The company began making leather postcards, which were popular at the time, and then added looms to weave ribbon. Some ten years later, Hy-Sil began manufacturing gift wrap. In 1935, the Company became the first American Company to begin vacuum metalizing, constructing the first metalizing chamber in the country at the Company's former Revere, MA plant.

As with most manufacturers, the Company's efforts were redirected during World War II to manufacture war related goods. The Company used its looms to make khaki webbing for parachute harnesses and made several hundred thousand chemical warfare hoods from metalized cellophane.

One of the most interesting products that the Company has manufactured was metalized polyester that was used as heat resistant material in astronaut's spacesuits during the Apollo Space Missions.

After several changes in ownership, Hy-Sil was purchased in 1989 by the leading gift wrap manufacturer in the United Kingdom, International Greetings PLC. At the time, the Company had two plants, one in Lawrence, MA and one in Revere, MA. The parent company has group companies in England, Wales, Holland, and China which also manufacture gift wrap, greeting cards, gift tags and other related products.

Our two 6-color Gravure presses in Midway, GA

As a result of the Company's growth, it was necessary to increase the size of manufacturing facilities and consolidate all operations under one roof. A decision was made to build a new manufacturing plant in Midway, GA, which was completed in the spring of 1996.

In early 2000, The Gift Wrap Company acquired Pepperpot, a manufacturer of high quality stationery products. In May of the same year, the Company also acquired The Stephen Lawrence Company, a quality gift wrap manufacturer with a 40-year reputation. Stephen Lawrence and Pepperpot products are shipped from the Midway Facility.

In conjunction with these acquisitions (and to accommodate future growth), the company has already expanded the size of the Midway plant and distribution center to almost 500,000 square feet and added a second printing press (see photo above).

The Company's finished products are sold to thousands of retail outlets including independent card, gift and party stores, national and regional chains and department stores. Over 150 sales representatives sell its products around the country.

The Gift Wrap Company has sales and marketing offices and a design studio opposite Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, GA and a design studio in Northboro, MA.

The Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003 with an Employee Appreciation Picnic at the Midway facility (see photo above).

top of page