the employees and for the customers. Everything should stay very constant. Greenwell Chisholm will still be the name on the building … the intention is to really grow the presence with these increased capabilities.”
Carl said the sale brings both pride and gratitude.
“We’re proud that Greenwell Chisholm’s legacy will continue through this partnership,” he said. “BOPI shares our belief that printing is about people and relationships first. We’re confident our team and customers are in excellent hands.”
BOPI, led by chairman Tom Mercier and president Jeff Mercier, is in its third generation of family leadership. The company has built a 75-year reputation on precision, reliability, and customer care.
“Greenwell Chisholm is an ideal cultural and strategic fit,” said Tom Mercier. “Owensboro is a vibrant community with a deep sense of tradition, and we’re honored to become part of it.”
Operations will continue as normal at Greenwell Chisholm’s facility at 420 East Parrish Avenue, with the same team and focus on service.
Brian said he’s thankful to the community for its continued support.
“Dad and I feel so honored for having been able to be a part of Owensboro for the last 100-plus years,” he said. “We feel very grateful and humbled to have been a part of the story of Owensboro for the last 100 years.”
