WCP Solutions, 95 Years, 1930 - 2025
On March 1st, 2025, WCP Solutions celebrated 95 years of service and innovation. Since 1930, we have grown from a small family business to a trusted partner, providing essential products and services to businesses across Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering reliable solutions, building strong relationships, and supporting the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Pre-1930
Richard Abrams Born in Oshkosh, WI: WCP founder Richard Abrams was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, known as the “Sawdust Capital of the World” for its booming lumber industry. The city was home to numerous sawmills and wood processing plants along the Fox River.
Teenage Years: During his teenage years, Richard gained valuable experience in various roles, starting as a court reporter and later as an attorney’s assistant, where he developed excellent typing skills that became a valuable asset in his career. He also attended Oshkosh Teachers College for two years, furthering his education before working in an assay office in Minnesota’s Mesabi Range, one of the largest iron ore mining regions in the United States.
WWI: Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War I and served on the Adjutant General’s staff at Camp Lewis, a major training facility in Washington state that played a key role in preparing troops for service.
Historical Event: The 19th Amendment granted women in the United States the right to vote.
After the War: After the war, Richard balanced work and education, attending evening bookkeeping classes at Seattle College and completing a correspondence course. He took on various jobs, including shoveling coal at the Lake Union power plant, leasing and operating a hotel on Bainbridge Island, and managing an Oriental rug store.
Pop Culture: Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized sound cartoon, introduced Mickey Mouse and revolutionized animation.
Historical Event: The Great Depression began with the stock market crash, leading to widespread economic hardship and unemployment across the United States and beyond.
Liquidation: Richard’s final role before founding West Coast Paper was liquidating a paper company that had closed due to the hardships of the Great Depression. Successfully completing this task in February 1930, he built key relationships during the process that proved instrumental in establishing the new company.
1930s
WCP Begins: West Coast Paper was founded on March 1, 1930, by Richard Abrams in Seattle, WA. The company (now known as WCP Solutions) started by supplying packaging materials like brown wrapping paper, tying twine, and bags to merchants in Seattle’s Pike Place Market and International District. Richard’s wife, Amelia, along with a trusted colleague, played key roles in the early success of the business, shaping the customer-focused approach that continues to define WCP Solutions today.
Early Days: When the company began, deliveries were made out of a Ford Model A. It was never a one-person operation, and growth came quickly; by the end of 1930, the team had expanded to six salespeople and relocated to a warehouse in Seattle’s SoDo district.
Butler Paper Partnership and Entry into Fine Printing Paper: In 1935, a pivotal partnership with Butler Paper Company marked West Coast Paper Co.’s entry into the fine printing paper business. To secure the deal, a historic all-night trip on a Ford Tri-Motor airplane brought Richard Abrams to Chicago, where a brief meeting and handshake with Paul Butler set the foundation for this key segment of the company’s operations. The Butler Paper connection lasted for over 20 years, continuing even after its acquisition by Nekoosa Papers in the 1960s. Notable Butler brands included Beckett, Consolidated, and Fox River.
Expansion and Incorporation: In 1935, West Coast Paper Co. leased an entire building at 4th Avenue South and Holgate Street in Seattle, with Overland Transfer and Paul Jones Company as sub-tenants. That same year, WCP was officially incorporated for the first time, coinciding with the introduction of Washington State’s sales tax. Many memorable experiences and dedicated individuals contributed to the company’s success during these early years at 4th and Holgate.
Phillip H. O’Loane, Sr. Joins West Coast Paper: In 1938, Richard Abrams recruited Phillip H. O’Loane, Sr. to join West Coast Paper, marking the start of a career that would span over four decades. O’Loane played a critical role in WCP’s long-term success
1940s
Affiliate in Portland: West Coast Paper established a new affiliate in Portland, OR, in 1940. The business was later sold to Al Weisenborn, who continued operating it into the 1970s
Historical Events: 1941 marked significant historical events, including the completion of Mount Rushmore and the attack on Pearl Harbor, which thrust the United States into World War II.
Acquisition: The Paul Jones Company in Seattle was acquired in 1947, and later merged into West Coast Paper Company in 1949.
