The third-generation family business, Atlantic Paper & Supply, has adapted through the years to changing methods of distribution and waning demand for some of its original products.
Its corporate name, created in the late 1940s, reveals some of that history.
Atlantic Paper & Twine Co. is a name that encapsulated what the company did in the pre-plastic era. Then, as now, it sells paper goods and packaging items, as well as cleaning supplies, to small manufacturers in Rhode Island.
But the days of securing packages in twine and brown paper are over. Its voluminous product line 70 years later includes hand sanitizers, shrink wrap and padded shippers. But the distribution system is modernized; it’s all digital.
CEO David Spencer, who has led the company with his wife, Lisa, since 1992, said the company still serves local manufacturers but has broadened its base to include schools and offices. Still headquartered in Pawtucket, Atlantic Paper & Supply has become leaner and more efficient in the digital era.
When he started with the company, which was founded by his wife’s grandfather, Spencer recalled that all orders for products were taken by phone. The order slips were handwritten, with colored copy slips distributed to the customer, as well as the warehouse for product picking and the front office for the invoice.
That’s ancient history now.
The biggest change in the company in the past 15 years has been in technological improvements. About 85% of the sales come by website.
“So now the driver goes out, collects the signature on an iPhone, which we provide. When he drives back here, the iPhone syncs up with our computer system, which sends an invoice to [the customer] by email,” he said.
The automation has its limitations. Drivers are still delivering packages in company trucks.
“We’re still in the business of physical distribution of goods,” Spencer said. “You can’t avoid doing some things by hand.”
The investment in technology includes a modern and efficient website, a good layout for the warehouse and more employees. On a per-employee basis, the output has more than doubled in the past decade.
“A lot more materials with less people,” Spencer said.
In a competitive industry, where prices for cleaning and office products are readily available for comparison online, Spencer said he tries to emphasize personal service. His personal phone number is on his email message. He wants people to call.
“We’re still old-fashioned,” he said. “Old-fashioned for a reason. I choose to have a person answer our phones. My phone number is on my email. Call me anytime. I want to remove all the obstacles for them to talk to me.”
OWNERS: Lisa Spencer, president; David Spencer, CEO
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Wholesale distributor of shipping room supplies, janitorial and safety products
LOCATION: 84 York Ave., Pawtucket
EMPLOYEES: 12
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1948
ANNUAL SALES: $5 million
Mary MacDonald is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Macdonald@PBN.com.
