The John Henry of folklore may have been a steel-driving man, but The John Henry Company has a more delicate touch. It makes, prints, and sells specialty packaging to the floral industry (baskets, ceramic mugs, glassware, and wreaths), as well as personal note cards, envelopes, and plant tags. Since its start in 1912, the company has grown from plants to packaging. Through its John Henry Packaging Group, the company manufactures custom-designed blister packs, product labels and inserts, and cartons, coupled with a range of printing services, primarily for mid-size pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and, to a lesser extent, food and beverage markets. Bear Stearns Merchant Banking owns the company.