IWCO Direct

In 1969, a company was founded that would become a quiet giant in direct marketing. While the specific founders' names are not widely publicized, the enterprise began its journey as an envelope producer, a seemingly simple but essential component of direct mail. Over the next several decades, it grew to become one of the largest providers of direct marketing solutions in North America, evolving far beyond just manufacturing envelopes to offering a full suite of services. The company, now known as IWCO, established itself by helping clients acquire and retain customers through highly personalized marketing programs. A key part of its playbook became mastering the entire supply chain, from design and data analytics to production and complex postal logistics. This integrated approach allowed them to optimize direct mail campaigns for major clients. A pivotal moment in the company's story occurred in December 2017 when it was acquired by ModusLink Global Solutions for $476 million in cash. This transaction marked the end of IWCO's chapter as a privately-held entity and integrated it into a publicly-traded global supply chain company. The acquisitions didn't stop, as the company continued to absorb other businesses to enhance its capabilities. More recently, in February 2022, a new chapter began when an investor group led by Cerberus Capital Management acquired ownership and made a significant capital investment. This move positioned IWCO as one of the most well-capitalized companies in the industry, signaling a renewed focus on growth, technology, and expanding its data-driven marketing platform to meet the future needs of marketers.