(October 23, 2008) "MacDermid printing blankets are now Rollin".  That's the news from Trelleborg, an industrial rubber company headquartered in Sweden, who purchased the offset printing blanket division of MacDermid in June 2008.  In October of 2006, Trelleborg acquired Reeves Brothers, the manufacturer of the Vulcan line of printing blankets.  "An exciting time is ahead," said Dario Porta, President of the Trelleborg printing blankets operating unit. "Our business is core within the Trelleborg Group.  There will be significant investment in research, development, production and promotion of our printing blankets."

With Vulcan and Rollin in the Trelleborg product portfolio, the industrial rubber company is the offset printing blanket leader in Europe and a strong number two in the United States.  "With Vulcan's strength in commercial offset and Rollin's strength in newspaper and specialty markets in the US, our customers will benefit from our full portfolio and enhanced service capabilities," says George Christian, Director of Sales and Marketing in the Americas for both brands.

Rollin will replace the MacDermid name for the printing blanket products.  An industry icon in the past, with roots in the printing industry throughout Europe, the Rollin name was phased out after MacDermid purchased the brand in the 1990's.  Trelleborg has chosen Graph Expo as the venue to announce Rollin's rebirth.  "A major trade show like Graph Expo is the perfect venue for an announcement like this because the exposure to the marketplace is high and people are always looking for new developments within the industry" says Christian.

To support the growing organization and to better focus on specific market needs, the sales management team for both brands has been reorganized.  Previously the Sales Director for MacDermid Printing Blankets for both the Americas and Canada, Christian has been appointed the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Americas and Canada.

Christian commented on the recent changes, "With the two organizations merging, I am excited about the opportunity it affords us to better serve the market.  It will allow us to bring best of class products and services to our customers. One of our primary objectives will be to provide total customer satisfaction to our broad customer base, as they are the ultimate judge of the quality of products and services we provide."