Kelly Spicers
Kelly Spicers is a West Coast distributor of paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions, serving commercial printers, packaging buyers, sign shops, and facilities managers across the Western US through 25 store locations and 11 regional distribution centers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1936
- HeadquartersSanta Fe Springs, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Kelly Spicers does
Kelly Spicers is a West Coast-focused distribution platform formed in 2021 from the combination of Kelly Paper (founded 1936 in Los Angeles) and Spicers Paper (with roots dating to 1935), now operating as a division of Central National Gottesman Inc., a fifth-generation family-owned company. The business distributes paper, packaging, wide format media, digital media, and facilities solutions products through 25 retail store locations and 11 regional distribution centers serving California, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountain region, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii. Named customer verticals include commercial printers, packaging buyers in medical device, semiconductor, audio technology, specialty food, and agriculture (over 120,000 farmers, growers, and packers served).
The product offering spans core categories — coated and uncoated paper, custom and stock packaging, wide format substrates and HP Latex equipment, digital print media, and janitorial and food service supplies — augmented by value-add services including custom converting (slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting) and packaging design through dedicated Demo and Design Centers in Santa Fe Springs. The proprietary Kelly Spicers Online trade account platform exposes live inventory, account-specific pricing, purchase history, and online ordering, while the TruTrak delivery tracking system provides real-time order notifications via SMS or email using the company's own fleet.
The revenue model is primarily transactional product distribution under one-time sales, with secondary revenue from custom converting fees and exclusive distribution arrangements (e.g., Ecofoil Digital). Go-to-market blends field/enterprise sales with inside sales via the trade account portal, supported by same-day pickup and next-day delivery across the Western US. Growth has been executed almost entirely through serial acquisitions of regional paper and packaging distributors since 2015 and is anchored by long-standing supplier relationships with major mills and brands including HP, Neenah, Mohawk, Fedrigoni, Verso, and Nekoosa.
Kelly Spicers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kelly Spicers
- Legal name
- Central National Gottesman Inc.
- Website
- https://kellyspicers.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1936
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Kelly Spicers is a West Coast distributor of paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions, serving commercial printers, packaging buyers, sign shops, and facilities managers across the Western US through 25 store locations and 11 regional distribution centers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kelly Spicers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Paper and Packaging Distribution
- NAICS
- Packaging and Labeling Services (561910)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paper & Printing Grades Distribution (Printing/Writing, Newsprint, Specialty) (IMAMAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Paper, Tissue, Wipers & Dispensers Distribution (CRAOAGAC), Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap & Party Paper Goods Distribution (CRAOALAJ)
Keywords
Where Kelly Spicers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Fe Springs
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Kelly Spicers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Product Distribution - Paper: Kelly Spicers distributes a broad range of paper products including coated, uncoated, board, writing, text & cover, envelopes, and specialty sheets from major brands. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales.
- Product Distribution - Packaging: Custom and stock packaging products and solutions distributed across the Rocky Mountain region and Western US following multiple acquisitions (Creative Packaging Group, Amazing Packaging, American Packaging, Premiere Packaging, KWW, BJF).
- Product Distribution - Wide Format: Wide format products including printing media, laminates, rigid boards, HP Latex printers, and accessories. Revenue generated through direct sales of equipment and consumables.
- Product Distribution - Facilities Solutions: Janitorial, food service, paper products, and cleaning equipment sourced and distributed to large facilities.
- Custom Converting Services: Custom paper and board converting services including slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting for label printers, envelope converters, and paper distributors. Revenue from converting加工 fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Kelly Spicers Online trade account holders receive account-specific pricing, live inventory access, exclusive offers, and purchase history management. |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Kelly Spicers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kelly Spicers distributes paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions products to commercial customers across the Western United States through 25 retail store locations and 11 regional distribution centers. The company also operates custom paper and board converting services (slitting, rewinding, specialty cutting) at its Santa Fe Springs facility, alongside a packaging Demo Center and Design Center. An online trade account platform (Kelly Spicers Online) and the TruTrak delivery tracking system support same-day pickup and next-day delivery.
Product overview
Kelly Spicers is a leading West Coast distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions products through 25 store locations and 11 regional distribution centers. The company operates as a unified distribution platform combining custom converting services, packaging design services with Demo and Design Centers, and the Kelly Spicers Online e-commerce platform with TruTrak delivery tracking. Product portfolio spans core distribution categories (Paper, Packaging, Wide Format, Digital Media, Facilities Solutions, Graphics Supplies) alongside exclusive distributed brands including Ecofoil Digital, SYNAPS XM antimicrobial paper, Sterling Premium Digital, and Mohawk Superfine, complemented by HP Latex printer equipment sales.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TruTrak: Delivery tracking system that keeps customers updated on their Kelly Spicers orders - every step of the way
- Kelly Spicers Online
- Kelly Spicers Packaging
- Kelly Spicers Facilities Solutions
Products and services
- Paper Comprehensive paper distribution including coated, uncoated, board, writing, text & cover, envelopes, and specialty sheets from major brands for commercial printers, graphic designers, and publishing companies.