Allied Paper Becomes a WCP Affiliate: In 1948, Richard Abrams purchased a one-third stake in Allied Paper Company Tacoma, expanding it into the printing paper market and making it an affiliate of West Coast Paper. Originally founded in 1946, the Tacoma, WA-based company became an important part of WCP’s growing presence in the region.
The Disaster: In 1949, disaster struck when the Seattle Earthquake caused severe damage to the building. The walls collapsed, and the entire back half of the structure fell into the lot next door. Amazingly, no employees were injured—though one narrowly escaped by diving out of a bathroom window, outrunning the falling walls behind him.
Rebuilding: Several prominent firms, including some competitors, quickly stepped forward to demonstrate the Seattle business community’s solidarity, offering to store any salvageable inventory during the rebuilding effort. However, the building’s owners were unwilling to invest in reconstruction. Seeing the opportunity and challenge ahead, Richard Abrams took on the heavy risk—purchasing the building (at 4th and Holgate), repairing it, and restocking the inventory.
Fun Fact: Dick Abrams, the president’s son and future second-generation owner, started his career with the company on the ground floor—quite literally—by helping to rebuild the foundation of the earthquake-damaged building.
1950s
Reams of Satisfaction: In the early 1950s, WCP promoted its products and services with a custom swatch cabinet designed for printers and designers. The lockable cabinet featured a folding front for easy access to fine paper swatch books, with West Coast Paper Company and the Butler Paper logo displayed on the front. It also featured the slogan “Reams of Satisfaction,” which WCP used to promote its business. As the company expanded beyond paper, the slogan was eventually phased out, but the swatch cabinet remains a unique piece of WCP’s marketing history.
Special thanks to Mark Denny, who shared this swatch cabinet from his personal collection.
Pop Culture: 1955 marked the opening of Disneyland in California and the beginning of the Vietnam War, two events that would have lasting cultural and historical impact.
A Larger Seattle Facility: By 1955, West Coast Paper Co. had outgrown its existing facility and relocated to a larger, two-story building at 5001 First Avenue South and South Hudson Street in Seattle, WA. The new 77,000-square-foot space provided the capacity needed to support the company’s continued growth.
Historical Event: Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, officially joining the Union on August 21 and marking a significant milestone in American history.
1960s
Hunting for Orders: In 1960, WCP launched a lighthearted promotional postcard campaign featuring Richard Abrams and employees “hunting for orders” in unexpected places—sewers, boxcars, and more. The campaign was a success, resonating with customers and earning national recognition, winning an award from the National Direct Marketing Association.
Sales Contest: During the early 1960s, West Coast Paper achieved notable success in national sales contests. The company won a Permacel Tape sales competition, earning a month’s use of a chauffeured Rolls Royce, which was used to entertain customers and generate significant publicity. The contest helped boost sales across all product lines, showcasing WCP’s creativity, customer focus, and competitive spirit.
Profit Sharing Plan: The West Coast Paper Profit Sharing Trust was established, marking a commitment to employees’ financial futures. The plan was later amended in 1988 to include a 401(k), further enhancing retirement benefits for our employees.
Seattle World’s Fair: West Coast Paper supported the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, a landmark event celebrating innovation, technology, and the future during the Space Age. The fair introduced Seattle to the world, leaving lasting legacies like the Space Needle and Monorail. During this time, Richard Abrams commissioned a painting of Seattle, marking the beginning of WCP’s extensive Northwest art collection and an annual art show that continued on for many years.
Historical Event: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on August 28 during the March on Washington, calling for civil rights, equality, and an end to racial discrimination in the United States.
A Second Generation Begins: Dick Abrams, Richard’s son, joined the company as an official employee during the summer of 1955. As with many family businesses, the next generation did one-off projects and summer jobs for the company. However, Dick’s official full-time career began on December 13, 1963, after completing his doctoral studies at the Institute of Paper Chemistry.
Fun Fact: Richard, often referred to by his friends as Dick started going by R.A., and Dick would often go by R.W. this helped others distinguish the two apart in conversations.
2203 First Avenue South: In 1967, West Coast Paper expanded its operations and relocated to a larger facility at 2203 First Avenue South in Seattle. This 142,000-square-foot building featured seven floors and a basement, providing much-needed space to support the company’s continued growth. It marked the fourth major move since 1930 and became a significant milestone in WCP’s history. The building had a unique character, and employees from that era fondly remember their time working there.
