TOTOWA, NJ, January 30, 2004 - Pitman Company, the leading independent North American graphic arts supplier, today announced that it has merged Litho Supply Co., Inc. of Monrovia, California with Pitman's Los Angeles operations. Effective today, the sales and customer service staffs of Litho Supply are being integrated into Pitman's operations serving Southern California. They will relocate to Pitman's flagship distribution center in City of Industry, California and will continue to serve customers from that site with the same phone, fax and cell phone numbers. Tim C. Paxson, President of Litho Supply, will join Pitman in a consulting role to aid in the successful transition of the Litho Supply customer base. Joe Demharter, President of Pitman Company, noted, "Part of our strategy in merging Litho Supply into our operations is not only to expand our customers in the region, but also to open opportunities within this new customer base to introduce our extensive product portfolio. Pitman specialists and support organization will work closely with Litho Supply sales people to assure a smooth transition of customers throughout Southern California. Following the transition, Litho Supply customers will still work with the same sales people and inside staff they are accustomed to, and will now have access to the quality products, equipment and high level of service and support that Pitman is known for."