In 1974, Lowry and Associates was formed in Brighton, MI,
to serve as manufacturer’s rep for a relatively unknown company — Intel.
The company sold Intel chips, processor boards, and components to distributors.
Computer peripheral products such as modems, storage devices, terminals,
and printers were added to the business in 1976. About this time, the company
also began to function as a systems integrator for customers who wanted to
integrate computer peripherals with microcomputer platforms.
In 1978, a chance application helped set the strategic direction of the company.
A customer asked Lowry to design software that would enable a Printronix printer
to print bar codes for shelf labels.
In 1980 Michael Lowry was named President and the company name was changed
to Lowry Computer Products. Within six years, the company’s revenue rose
to $18 million — $10 million in computer peripherals and $8 million in bar
code solutions.
By 1990, Lowry dropped the computer peripheral side of the business and
focused on single, packaged solutions to meet the data collection needs
of vertical markets.
During the mid-90’s, Lowry acquired Data Port, Par, and Data Recall
in San Jose, CA.
In 1996 Lowry acquired Marprint, White Bear Lake, MN, and merged
it with Data Recall, thereby expanding its offering with
Paragon Print & Apply technology and a custom label printing operation.
Today Lowry not only focuses on bar code solutions, but also wireless
networking and the professional and technical services to implement these
technologies.
