US-based printing machine maker Apex Machine Company has acquired Ohio-based printing machine manufacturer, Desco Equipment Corporation. The latter makes dry-offset printing machinery primarily aimed at the container and closure industries worldwide. Terms were not disclosed.

Apex manufactures specialised printing and parts handling machinery for three dimensional components, offering what it says are high-end engineered solutions for complex product handling and printing in the medical, pharmaceutical, personal care and automotive segments to name a few.

Desco is located in a 50,000 sq ft facility located on 8 acres in the Cleveland area and specialises in manufacturing systems for the handling and decorating of closures and various sizes of components such as pails, buckets, cups, tubes and lids in the global market. The company engineers and manufactures high-quality printing systems as well as spare parts, plates, blankets and inks.

By incorporating the assets and related resources of Desco, Apex and Desco are confident this resulting expertise will greatly contribute towards expanding product offerings.

As Apex Machine's CEO, Bob Coningsby, commented; "With the tremendous synergies between our two companies, the acquisition of Desco makes a lot of sense as it adds additional manufacturing capacity and a wider machine range to the existing Apex program which has traditionally catered to smaller diameter products and more specialised high technology applications. Desco products will benefit from the innovative engineering expertise that Apex can provide, along with access to more advanced, alternative printing processes which may offer new capabilities for current and future Desco machine users. Apex will be offering a full support package in the future for spares and servicing for all existing Desco customers, along with specialist ink supplies through group company, Capex Corporation, and advanced print development and trial facilities from Apex's print laboratory."

Principals Leo Henry and Gene Gilbert have agreed to remain involved in Desco's operations in order to ensure a smooth transition for customers, vendors and employees.