Today, IWCO Direct is one of the nation’s leading service providers in the direct marketing industry. With more than 35 years experience in printing and envelope manufacturing, personalization, lettershop, postage management, and logistics solutions, IWCO Direct does direct marketing like no one else.

Originally founded in 1969 as Instant Services, Inc., the company installed its first web press in 1976 and became Instant Web, Inc., moving to Chanhassen, MN, 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The company continued to grow and became The Instant Web Companies with the acquisition of United Mailing, Inc., in 1977, and Victory Envelope in 1981. In 1985, the company expanded 110 miles north in Little Falls, MN, and a year later moved into what is now one of the nation’s largest and most advanced commercial lettershops.

In April 1999, James N. Andersen as President and CEO, was brought in as an equity partner to transition the three independent companies to a single entity. In January 2002, Thomas C. Wicka joined the company in an equity position and plays a leadership role as Executive Vice President–Chief Marketing Officer. In February 2005, IWCO Direct was acquired by private equity firm Citigroup Venture Capital (CVC) and the company’s existing senior management team.

In July, 2005, IWCO Direct acquired the operating assets of Fala Direct Marketing, Inc., a leading direct marketing production services company. The acquisition expanded production capacity, products and services, and geographic presence.

In October, 2006, IWCO Direct signed an agreement to purchase the Valpak production facility in Elm City, NC, from Cox Target Media; the purchase was finalized in December 2007 following a planned phased transition. The acquisition of this facility enhances our strategic initiative to deliver unsurpassed value to customers through expanded capacity, postal optimization, reduced cycle times and integrated solutions. IWCO Direct will invest more than $30 million in the Elm City facility over three years.

In August 2007, private equity firm Avista Capital Partners acquired a controlling interest in IWCO Direct from Court Square Capital Partners (formerly CVC). IWCO Direct’s executive management team continues to operate the company and remains meaningful shareholders.

IWCO Direct plays an active role in our communities by advocating for key issues such as transportation, education needs, and healthcare reform with local political leaders. Of particular importance to us is our support of the Minnesota Business Partnership youth mentoring program. We also work closely with industry partners, the US Postal Service, and our Congressional representatives to build awareness of the mailing industry and the urgent need for comprehensive postal reform.