W.R. Rayson Co. Inc.

720 S. Dickerson St., Burgaw

No. of local employees: 26
Year founded: 1969
Top local official: Michael DiMartino, president and CEO
Company description: W.R. Rayson is a family-owned manufacturer and converter of disposable paper products used in the dental, medical laboratory and beauty industries.
Products made locally: The company makes Hi-Lite Wraps, a specialty translucent paper alternative to foil for highlighting hair. Officials say that their dental articulating papers “are a valuable marking aid during dental procedures. We also offer clear plastic microscope slides and coverslips, a safer choice than the glass versions of these products.”
Product distribution: Worldwide
What made the company decide to make its goods locally? 
Wendy Watts Valade, vice president of administration: “The company originated in New York and due to regulatory issues, which prevented further expansion of its factory on Long Island, the decision was made to find a location that would allow for future growth. The company relocated to Burgaw in 1992 with approximately 50% of its New York staff.”
What’s your target market? 
Watts Valade: “Our products are generally sold through distributors within the beauty, medical laboratory and dental fields; however we see the importance and benefit of targeting the end users in these fields, and we continue to increase our presence through offering private label packaging, e-commerce sales and social media.”
What’s next? 
Watts Valade: “Ongoing improvement of our Quality Management System will allow further sales growth both domestic and worldwide, and we are continuing to expand into other markets that interconnect with our current product lines.”