NEW YORK—Nov. 14, 2011—The Designtex Group, a Steelcase company, announces the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Portland, Maine–based digital printing company Slide Works, which conducts business as Portland Color. Founded by Andrew Graham in 1988, Portland Color is a large-format digital printing company with roots in the photo-lab industry that specializes in graphics for retail environments.
United as partners in March 2009 by a common business culture, Designtex and Portland Color are dedicated to sustainable practices, and quality products driven by the needs and satisfaction of customers. As a result of this acquisition, Portland Color will become Designtex’s Surface Imaging division and contribute to the on-going growth and evolution of the company.
The purchase includes Portland Color’s lease of its 26,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art printing facility and enables Designtex to further expand its surface imaging capabilities and offerings, making Designtex a leader in the industry in innovated surface solutions.
Thomas Hamilton, president and CEO of Designtex, commented, “This is a wonderful opportunity for Designtex. It puts us in a leadership position for this business segment and gives us immediate entry to the retail, museum and exhibit industry segments, enhancing the company’s future growth and performance. With this acquisition we gain strong talent and innovative technology to build on Designtex’s successful surface imaging platform.”
Upon the close of the acquisition, Portland Color employees will become Designtex team members, including founder Andrew Graham, who will serve as Designtex’s Digital Surfacing Imaging Innovation Officer. Designtex will serve Portland Color’s clients as in the past.
About Designtex
Founded in 1961, Designtex is a design, marketing, sales and distribution business focused on providing insight-led environment enhancement through the application of premium surfaces. Its products are designed to enhance seating, walls, work stations, floors and ceilings. Design fueled by innovation, performance and sustainability is embedded in its culture.
About Steelcase
Steelcase Inc. helps create great experiences—wherever work happens. Our brands offer a comprehensive portfolio of workplace furnishings; products and services, inspired by nearly 100 years of insight gained serving the world's leading organizations. We are globally accessible through a network of channels, including over 650 dealers. We design for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Steelcase is a global, publicly traded company leading our industry with fiscal 2011 revenue of approximately $2.4 billion.
Source: Designtex.