Acquisitions strengthen Northeast Ohio company’s capabilities, integral in creating the communications platform of the future

Stow, Ohio – Traxium, LLC, a holding company comprised of commercial printing and marketing businesses, today announced the acquisition of Great Lakes Integrated and Watt Printers, both located in Cleveland, Ohio. These two businesses will now operate as part of the Traxium family of companies.

The acquisitions mark an important stage in Traxium’s long-term vision and strategy of creating a full-service, seamless, and integrated communications platform by bringing together industry-leading printing, digital technology, data, insight, fulfillment, mailing, web-to- print, and marketing companies. The new structure unites nearly 200 employees under the Traxium umbrella.

“Traditional printing companies in Northeast Ohio and across the country are being forced to compete in an ever-changing landscape where print is only a small piece of the puzzle,” said George Schmutz, owner and chief executive officer – Traxium. “The Traxium vision is to embrace these dynamics and acquire companies that fit into our forward-thinking, growth- oriented, and customer-centric business model – a model that truly serves customers’ complete communications, marketing, and printing needs while growing their businesses and strengthening their brands.”

This is a strategic action for Traxium as it moves toward having one company that brings together the resources of the best printing, marketing, data, mailing and fulfillment, and related marketing service providers - all working together to provide a seamless communication message. This means one mission and one vision – as Traxium extends its Northeast Ohio reach and economic impact.

With more than 200 years of incomparable, combined industry experience, Great Lakes Integrated and Watt Printers are an ideal fit for Traxium’s long-term vision. Both companies are considered to be heritage brands in Cleveland and are known for quality graphic communication, print products, and outstanding service.

“We’ve spent more than 100 years providing printing services for the Greater Cleveland area. Much of our focus has been on our employees, the graphic arts industry, and improving the community where our people live and work,” said Mike Nakonek, former vice president and owner – Watt Printers. “I feel confident Traxium will continue that tradition to a far greater level of success for our customers, employees, vendors, and our marketplace.”

“For those who know Great Lakes Integrated, they understand the commitment our family has had to Cleveland and the surrounding community during our 80-plus-year history in this town,” said Jim Schultz, former chairman and chief executive officer – Great Lakes Integrated. "With expanded customer service, technology, and product offerings, the synergies between Great Lakes and Traxium make this a win-win for our associates and customers."

These acquisitions mark the beginning of a new era for printing and marketing communications in Northeast Ohio, giving Traxium the ability to expand its reach across North America, and in turn, positively impact its growth in this region.

All existing facilities will remain open and operational. The current top leadership of both organizations will stay on with Traxium in various capacities.