First Edge Solutions Buys Proven Direct

MILWAUKEE—First Edge Solutions has acquired Proven Direct, a Milwaukee-based provider of on-demand marketing, document output services and photo book publishing. The acquisition adds to First Edge’s national network of sales offices and production facilities in Milwaukee, Phoenix and Atlanta.

"Strategically, this gives us a competitive advantage of expanding our one-to-one technology and our data-driven communication platform," said First Edge President and CEO Robert Kraft. "(Proven Direct) has a first-class digital print and mail facility with good clients, and we’ll add value to their operation with our proprietary multi-channel software and national footprint."

The acquisition of Proven Direct effectively doubles the First Edge capacity at its Milwaukee headquarters, enhancing its ability to roll out a client’s multi-channel national distribution strategy.

"With this expansion, First Edge is better positioned to negotiate national contracts with suppliers to drive down costs for customers," noted Kraft. "From an IT standpoint, our strength in applying data management to both marketing and business-critical applications immediately benefits Proven Direct’s customers. For example, they now have access to our software innovations like OrderNet, our Web-to-print platform."

The acquisition also significantly boosts First Edge’s printing, finishing and mailing capabilities through the addition of all Proven Direct manufacturing equipment. Among the acquired pieces, highlights include six HP Indigo presses, two Videojet BX inkjet printers and an Axode video matching system.

First Edge Solutions’ corporate headquarters will move to the former Proven Direct facility at 1301 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee.