About Tarheel Roller &
Brayer Co.
In 1999, Tarheel Roller Co. of Clemmons, NC acquired the composition
roller manufacturing equipment and operations from W.F. Isley & Co. in Greensboro, NC. in order to continue
the tradition of composition roller casting for letterpress printers. The purchase included the original
double boiler steam heated copper mixing kettles, pressure kettle, roller core centering stars, several
roller molds, as well as the composition formulas and techniques developed by Isley since 1913.
Tarheel was salvaged from the scrapyards by two printers, David H. Hauser, and Roy F. Wrights.
Both had been Isley roller customers for many years. When they heard the company was preparing to discard
some of its surplus molds and equipment, and possibly discontinue making rollers, they asked if they could
take a look at what was involved in the roller casting process. Following their observation, they were so
impressed with the process that they came away convinced that someone should continue making composition
rollers for letterpress printers who prefer printing with the original type of roller material. And so they
decided to form a partnership to purchase to carry on the operation of the business to insure that
composition rollers will continue to be available for printers.
The
roller casting operations were moved from Greensboro, NC to 2156
Lewisville-Clemmons Road, in Clemmons, NC in May of 1999 where they are
continued today.
Following the death of his partner, Roy Wrights, from lung cancer September 10, 2001,
Hauser took over ownership and operations of the business and casts rollers today assisted by Allen
Wrights, Roy Wrights' brother.