Historical Event: On July 20, Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, famously declaring, ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ The historic event captured the world’s attention, with newspapers across the globe featuring bold headlines like ‘Man Walks on Moon’ and ‘The Eagle Has Landed,’ as millions rushed to commemorate the achievement with print.
Fun Fact: West Coast Paper played a role in the space program by supplying anti-static shrouding material for the Apollo and Saturn V space capsules and rockets, including Apollo 8, the first manned mission to orbit the moon.
Black, Red, and Yellow: In the late 1960s, WCP introduced new visual branding, featuring bold black and red on a yellow background—a style that continues to influence our creative branding to this day. The new triangular logo was in the shape of a folded sheet.
1970s
Paper Pick-Up: In 1970, WCP opened its first Paper Pick-Up Store in Bellevue, Washington, providing a convenient will-call location for customers to quickly pick up paper for their businesses. (Pictured: Roger Meucci, at a future Paper Pick-Up location on Mercer Street).
Historical Event: The Boeing Bust began in 1970 due to a sharp drop in aircraft orders, worsened by the 1971 cancellation of the SST program. Boeing cut over 60,000 jobs, causing a severe economic downturn in Seattle. This lasted into the middle of the decade.
Dick Abrams Named President & Second Generation Ownership Begins: In 1971, Dick Abrams was named President of West Coast Paper Co. and, along with his wife Sharon, acquired the company from his father, Richard Abrams. This transition marked the beginning of second-generation ownership, continuing the family’s leadership and commitment to the company’s growth and success.
Historical Event: On April 16, 1971, real estate agents Bob McDonald and Jim Youngren put up a billboard near Sea-Tac Airport reading, “Will the last person leaving SEATTLE – Turn out the lights.” The sign was a lighthearted response to the Boeing Bust, which saw Boeing’s workforce shrink from 100,800 in 1967 to 38,690 by April 1971. During a challenging time for the region, the billboard became a memorable symbol of Seattle’s economic struggles and resilience.
Fishing for Your Business: In 1971, WCP launched a marketing campaign tied to the Washington State General Fishing Season opener. Customers received a letter comparing WCP’s dedication to service with the ingenuity of fishermen—alongside a hand-spun fishing fly as a keepsake.
Fun Fact: Future third-generation owner Teresa Russell, then 9 years old, helped make the flies, stuff letters, and endured scratches from the hooks. This campaign showcased WCP’s customer-first approach with a personal touch.
Formation of Alaska Paper: WCP Solutions deepened its long-standing commitment to Alaska with the formation of Alaska Paper Company in partnership with Pierce Cartwright. For years, both Pierce and Richard Abrams had sold paper in the region, establishing strong relationships with local businesses. The new affiliate provided a dedicated presence to better serve customers across Alaska. Jim Wagner joined later that year and took over management in 1975. Over time, ownership evolved, and in 2000, Alaska Paper became a division of WCP Solutions.
Preserving Print History: WCP Solutions acquired the Thorniley Collection of Antique Type, one of the largest private collections of pre-1900 type in the United States. Assembled by historian and collector William “Bill” Thorniley, the collection included rare wood and metal type, historic presses, and printing tools dating back to the Revolutionary War. This purchase reflected WCP’s deep commitment to the printing industry, preserving a significant piece of letterpress history for future generations.
Pop Culture: A year of innovation and entertainment – Wheel of Fortune premiered, becoming a cultural staple across the US. At the same time, Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Though it started small, the company soon moved to the Seattle area, where it would grow into a global tech powerhouse, revolutionizing personal computing and shaping the digital future.
Expanding in Portland: West Coast Paper made its second foray into the Portland market with the acquisition of Paper Mills Agency of Oregon from Fred Whittelsey. This strategic move strengthened WCP’s ability to serve the region’s growing demand for paper and packaging products. The following year, the business was rebranded as Supplyways, a name that remained in use into the 1990s.
The First Mt. Rainier Climb: WCP Solutions organized its first climb of Mt. Rainier, inviting customers Bruce Walker and Grant Woodfield to join Phil O’Loane Sr. and company leadership. Guided by Rainier Mountaineering, the successful ascent sparked a tradition of sponsored climbs, with employees, customers, suppliers, and friends taking on the challenge in the years that followed. These climbs also connected WCP to world-class mountaineers and led to the company’s sponsorship of multiple Everest expeditions, including the 1990 Earth Day International Peace Climb.
