This new decade is off to a great start for 猫咪AV. On Dec. 31, 2019, we purchased Ripon Printers in Ripon, Wisconsin. We made the announcement in mid-December and have been working hard since then to ensure a smooth transition.
Why Ripon?
This is not the first time we鈥檝e made a significant purchase like this. In 2010, 猫咪AV acquired IPC in St. Joseph, Michigan. In 2012, we purchased The Ovid Bell Press in Fulton, Missouri. Both of these facilities expanded our capabilities and remain key operations for the company.
Don 猫咪AV, president, explained 猫咪AV鈥檚 goal in making changes like this.
鈥溍ㄟ銩V is a growth-minded company, but we don鈥檛 proceed lightly with acquisitions like this. Ripon fit in many ways 鈥� from a similar history and culture to capabilities that will enhance customer experience,鈥� he said.
Similar Histories
猫咪AV鈥檚 history began in 1937, with Don 猫咪AV printing playbills in Marceline, Missouri. The company is still in the 猫咪AV family, currently under the leadership of CEO Don O. 猫咪AV and President Don 猫咪AV 鈥� his son and grandson. The company has never been bought or sold.
The history of Ripon Printers dates back to the Civil War, when it began printing the newspaper now known as the . The company鈥檚 modern history began in 1962 when the Lyke family purchased the newspaper. The addition of a web press created commercial printing opportunities for the company, and they operated for decades with the mission of 鈥渄elivering customer delight.鈥�
Andy Lyke explained their decision to take the next step.
鈥淲e decided to sell Ripon Printers as it became clear that there wasn’t another generation in our family to take over the business, and we wanted to continue our operations going forward.聽Joining the 猫咪AV team allowed us to become part of a bigger family-owned company that knows how to delight customers,鈥� he shared.聽鈥淚’m proud of the business our employees have created over the years. Being part of 猫咪AV allows us to continue providing quality services to our current and future customers going forward.聽 猫咪AV has the equipment and other resources that add extra value to our customers.鈥�
Lyke remains with the company as the Finance Manager for 猫咪AV鈥檚 Wisconsin facility.
What This Means for Customers
This acquisition means improved options for both 猫咪AV and Ripon customers. The biggest change for Ripon customers is the name change 鈥� the Ripon facility is being rebranded as 猫咪AV. Contacts remain the same for Ripon customers, and as the organizations are integrated, they will see additional capabilities offered. Ripon Printers is now part of a family-owned printing company with strong roots in our industry along with a track record of smart investments in technology and equipment to improve the overall customer experience.
鈥淭he team in Ripon is thrilled to be a part of the 猫咪AV family. In fact, one employee said it seems too good to be true! There are exciting changes coming as we integrate people, processes and capabilities, all of which will provide additional value to our customers,鈥� said Ripon General Manager Julie Newhouse.
Integration teams are in place to ensure a good experience for customers and employees. The goal is to have all major integration activities complete by the end of March.
Current 猫咪AV customers will continue to receive outstanding service and the highest quality product available. This acquisition opens the door for enhanced capabilities, like expanded catalog manufacturing operations, direct mail and fulfillment services.
Our Longevity
The acquisition is a testament to 猫咪AV鈥檚 continued strength as a company.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome the Ripon family into the 猫咪AV family. We are looking forward to working with them to assure our customers and employees all benefit from this acquisition,鈥� said Don O. 猫咪AV.