- Packaging Custom and stock packaging products and solutions distributed across the Rocky Mountain region and Western US, serving medical device, semiconductor, audio technology, specialty food, and agricultural packaging buyers.
- Wide Format Wide format printing media, laminates, rigid boards, HP Latex printers, and accessories for sign shops, print service providers, and businesses needing wide format printing substrates and finishing products.
- Digital Media Digital paper, films, vinyl and synthetic specialty substrates engineered for digital printers using toner, liquid or inkjet technology.
- Facilities Solutions Janitorial, food service and paper products along with cleaning equipment for carpets, hardwood floors, windows and other surfaces, distributed to large facility operators.
- Graphics Supplies Print and finishing equipment, prepress, pressroom and bindery/finishing products for comprehensive printing operations.
- Custom Converting Services Custom paper and board converting services including slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting for label printers, envelope converters, and paper distributors, performed at the Santa Fe Springs converting hub using two state-of-the-art converting machines and a slitter/rewinder.
- Packaging Services Packaging Demo Center for customers to test packaging equipment and Design Center where packaging designers create custom packaging solutions for clients.
- Kelly Spicers Online Trade Account Platform Online trade account program offering live inventory viewing from local stores, manager specials, purchase history for quick reorders, account-specific pricing, and invoice lookup.
- HP Latex Wide Format Printers Official HP dealer offering HP 300 Series, HP 500 Series, HP 700 and 800 Series Latex Printers, cutters, inks, media, and replacement printer heads.
- Ecofoil Digital Exclusive U.S. distribution of metallized foil board materials for HP Indigo, Dry Toner, and Inkjet digital print markets, certified plastic free and 100% recyclable.
- SYNAPS XM Antimicrobial Synthetic Paper High-grade polyester film synthetic paper with antimicrobial coating; waterproof, tear-resistant alternative to lamination for menus and manuals.
- Sterling Premium Digital Paper Sustainable digital paper lineup guaranteed on Offset, Dry Toner & HP Indigo equipment, manufactured with 10% post-consumer waste recycled fiber.
- Finesse by UPM Double-coated sheet with bright white shade and smooth surface for capturing intricate details and amplifying graphics.
Quantifiable outcome
- Same day pickup and next day delivery for paper and packaging products
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Kelly Spicers
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Kelly Spicers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Kelly Spicers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FedrigonicoreKelly Spicers partnered with Italian papermaker Fedrigoni to bring a sumptuous new line of specialty papers and packaging designed especially for North American brand owners, designers, converters, and printers. The partnership expands Kelly Spicers' premium paper and packaging offerings in the luxury segment.
- EcofoilcoreKelly Spicers is the exclusive U.S. Distributor of Ecofoil Digital, a range of metallized foil board materials specifically developed for HP Indigo, Dry Toner, and Inkjet digital print markets. Ecofoil is certified plastic-free and 100% recyclable, and Kelly Spicers holds exclusive distribution rights in the United States.
- NekoosaminorKelly Spicers partnered with Nekoosa to offer new substrates including Trifecta matte white textured adhesive media rated for 5 years outdoor use, serving wayfinding signage, floor advertisements, counter mats, and wall graphics applications.
- Gilman Brothers CompanyminorKelly Spicers partnered with Gilman Brothers Company to offer rigid media including Infinity buildable foam for 3D POP displays and Insite high-performance paper-faced foamboard for exhibits and store signage.
- PlasticademinorKelly Spicers partnered with Plasticade to offer durable, affordable, and versatile sign frames including Signicade NXT heavy duty frames with wheels and Plasticade Rubber Base Portable Posts for curbside signs.
- FrontlineminorSpicers Paper (now Kelly Spicers) partnered with Frontline to offer versatile sign and display solutions including the Bradford and Toronto display systems for indoor signage and exhibits.
- SEF AmericaminorKelly Spicers partnered with SEF America to offer Graffiti Printable Heat Transfer Film, a PVC-free opaque polyurethane film suitable for eco-solvent, solvent, latex and UV printing with high washing fastness.
- GMI and RTapeminorKelly Spicers partnered with GMI for cut vinyl in over 12 colors and RTape for application tapes enabling hassle-free cut letter installation, serving the finishing tools segment for wide format printing.
- AlumanateminorKelly Spicers partnered with Alumanate to offer ultra-smooth, maintenance-free, long-lasting aluminum composite material substrate suitable for ink, vinyl, and paint applications for creative work, interior design, and shop displays.
- Neenah PapercoreKelly Spicers distributes Neenah's Super Stock program products including ENVIRONMENT PC 100 White, NEENAH Folding Board 100 PC White, CLASSIC, and ROYAL SUNDANCE products with same day pickup and next day delivery. The Super Stock program provides enhanced inventory levels for fast fulfillment.
- Mohawk PapercoreKelly Spicers provides full access to Mohawk's legendary fine paper products including Superfine and Superfine Digital in California, Pacific Northwest, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. The relationship dates back to both companies' origins in the 1930s and supports designers and printers with premium uncoated and digital papers.