Pop Culture: A galaxy far, far away came to life as Star Wars premiered, mesmerizing audiences with its epic storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable characters, forever changing the landscape of cinema and pop culture.
Expanding Packaging in Alaska: Alaska Paper strengthened its presence in the region by acquiring Pioneer Packaging from Dale Trombley. This expansion built on the company’s already successful packaging business, with a strong focus on retail packaging—an area championed by Pierce Cartwright. Pierce had cultivated relationships with customers in remote parts of Alaska, many of whom relied on bulk shipments once or twice a year to meet their needs. This acquisition further solidified Alaska Paper’s role as a key supplier in the state.
1980s
Celebrating 50 Years: On March 1st, 1980, WCP marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of growth, industry leadership, and strong customer relationships. Kicking off the 1980s with this milestone, the company reflected on its history while looking ahead to new opportunities in paper, packaging, and facility supplies.
Historical Event: On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupted, covering the Pacific Northwest in volcanic ash and disrupting businesses across the region. The eruption led to transportation delays, supply chain disruptions, and major cleanup challenges, impacting industries like paper and packaging. Amid the chaos, Dick Abrams found a creative way to commemorate the event—miniature bags of volcanic ash, sourced from the roof of his sister’s house, were packaged and handed out as a unique promotional item. This lighthearted gesture turned a moment of regional upheaval into a memorable piece of company history.
Baseball and Other Employee Activities: Over the years, employees have participated in a variety of outside-the-office events, from team sports to community gatherings. In 1982, the Seattle division fielded a company baseball team, bringing home the trophy and bringing employees together with friendly competition and camaraderie. This tradition has extended across many WCP locations, with employees taking part in softball, bowling events, golf tournaments, fishing trips, and whitewater rafting adventures, fostering connections beyond the workplace.
From left to right: (Top Row) Larry Collins, Brett Mitchell, Larry Garlock, Rick Garlock, Patrick O’Neal, John Flynn, Doug Blundell, Jim McPherson, Dan Gianelli. (Bottom Row) Marty Johnson, Unknown, Rod Garlock, Terry Griffith, and Randy Hall.
Passing of Richard Abrams: Fifty-five years after founding WCP Solutions, Richard Abrams passed away in November 1985. His leadership helped build the company into a trusted supplier in paper, packaging, and facility supplies. His impact continues to guide WCP today.
A Year of Leadership Change: In 1985, WCP Solutions experienced a significant leadership transition. President Phil O’Loane retired, along with longtime employees Dave Paxton, Stan Hall, Hugh Ptolemy, and Masaru Nitta—who served over 46 years without missing a day. In November, founder Richard Abrams passed away. Despite the loss of over 250 years of experience, WCP remained strong, a testament to its people and legacy.
A New Logo for WCP: In the mid-1980s, WCP introduced its second official logo, marking a fresh update to the company’s visual identity. This redesign reflected WCP’s growth and evolving presence in the industry while maintaining its long-standing commitment to customers and service.
401(k) Added to Profit Sharing Plan: WCP expanded its Profit Sharing Trust in 1988 by incorporating a 401(k) plan. Originally established in 1962, the trust had long supported employees’ financial futures, and the 401(k) addition aligned with evolving retirement savings strategies. This new plan allowed employees to contribute pre-tax earnings and benefit from tax-deferred growth, helping them build long-term financial security.
Acquisition of Crater Paper: WCP expanded its presence in Southern Oregon with the acquisition and merger of Crater Paper in Medford. Founded in 1979, Crater Paper built a strong reputation for packaging and paper distribution in Southern Oregon. The merger strengthened WCP’s operations in the region, combining shared values and a customer-focused approach. Leaders like John Kruesi, Tony Nieto, and Pat Dunlevy played key roles in the transition, ensuring continued success for employees and customers.
Founding of Idaho Pacific Paper: WCP expanded into Idaho with the launch of Idaho Pacific Paper. Led by Jim Schwen, the team included Jon Ness and Steve Bodily in sales. Ken DeHart joined six weeks later from Portland to manage operations. The new branch grew quickly, acquiring assets from Lewis and Clark Paper during their liquidation.
