Dixon Ticonderoga Company’s 87-year run in promo is coming to an end, but Shepenco (asi/86850) says it has struck a deal that will help ensure Dixon’s distributor customers don’t go lacking for their writing instrument needs.

The Shelbyville, TN-based company, Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year, has agreed to buy certain equipment and parts, along with a promo customer list, from Dixon Ticonderoga.

“The equipment allows us to increase capacity in areas, and also opens some printing options we did not offer,” Shepenco owner Dan Townes told ASI Media. “We’re blessed and thankful for the opportunity Dixon presented to us to buy some of their promo assets and are confident we can take care of Dixon’s customers in an excellent fashion.”

Townes told ASI Media that, as of this writing, Shepenco had not purchased Dixon Ticonderoga inventory. He said the plan is to begin moving equipment from Dixon’s shuttering Macon, GA, facility to Shepenco’s Tennessee location as soon as possible.

“Even without having their equipment on line, we have the ability, inventory and processes to accommodate Dixon Promo’s former customers,” said Townes.

He explained that the plan is to make operational certain pieces of equipment by prioritization, and then put them on line with Shepenco’s machines. “We anticipate the initial machines being operational by the end of March 2024,” Townes said.

Beyond its mainstay pencil products, Dixon offered crayons, highlighters and industrial markers to the promo market; Shepenco will not until it has absorbed all of Dixon’s equipment and has it running. “We did purchase equipment that would allow us to decorate crayons, highlighters and industrial markers, but we will not consider doing so until the pencil equipment is up,” explained Townes.

On Aug. 1, Dixon Ticonderoga Company, the provider of the well-known No. 2 pencil and other writing instruments, announced that it was closing its promo division by the end of 2023. The decision was made as Dixon also decided to shut down a distribution center in Macon, GA, where promo orders were fulfilled. At the time, the company said it was dedicated to ensuring a fair and respectful transition for employees whose jobs are affected.

Dixon Ticonderoga Company sells in markets beyond promo. It provides products and supplies for the classroom, office and fine art. Beyond pencils, offerings include paper rolls, brushes, erasers, chalk and markers. Dixon Ticonderoga Company is part of the F.I.L.A. Group, an Italy-based multinational supplier of art materials and related products. Dixon Ticonderoga was founded in the United States and has roots that stretch back to the 1790s. According to the company, it has sold in the promo market for 87 years.

Shepenco is also a company with deep roots. D.L. Townes founded the firm in Shelbyville in 1933. The Townes family still owns the business today, with the fourth generation active in the company.

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