Vector Business Systems Joins Superior Business Solutions
Vector Business Systems Inc., a distributorship in York, Pa., merged with Superior Business Solutions, a distributorship based in Kalamazoo, Mich. The companies operate as a single firm.
Vector Business Systems offers a variety of products and services, including on-demand and traditionally printed products, document management, graphic design, marketing assistance and promotional items.
"We're looking forward to offering a broader range of products and services to Vector customers and feel that they will profit from the synergy of these fine companies," said Bill English, president of Superior Business Solutions.
Consolidated Graphics Acquires Regent Printing and Imaging
Houston-based commercial printer Consolidated Graphics Inc. announced March 27 it has acquired the assets of Regent Printing and Imaging, a commercial printer in Tulsa, Okla. The Regent operation has combined with Consolidated Graphics' existing Tulsa facility to form a new firm, Consolidated Printing Solutions.
Consolidated Printing Solutions offers sheet-fed and full-web printing capabilities to customers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.
Wallace Acquires Thomas Packaging, Divests Monroe Litho
Lisle, Ill.-based manufacturer Wallace announced March 20 it has acquired Thomas Packaging Corp., an Avon Lake, Ohio, manufacturer of prime labels, regulatory labels and inserts.
The acquisition expands Wallace's product and service mix for producers and distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, animal health products, over-the-counter drugs and specialty chemical products. Thomas Packaging's 2001 sales were $6.4 million. The company was founded in 1983 and has 62 employees.
Also, Rochester, N.Y.-based commercial printer Monroe Litho became fully divested from Wallace. Monroe Litho, which Wallace had owned since October 1997, now operates as an independent, privately owned company. H. Christopher Pape, who spearheaded a management buyout agreement with Wallace, serves as Monroe Litho's president and CEO.
Deluxe Raises Earnings Outlook
St. Paul, Minn.-based check printer Deluxe Corp. raised its earnings guidance for its first quarter and fiscal year, citing stronger-than-expected revenues in its financial services unit.
Deluxe said it expects earnings per share to be at least 10 cents more than its previous prediction of 69 cents to 73 cents for its first quarter and $2.85 to $2.95 for its fiscal year. A year ago, Deluxe had a first-quarter profit of 59 cents a share and $2.69 for the full year.
Weyerhaeuser Welcomes Willamette Employees
Federal Way, Wash.-based paper supplier Weyerhaeuser welcomed Willamette Industries' employees as part of the new, combined company. Business leaders and others held a series of welcome events and activities at Willamette locations in March to mark the official name change to Weyerhaeuser.
The combined companies have sales of approximately $19 billion (using 2001 figures), and claim world leadership in production of softwood market pulp, softwood lumber and engineered lumber products. The new company claims to be the second largest in containerboard packaging and printing and writing paper.
"This is a significant milestone in combining the operations of the two companies as we continue to grow the global leader in our industry," said Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser. "We're very optimistic about our future. We know we have challenges ahead, but we also know we have the team in place to take advantage of our opportunities."
International Paper Sells Three Plants
Stamford, Conn.-based paper supplier International Paper (IP) announced April 2 it sold three of its Oriented Strand Board (OSB) facilities to Nexfor Inc., a paper supplier based in Toronto.
The facilities, which are located in Jefferson, Texas; Nacogdoches, Texas; and Cordele, Ga., employ 456 people. The plants are part of IP's Panels & Engineered Wood business, headquartered in Savannah, Ga. That business, which is part of the company's Forest Products group, now includes five plywood mills, two utility pole plants, one laminated veneer lumber mill and two distribution centers.
IP also announced its Lock Haven, Pa., plant will cease operations at the end of this month. Three of the facility's four paper machines stopped production prior to last September. The mill began operations in 1880. IP's Erie, Pa., paper mill is scheduled to close next month.
