Advocates cite benefits such as increased connectivity, information and resources

Fairfax, Va. — News of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s (SGIA) acquisition of NAPCO Media — producer of media outlets including Printing Impressions, Wide-Format Impressions, In-Plant Impressions, Packaging Impressions and Print + Promo — has spread quickly and garnered widespread praise in the marketplace.

The collaboration, which has its genesis in the two organizations’ partnership in PRINTING United, the next generation of the SGIA Expo, is opening new opportunities for printers, suppliers and OEMs in all market segments. Andrew Oransky, President and CEO of Roland DGA, a longtime SGIA member and PRINTING United exhibitor, said he sees benefits for the industry as well as the association.

“The joining of SGIA and NAPCO Media creates a consolidated powerhouse of information, resources, education and events that will be extremely beneficial for both print service providers and suppliers alike,” said Oransky, who chairs SGIA’s Supplier and Manufacturer Advisory Council. “As a leading manufacturer within the graphics and visual communications industry, Roland DGA looks forward to the improvements, connectivity and growth this important partnership will foster.”

Stahls’ CEO Carleen Gray added, “We believe the acquisition can accelerate the PRINTING United message, bringing expertise and education to all printing communities throughout the year. A consistent voice addressing multiple print formats will better position business owners for success.”

PRINTING United is the strategic response to the printing market’s need to address the convergence of industry verticals by bringing printing disciplines under one roof. The acquisition of NAPCO by SGIA takes this philosophy one step farther.

PRINTING United general service contractor Shepard Exposition Services has worked on SGIA’s expos for more than 15 years, and joined the association in 2016. CEO Steve Basch welcomed news of the acquisition.

“There is potential for tremendous value to be added to the printing industry through the combining of these two complementary services,” he said. “In working with SGIA, it has always been clear that their number one priority is to provide the printing community with leading education, training and advocacy, and this acquisition is a demonstration of that commitment.”

Ken Keyte, CEO, MBO America said, “The acquisition of NAPCO Media by SGIA will further strengthen the strategic partnership and create even more value for the industry. The integration of the companies will increase their ability to serve the market and position them for future growth. We look forward to a fantastic PRINTING United show in Dallas in October.”

Overwhelmingly, the sentiment was optimistic. Paul Reilly, Partner, New Direction Partners, characterized the acquisition as game changing. “In the merger and acquisitions world, we label such transactions as transformable, as they disrupt the industry being serviced. New Direction Partners looks forward to sharing in the benefits that this merger will bring to the printing and packaging industry,” he said.

Renowned creative guru and CCO, r|Crespo, th13teen creative+design, says: “Each, already hugely influential to the industry...the formal synergy of SGIA and NAPCO undeniably establishes this partnership as the indomitable resource for news and information, and the place to go for anything printing."

PRINTING United attendees will have the opportunity to see the already advanced fruits of this industry partnership as the show unfolds in Dallas on October 23 - 25, 2019 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. For more information about the show, visit printingunited.com.