A downtown Plymouth business that started some 43 years ago, will be closing their doors by the end of this month. Anco Office Products will be liquidating all of their office products, including furniture and machines.
Anco has been purchased by Community Business Equipment (CBE) who continues to supply needs as of July 1.
Jeff Jones, president of Anco Office Equipment said, “It is time to slow down as we inch towards retirement.” We started our business in 1975 when we moved the former Anco Office Equipment business up from Water Street to its present location on Michigan Street.”
Ruby McCormick was the former owner and primarily sold pens and mimeograph supplies. Jones’ parents, Merlin and Margot Jones, bought her out. At the same time, Jeff Jones joined the business.
Merlin spent the early years repairing mechanical typewriters, cash registers, and mimeograph.
Jeff began promoting the business with outside commercial sales throughout Marshall, Starke, and Fulton Counties. Unlike the vans used currently to deliver office equipment and supplies to customers, the first deliveries were made by using Bunge cords to attach supplies to a motorcycle.
Margot Jones joined the business shortly after the move to Michigan Street and handled all of the accounting functions. Their daughter, Sher, used her talents to handle art work for sales flyers, furniture and interior design up to her move to Michigan.
Jeff’s wife, Lenore, started with Anco in early 1983 and continues to handle all internal accounting functions including payroll and IT functions involving Ando’s computer network. Jed is quick to share his appreciation for her efforts and support. He said, “Lenore has been a real trooper dealing with late nights on every month end for over 30 years. It is a real challenge balancing family commitments around owning a business.” He added, “She has been the best wife and business partner to work alongside for all of those years.”
As for family plans for the future, Jones said, “It’s time to slow down and start chipping away on our bucket list with an Alaskan cruise planned for 2019.
Jones stays committed to the customers they have serviced for many years and to the community. He said, “We desperately tried to sell Anco Office Products as a complete turnkey operation by keeping the store downtown. We have sold the business rights, customer lists and some assets to Community Business Equipment with five office product stores locations including Bremen.”
In order to continue the device their customers have learned to expect, CBE has agreed to retain long time employees ,Tricia Pitney and Ron Hodges. Jones said they will honor existing service and maintenance contracts on Canon equipment beginning July 1, 2018. Jones said, “The future of your office needs will continue seamlessly through CBE.”
Jones will actively be marketing for sale the building that Anco has occupied at 213 N. Michigan Street. He said the building is a prime location, with recessed protective car port, basement conveyor, wide alley, and available expansion upstairs. For more information, Jones can be contacted at 574-780-7449.
Carol Anders Correspondent