- VersominorKelly Paper became a full-line merchant of Verso digital coated papers including Sterling Premium Digital, Blazer Digital, and Futura Digital. Sterling Premium Digital is manufactured with 10% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber and carries FSC, SFI, and PEFC sustainability certifications.
- International PaperminorKelly Paper participates in industry sustainability discussions alongside International Paper and supports responsibly managed forests through FSC-certified product offerings. International Paper's Chief Sustainability Officer spoke at the Bloomberg Green Festival about forest-positive futures.
- HP (Hewlett-Packard)coreKelly Paper (now Kelly Spicers) became an official dealer of HP Latex Wide Format printers, inks, and media, expanding its wide format portfolio to include HP 300 Series Latex Printers, HP 500 Series Latex Printers, HP cutters, HP inks, HP media, and replacement printer heads. The company also hosts an HP 365 Latex printer as a demo unit at its Santa Fe Springs wide-format center.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kelly Spicers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Veritiv Corporation: Veritiv is a North American broadline distributor of print, packaging, facility, and logistics solutions formed from the merger of xpedx and Unisource. It is the most direct national competitor to Kelly Spicers across paper, packaging, and facilities products, with overlapping product categories but a national rather than regional footprint.
- Lindenmeyr Munroe: Lindenmeyr Munroe is one of the largest privately held paper distributors in the United States, serving commercial printers and corporate clients with a similar mix of coated, uncoated, digital, and specialty papers. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' paper distribution core, though it operates primarily in the Eastern US rather than the West.
- Imperial Dade: Imperial Dade is a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging, janitorial, and facilities products, overlapping directly with Kelly Spicers' Facilities Solutions and packaging distribution businesses. Comparable as a broadline distributor with an M&A-driven growth model, though national in scope and stronger in foodservice packaging.
- Uline: Uline is a major North American distributor of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies with a deep catalog of boxes, mailers, tape, and warehouse packaging. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' packaging and facilities solutions distribution, with stronger e-commerce orientation and broader packaging assortment though focused on shipping/industrial rather than branded paper.
Broad incumbents
- Bunzl plc: Bunzl is a global distribution and outsourcing group serving foodservice, cleaning & hygiene, safety, and retail customers worldwide. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' facilities solutions and packaging distribution model at much greater scale and geographic breadth, including janitorial/sanitation categories that overlap with Kelly Spicers' Clean Smart Solutions business.
- Packaging Corporation of America: Packaging Corporation of America is a major US manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products, supplying both converters and end customers. Comparable as a major supplier-partner to Kelly Spicers' packaging distribution business, though operating as an upstream manufacturer rather than distributor.
- International Paper: International Paper is one of the world's largest pulp, paper, and packaging producers with significant North American distribution of uncoated freesheet and containerboard. Comparable as a key supplier (and sustainability partner) to Kelly Spicers' paper distribution business, with overlapping presence in the Western US through manufacturing and converting operations.
Regional players
- Bradner Smith & Company: Bradner Smith & Company is a Midwest-focused paper and packaging distributor serving commercial printers with a similar product mix of coated, uncoated, digital, and specialty papers. Comparable business model to Kelly Spicers' heritage paper distribution, but operating primarily in the Midwest rather than the Western US.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kelly Spicers social profiles
Digital presenceKelly Spicers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kelly Spicers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Kelly Spicers subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries13 records
Kelly Spicers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kelly Spicers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kelly Spicers
What does Kelly Spicers do?
Kelly Spicers distributes paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions products to commercial customers across the Western United States through 25 retail store locations and 11 regional distribution centers. The company also operates custom paper and board converting services (slitting, rewinding, specialty cutting) at its Santa Fe Springs facility, alongside a packaging Demo Center and Design Center. An online trade account platform (Kelly Spicers Online) and the TruTrak delivery tracking system support same-day pickup and next-day delivery.
Is Kelly Spicers a public or private company?
Kelly Spicers is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Kelly Spicers founded?
Kelly Spicers was founded in 1936. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Kelly Spicers based?
Kelly Spicers is headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kelly Spicers make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Product Distribution - Paper is the primary driver. The others are product Distribution - Packaging, product Distribution - Wide Format, product Distribution - Facilities Solutions and custom Converting Services.
Who are Kelly Spicers's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Veritiv Corporation, Lindenmeyr Munroe, Imperial Dade and Uline. Broad incumbents are Bunzl plc, Packaging Corporation of America and International Paper. Bradner Smith & Company is listed as a regional player.
Does Kelly Spicers have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kelly Spicers.
What industry is Kelly Spicers in?
Kelly Spicers's product category is Paper and Packaging Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAMAIAF, Paper & Printing Grades Distribution (Printing/Writing, Newsprint, Specialty), with a secondary code of CRAOAGAC, Paper, Tissue, Wipers & Dispensers Distribution. Its NAICS code is 561910 and its SIC code is 5110.