A.W.T. World Trade Group Acquires Press Line
CHICAGO—The A.W.T. World Trade Group has acquired the full line of General Cylinder Press and other assets of BecMar Corporation of Bailey, Mich. General originally developed and patented the cylinder screen printing press in 1948 and has been manufacturing it ever since. General has an installed base of hundreds worldwide.
“This is an exciting acquisition for A.W.T. that adds a new line to our already impressive array of screen printing-related machines, supplies, parts, and services,” said Michael Green, president. “We intend to shift manufacturing of the General line to our Chicago headquarters and main manufacturing facility.”
Added Sue Proctor, former owner of BecMar: “This is an outstanding opportunity for General to reach a new level of growth with a well-respected company that has a global presence. We look forward to integrating the product line into A.W.T.’s operations and benefitting from its exceptional engineering team.”
Green said Proctor will join A.W.T. to assist in the transition and integration of General products into the A.W.T. line.
General’s product line includes the venerable General Pony Express and Ranger 25, favorites of profit-conscious printers who demand high-speed production, close-tolerance registration, and fast set ups. The line is now in its fourth generation, with presses that are ideal for spot printing, clear coating, heat transfers, decals, pressure-sensitive labels, greeting cards, and P.O.P. displays. It also offers the best method of applying adhesive for flock and glitter.
Over the years General has developed more than 70 models and sizes of the cylinder presses capable of print areas ranging from 11x12 inches to 60x120 inches. General also manufactures stackers and feeders with applications for many industries in addition to printing.
“Our highly experienced engineers will be introducing further enhancements to the General line,” Green said, “much like we’ve done since 2002 when we acquired American M&M, another pioneer in the screen printing industry. We are already quite familiar with the General line. Our parts division, Graphic Parts International Inc., has been manufacturing and distributing General replacement parts for several years.”
For more information about the A.W.T. World Trade Group, visit www.awt-gpi.com.
- People:
- Michael Green
- Pony Express
- Places:
- Chicago