Our History

A Legacy of Hard Work, Innovation, and Family Values

1904

Origination

FC Meyer traces its roots back to 1904, which was first established as a modest packaging venture. Over the decades, the company has evolved through vision, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to doing right by its customers and employees.

1927

Early Years and New Beginnings

In 1927, Samuel Ascher—a former newspaper boy with strong ambitions—bought into FC Meyer while living in New York City. Over time, the Ascher family became the principal owners, ushering in a tradition of moderate living, ethical business practices, and a focus on long-term stability rather than quick profits.

Around the same period, Franklin Schulman, who immigrated to New York from Dresden, Germany, brought specialized paper-coating expertise to FC Meyer. As the seventh child in a family historically involved with cigarette paper manufacturing, Franklin’s knowledge perfectly complemented the Ascher family’s business.

Together, they built a strong foundation defined by:
– Resilience and adaptability through shifting markets
– Hard work and a dedication to delivering on promises
– Moderate financial strategy, avoiding any bank debt from inception

1964

Growing Through Changing Times

By 1964, Milton Schulman, son of Franklin, and his brother consolidated ownership under the banner of Millen Industries (later renamed ‘Mafcote’), reinforcing FC Meyer’s industry presence.
FC Meyer was once the world’s largest manufacturer of shoe box blanks—a testament to the company’s commitment to precision, scalability, and continuous improvement. As consumer tastes changed and that specific market declined, FC Meyer once again pivoted, developing new product lines and venturing into emerging sectors, all while staying true to the core values instilled from its early days.

1975-Today

Steady Ethics & Innovation Today

During the 1970s, a new generation of Schulman’s joined the company’s leadership, steering FC Meyer toward new horizons. The company skillfully navigated multiple market shifts, including the rise and fall of specific product lines. Yet at every turn, it leveraged innovation to find fresh paths forward.

Throughout its history, FC Meyer has maintained a culture of innovation and technology adoption. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with cost-conscious operations, has enabled the company to remain profitable and pass value on to customers. By investing in its own growth rather than in lavish expenses, FC Meyer has stayed free from long-term bank debt—a rarity in modern business.
Moreover, FC Meyer prides itself on organic expansion into new markets and applications, capitalizing on deep industry expertise without compromising on ethics or quality.

Our Enduring Principles

Despite the many changes over the decades, the core principles at FC Meyer remain consistent. Inspired by the founders’ perseverance in starting from nothing, the company continues to embody:

Hard Work & Resilience

Persist through challenges and adapt to changing times.

Moderation & Integrity

Maintain financial prudence and never compromise ethical standards.

Customer Focus

Deliver what you promise, provide quality you can stand behind, and always meet deadlines.

These same values have guided FC Meyer since its earliest days and continue to shape how we serve our clients today—a testament to the legacies of Samuel Ascher, Franklin Schulman, and the Schulman family lineage.