For years, the company struggled with sporadic sales and limited financial resources. However, it was Marcel’s entrepreneurial spirit, determination and long hours that kept the business going. In the early 70s, Marcel found an old textile mill in Stafford Springs that offered more space and security. He purchased the building and the business operated there for nearly 20 years. As the business grew, the building was renovated and multiple additions were added as needed. In the late 70s, his children, Steve and Lynn came into the business.
The business went through good times and bad, but overall, the business provided a comfortable lifestyle for him and his family. As the reputation of the business grew, Marcel showed the instincts to make the decisions to invest and grow with the changes in the market. In the early 80s, Marcel saw the market changing from metal nameplates to more decorative label alternatives. As a result, he purchased Willingtons’ first label press to meet the changing trends. With the growth of the business, the limited space in the two-story mill often created inefficient work flow issues. At this time Marcel now had the help of three of his children as his youngest son, Mike, who joined the business.
In 1990, the business bought a five acre lot in an industrial park, and designed and built a state-of -the-art, 40,000 square foot building. The current facility is considered among the cleanest and most efficient in the industry. In 1995, based on its fine reputation, Willington was approached to produce printed outdoor advertising products. Since the technologies were similar, Willington made the necessary investments and entered into a new market. In 1996, the company purchased a label company, New England Label, which was located in Vermont. New England Label offered a market and capabilities that was similar but quite different than its core business.
Marcel’s wife, Sheila, and his son, Steve, retired from the business. His daughter, Lynn, assumed responsibility for Human Resources while his son, Mike, assumed General Management responsibility for all The Willington Companies operations which includes Willington Nameplate, Willington PowerPrint and New England Label. While Marcel is no longer active in the day-to-day activities he remains current on everything that takes place, continuing to earn the respect and admiration of employees and customers for his hard work, determination and perseverance. The company has successfully transitioned from an entrepreneurial-driven company to a management team organization while remaining true to its founding principles and values. The Willington Companies are committed to the success of its customers by being flexible, dependable, speedy and responsive to their needs.