Acquisition of Allied Paper and Olympic Paper by Third Generation: In 1989, Teresa Abrams and her brother R.C, purchased Allied Paper, followed by the acquisition of Olympic Paper. In 1991, Allied and Olympic were acquired and merged into West Coast Paper, unifying operations and enhancing service to customers.
1990s
Earth Day International Peace Climb: WCP sponsored the 1990 Earth Day International Peace Climb of Mount Everest, supplying packaging and essential materials for the expedition. This historic climb brought together climbers from China, Russia, and the United States, emphasizing global cooperation and environmental stewardship.
Acquisition in Eugene, Oregon: WCP expanded its presence in Oregon with the acquisition of Pacific Paper & Plastics in Eugene from Jim and Virginia Saley. This addition strengthened WCP’s operations in the region, enhancing its ability to serve customers with a broader range of paper and packaging products.
Rebranding in Portland: In the early 1990s, Supplyways in Portland was rebranded as West Coast Paper, aligning its identity with the company’s broader operations.
Inaugural Anchorage Paper Show: The first Anchorage Paper Show, organized by Dana Hahn in 1992, marked the beginning of an annual event that grew in reputation over the years.
Leadership Changes: Hiring of Fred Stabbert as CEO and President, focusing on wholesale distribution and streamlining operations.
Historical Event: In 1993, the World Wide Web became publicly available, revolutionizing communication, commerce, and information sharing. This technological shift paved the way for digital transformation across industries, including wholesale distribution and business operations.
Expansion into Central Oregon: Tom Groves led WCP’s expansion into Central Oregon, establishing West Coast Paper LLC in Bend. This move strengthened the company’s presence in the region, enhancing service and distribution for customers in the growing Central Oregon market.
Seattle Division Relocates to Kent: WCP’s Seattle division moved to a new distribution facility in Kent, Washington, enhancing logistics and service efficiency. This relocation was part of a broader effort to improve distribution, and the company continues to operate from this facility today.
First Warehouse Opens in Redding: WCP expanded its presence in Northern California by opening its first warehouse in Redding.
WCP Boise: Idaho Pacific Paper fully merged with West Coast Paper in 1997, forming WCP Boise. This transition strengthened operations in Idaho, expanding service capabilities and reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region’s growing market.
Purchase of McGinnis Paper in Spokane: In 1997, following a long history of mutual respect, Fred Stabbert and Mike McGinnis structured the agreement that brought McGinnis Paper in Spokane into WCP. Mike McGinnis continued to lead Printing Paper merchandising for the Spokane Division, strengthening WCP’s presence in the Inland Empire.
Larger Warehouse in Central Oregon: The Redmond division relocated to a new warehouse in 1998, under the supervision of Tom Groves. This move improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer service, supporting WCP’s continued growth in the region.
Pop Culture: Google launched in 1998, transforming how people search for information online. With its powerful algorithm and simple interface, it quickly became the go-to search engine, reshaping the digital landscape and paving the way for the modern internet.
New Hire: In 1999, Amy Swanson joined WCP, beginning a path that led to her appointment as CEO in 2024.
2000s
Alaska Paper Officially Joins WCP: The Abrams/Russell family became the sole owners of Alaska Paper. As part of this transition, Alaska Paper was rebranded and became an official West Coast Paper division, further unifying operations under a single name.
Expansion into Eastern Idaho: WCP expanded its operations into Eastern Idaho with the opening of a warehouse in Pocatello. This new location strengthened service and distribution in the region, supporting the company’s continued growth.
Expansion into Tri-Cities: WCP expanded its presence in Eastern Washington by opening a distribution facility in Kennewick. This new location improved service and logistics in the Tri-Cities region, supporting the company’s continued growth.
Medford Moves to New Warehouse: The Medford division relocated to a new and much larger warehouse in 2001, improving service for customers in Southern Oregon.
Portland Relocates to Larger, Modern Facility: Continuing the trend of warehouse moves, WCP’s Portland division relocated to a much larger, more modern facility in 2001. Located in East Portland near the airport, the expanded space improved operations, allowing Portland to better support other divisions as the main stocking hub.
Historical Event: On September 11, 2001, the world was forever changed by the tragic events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. WCP, along with the rest of the nation, paused to mourn the lives lost and honor the resilience of those affected.
