technotrans AG, the leading global supplier of printing auxiliary equipment for sheetfed and web presses, as well as CD/DVD technologies and information services, is pleased to announce the completion of their agreement to purchase 100% of Farwest Graphic Technologies LLC, and their parent company, The Steve Barberi Company Inc., both located in Corona, California, U.S.A. The newly acquired companies together will be known as technotrans america and will be responsible for the sales, service and support of products specifically dedicated to the sheetfed segment of the North American printing industry as well as providing domestic manufacturing of all technotrans fluid and temperature control systems and infrared hot air drying systems for the North American sheetfed market. Bill Bonallo, acknowledged as an authority in the area of UV and water based coating applications as well as drying and curing systems and lithographic process control is the President and CEO of technotrans america sheetfed division while Steve Barberi will assume the duties of Vice President of Operations. Along with fluid and temperature control systems, technotrans america will now offer state of the art integrated infrared/hot air drying systems for sheetfed press ink and coating applications that will be supported by on-press application expertise unmatched in the industry today. Additionally, technotrans america has announced a strategic alliance with IST Metz GmbH, recognized as the world leader in UV technology, and will provide sales, service and support of the complete line of IST sheetfed UV technologies and services. The technotrans acquisition of Farwest Graphic Technologies, and their parent company, The Steve Barberi Company, combines the strength of recognized industry leaders and benefits the North American market by providing a domestic manufacturing base along with complete domestic replacement parts inventory. Additionally technotrans america’s strategically located nation-wide service and support teams provide unequaled on-press application experience and expertise. The proven benefits and efficiencies of single supplier purchasing and accountability will afford technotrans the ability to strengthen their market presence by offering customers a level of product performance and support to North American printers that will exceed their expectations. The owners of FGT and SBC have become shareholders of technotrans AG, thereby confirming their long-term commitment and involvement in the ongoing international development of the technotrans group.