News
Smithsonian Welcomes Sheppard Envelope Mfg. Co. Story!
95 year old [in 2016] Auburn, MA envelope manufacturer still going strong!
Auburn, MA: Sheppard Envelope Manufacturing Company has been selected from envelope manufacturers across the country to participate in a virtual presentation presented by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. The Museum has embarked on a venture to tell the story of American’s Mailing Industry. This research project investigates the 200 year-old partnership between private industry and the United States Postal Service. Sheppard’s 95 year history will be chronicled on the brand-new Smithsonian Postal Museum website and viewed by millions of Smithsonian website visitors. A formal opening will take place at the museum in Washington, D.C. and the virtual exhibition will launch on September 13, 2016.
A permanent physical exhibition is in the planning stages.
How can an American manufacturing company survive for 95 years?
According to, CEO J. Lincoln Spaulding, “We have been fortunate to be in an industry whose products continue to appeal to all ages. We have tried to position our company in markets and with customers where we thought there would be sustainable growth, and who shared our value system (the Golden Rule). Be flexible, reasonable, and not over-extended. Love your employees and your customers, and do your best to make it show.”
Chances are, you’ve held a Sheppard envelope or package without even knowing it:
After nearly 100 years in business Sheppard Envelope produces envelopes of almost any size from 1” x 1” up to 14.5” x 17.5”– for small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies including Mobil Oil, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lily. Since 1921, they’ve used technology and creativity to stay afloat – even during tumultuous economic downturns. Their product line has recently expanded to include RFID (radio frequency identification) blocking passports and smart-card sleeves.