Area Distributors acquires two West-Central Illinois companies

QUINCY — Area Distributors of Quincy recently acquired two local companies: MarLon Business Forms of Quincy and Wade and Dowland Office Equipment of Jacksonville.

MarLon is the largest supplier of custom printed labels, business forms, checks and envelopes in the Tri-State area. The products are used in a wide range of packaging, manufacturing, mailing and office applications. Lon Moeller, co-founder of MarLon in 1974, will assist the company in the conversion for a time and then retire.

Wade and Dowland has been in business for more than 60 years, supplying office supplies and furniture throughout West Central Illinois.  The customer base varies from education to healthcare to government and other office supplies users. Owner Steve Quigg plans to retire after assisting in the transition.

“The customers of both MarLon and of Wade and Dowland are a fantastic fit for Area. Literally hundreds of their customers already have business relationships with Area Distributors, so we anticipate a very smooth transition,” said Jeff Rupert, vice president of Area Distributors. “The customers will receive uninterrupted supply, and they will be served by our seasoned team at Area Distributors.”

Area Distributors works with nearly 2,000 customers locally.

“The variety of products and services handled by Area Distributors is broad. Our solutions for schools, offices, restaurants, factories, healthcare and government facilities allow us to be a one-stop shop for our clients.” said Ken Sparrow, CEO and general manager of Area Distributors.  “We have more than 200 years of experience in the fields of janitorial supplies and equipment, restaurant supplies and equipment, packaging supplies and equipment, and office supplies and furniture.  In each category, we not only provide products but also technical service, often including design and installation.”