The United States Postal Service gives the Bureau of Engraving and Printing orders of stamps to be produced each year. The stamp design, lettering and denominations are manually engraved on a steel master die. Engraved printing sleeves are produced by sidereography. Offset lithographic plates are manufactured by photographic processes. Examiners inspect the work for printing defects.
Bookbinders perforate and process into books, sheets, or coils.
Production Support Operatives package, label and verify all products for delivery to vaults. The vaults and shipping department maintain accountability, storage and shipping of stamps to post offices across the nation. The Bureau is proud of its enduring relationship with the United States Postal Service. Throughout this 104 year relationship, the Bureau continues to improve and update its creation of well crafted, high quality postage stamps. A century of quality could not have been done without the skill, talent, craftsmanship and care that BEP employees put into designing and executing U.S. postage stamps.