MACDERMID INC. ACQUIRES AUTOTYPE INTERNATIONAL
Autotype International has today become part of
MacDermid Inc. of Denver, Colorado, USA. MacDermid's objective is to further
enhance Autotype's rapid development into new areas in the screen printing and
electronics industries by using the extensive MacDermid network of locations and
market contacts.
The acquisition of
Autotype means that MacDermid will have c. $0.75billion sales focused in the
printing, electronics and industrial finishing markets around the
world.
MacDermid has leading positions in the supply
of offset blanket, flexo plates and Colorspan ink jet printers and supplies. In
the electronics sector MacDermid Electronic Solutions is a global leader in the
supply of chemicals for PCB manufacturing. MacDermid Industrial Solutions is a
major supplier of chemicals for industrial finishing, specifically plating and
coating of metals and plastics.
Peter
Levinsohn, Chief Executive of Autotype reflects on MacDermid's attitude to their
customers summarised in their slogan, 'Yes we can'. "This mirrors the
philosophy of Autotype which is focused on providing solutions that help our
customers become more successful. We see the cultures and the approaches of the
two respective organisations as being very similar, built on technology
leadership and exceptional customer service. Although the two businesses
complement each other, there is no direct
overlap."
Peter Levinsohn
continues, "I am delighted that Autotype has found a stable and successful long
term owner which understands the potential for our business and is able to
assist directly in accelerating our growth plans. I believe this is a vital
step forward in realising our true potential. I have already visited many of
MacDermid's impressive facilities. In China alone MacDermid has 300 employees
and over 20 year's experience in that market. MacDermid's activities will
support our efforts to improve our service and growth in many parts of the
world. I look forward to exploring more of the opportunities that our
respective strengths bring to our
customers."
In recent years Autotype has
brought screen printing to new levels of control and repeatability, reinforcing
the benefits of the process for new applications such as flexible circuit
printing and DVD printing. Autotype has won Queen's Awards for its innovations
in hard coated films for the electronics industry and world leading in-mould
decoration films for the mobile phone, appliance and automotive industries.
Autotype's most recent launches have been of antimicrobial hard coated films for
hygiene critical surfaces and of diffuser and anti-reflection films for use in
the flat panel display industry. Autotype's sales of around £50m are spread
around the world with the two largest markets being the USA and
China.
Peter Levinsohn concludes,
"MacDermid's approach is to encourage their businesses to develop as strong and
independent companies, focused on the needs of specific groups of customers
around the world. Our existing management team will continue to drive Autotype
forward in line with our well-established strategy. This change of ownership
will give us the opportunity to grow much faster and more aggressively with the
full backing of a well funded and committed parent."
Posted: Tue - June 14, 2005 at 10:10 AM