Boise Moves to Larger Facility: In 2003, WCP’s Boise division relocated to its current 68,000-square-foot facility. This new space provided a more efficient, clean, and comfortable working environment!
Pop Culture: In 2004, Facebook launched, competing with early social media platforms like MySpace. What began as a college-exclusive network quickly expanded, reshaping online communication. Today, it remains one of the world’s largest social media platforms, influencing how people connect, share, and engage globally.
Eastern Idaho Warehouse Moves to Idaho Falls: Just three years after opening in Pocatello, strong sales growth prompted WCP to relocate its Eastern Idaho warehouse 50 miles north to a larger 26,000-square-foot facility in Idaho Falls. This move improved service, expanded operations, and better supported the region’s growing customer base.
Celebrating 75 Years of Service: On March 1, 2005, West Coast Paper Co. celebrated its 75th anniversary with events across its locations, marking a milestone of growth and commitment to its customers and employees. As part of this historic year, Fred Stabbert announced his retirement as President and CEO, while Co-Chair Teresa Russell stepped into a more hands-on leadership role, guiding the company into the future.
West Coast Paper Scholarship Award Established: In 2005, Dick and Sharon Abrams established the West Coast Paper Scholarship Award to support WCP employees and their families. Created to encourage higher education, the scholarship reflects the Abrams’ commitment to learning and appreciation for the talents and efforts of WCP employees.
Spokane an Inland Hub: In 2007, WCP Spokane relocated to a new, expanded facility, increasing from 30,000 to 75,000 square feet. The upgrade included 16 bay doors, a major improvement from just one at the previous location. This move allowed WCP Spokane to grow and solidify its role as the inland hub, supporting operations in Missoula and Kennewick.
Some of the employees who were part of Spokane at the time included Mike Beason, Shawn Briggs, Ken Darcy, Connie Glass, Gary Hill, Jeff Huff, Jon Spraul, Dave Snelling, Brenda Vitek, and Bill Watts.
Pop-Culture: In 2007, Steve Jobs showcased the first iPhone on stage, introducing a sleek touchscreen design that revolutionized mobile technology. Nearly 20 years later, this form factor remains the dominant standard for smartphones, shaping how people communicate, work, and interact with the world.
Launch of the Modern Industrial Product Catalog: In 2008, West Coast Paper Co. launched its modern Industrial Product Catalog. Initially designed by an outside firm, the catalog was brought in-house within a few years and has been produced internally ever since. Over time, it has expanded to feature nearly 3,200 stock products along with educational “Did-You-Know” resources. The catalog’s annual January launch has become a key event for the WCP Marketing team, marking the start of each new year.
2010s
West Coast Paper Becomes WCP Solutions: After 80 years under its original name, West Coast Paper Co. rebranded as WCP Solutions in 2010, introducing a new name and logo to better reflect its expanding product lines beyond paper, including packaging, janitorial supplies, and equipment. The rebranding efforts were supported by Girvin Strategic Branding, a Seattle-based firm, helping to modernize the company’s image while maintaining its strong industry presence.
Pop-Culture: In 2010, Instagram was launched, quickly becoming a major platform for photo and video sharing. With its focus on visual content and an easy-to-use mobile app, it reshaped social media and marketing. Over time, it grew into one of the most influential platforms, shaping trends, businesses, and digital communication worldwide.
Pop-Culture: In 2012, South Korean artist Psy’s hit “Gangnam Style” became a worldwide phenomenon, bringing K-pop into the global spotlight. Its viral music video, featuring Psy’s signature dance, was the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views. South Korea, home to this cultural sensation, is also where Hansol, WCP’s long-standing coated paper partner, is based.
Frontier Paper: On May 6, 2015, WCP Solutions acquired Frontier Paper from Greg Wilcox and merged it with the WCP Anchorage Division. During the transition, the business temporarily operated as “WCP/Frontier Paper” to help customers. Each team brought unique expertise to the newly merged group, making them stronger together.
“Our two companies share many of the same values as we are both family-owned enterprises that have deep roots in the State of Alaska.” – Tom Groves.
Launch of New Website and Online Ordering: In 2016, WCP launched a new website and online ordering experience, significantly improving the customer experience. While WCP had offered online ordering before, this update introduced a modern, user-friendly interface with live inventory and pricing updates, along with improved search and order history tools. The website refresh also marked WCP’s expansion into digital marketing, introducing a blog and laying the foundation for future initiatives like social media and email newsletters.
Thorniley Collection Donated In January 2017, WCP Solutions donated the majority of the Thorniley Collection to Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), ensuring its preservation as an educational resource. A few pieces of equipment, including presses and other items, were also donated to the University of Puget Sound. Additionally, Ludlow cabinets were donated to C.C. Stern Foundry in Portland. While the collection was originally assembled by William O. Thorniley, several commercial printers and other contributors added to what became known as the Thorniley Collection over time.
Burlington Division Opens to Improve Service: In 2018, WCP Solutions opened a new Burlington division to better serve customers north of Seattle. Previously, these customers were supported by the Kent facility, but increasing traffic made it difficult to provide timely service. The new Burlington location improved efficiency and strengthened WCP’s ability to support the region.
Sacramento Division Expands Northern California Service: WCP Solutions expanded its presence in Northern California by opening a Sacramento division. Previously, customers in the area were supported from Redding, but the new facility provided enhanced service, better logistics, and improved support for the growing market.
Acquisition of Crown Distributing in Sacramento: In 2019, WCP Solutions acquired Crown Distributing, a family-owned business based in Loomis, CA, that had served the region since 1985. Crown specialized in foodservice and janitorial supplies, aligning with WCP’s commitment to exceptional customer service. The Crown team merged with WCP Sacramento, expanding product offerings for customers and strengthening WCP’s presence in the Northern California market.
2020s
The Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Supply chain disruptions, product shortages, employee quarantines, and shifting customer demands forced companies, including WCP Solutions, to adapt quickly. Essential products like sanitizers, PPE, paper goods, and direct-to-consumer packaging saw massive demand spikes, while other categories slowed dramatically.
We are proud of the way our team handled this difficult time. Despite the challenges, one lasting positive impact was the rise of virtual meetings, which enhanced companywide collaboration bringing teams together from all around our business.
ALL Sales 2023: In March 2023, WCP Solutions hosted an All Sales Event in Portland, OR, the first in many years. The event brought together Sales, Management, and Supplier Partners for three days of focused learning, collaboration, and relationship-building. It was a great event!
Return of the Paper Show: In May 2024, WCP Portland held “Paper in Bloom”, continuing the long-standing tradition of Paper Shows in the Portland and Anchorage markets. As the first in-person event since the 2020 pandemic, it was especially meaningful to reconnect with customers, suppliers, and the design community. The event was hosted by Laura Luethje with assistance from Carrie Pinkstaff from the Design Center.
Invest in You!: In 2024, the West Coast Paper Scholarship Award was reimagined as the “Invest in You!” Tuition Reimbursement Program. This new initiative expands opportunities beyond higher education, providing greater educational support for WCP employees. The change was prompted by the company’s long-standing administrative partner discontinuing scholarship support, leading WCP to develop a more flexible and inclusive program.
Tom Groves Joins WCP’s Board of Directors: After 18 years of leadership, including his tenure as CEO, Tom Groves joined WCP’s Board of Directors in 2024. His experience and strategic vision continue to help guide the company as it approaches its 100-year milestone.
WCP Solutions Becomes WBENC-Certified Women-Owned: In 2024, WCP Solutions earned Women-Owned Business Certification through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This milestone was made possible by the leadership of Teresa Russell, now serving as Board Chairperson, and Amy Swanson, the recently appointed CEO, reinforcing WCP’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and industry leadership.
WCP Missoula Relocates to Bonner, MT: In 2024, led by Tyson Peissig, WCP Missoula relocated just down the road to Bonner, MT, expanding its warehouse space to better support local customers.
WCP Celebrates 95 Years in Business: On March 1, 2025, WCP Solutions marks 95 years of service, growth, and commitment to its customers and employees. This milestone inspired the creation of this historical timeline allowing WCP to better document our past, present, and future.
The WCP Timeline is a passion project by our Marketing team, created to celebrate and document the company’s history. It draws from "The Integrity of It All" by Dick Abrams, along with verbal stories, historical records, and employee contributions.
As a living document, we will continue to expand and refine it. If you have corrections, details, images, or events to add, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you!