Autotype International, which over the years has brought screen printing to new levels of control and repeatability with new applications such as flexible circuit printing and DVD printing, has been bought over by MacDermid Inc. of Denver, Colorado, USA. The acquisition of Autotype’s means that MacDermid will have $0.75 billion sales focused in the printing, electronics and industrial finishing markets around the world.
The Colorado-based company also enjoys leading positions in the supply of offset blanket, flexo plates and Colorspan ink jet printers and supplies. In the electronics sector, MacDermid Electronic Solutions is a global leader in the supply of chemicals for PCB manufacturing. MacDermid Industrial Solutions is a major supplier of chemicals for industrial finishing, specifically plating and coating of metals and plastics.
In taking over Autotype, MacDermid’s objective is to further enhance the former’s rapid development into new areas in the screen printing and electronics industries by using the extensive MacDermid network of locations and market contacts.

For example, in China alone MacDermid has 300 employees and over 20 year’s experience in that market. MacDermid’s activities will supplement Autotype’s efforts to improve service and growth in many parts of the world.
According to sources in the industry, both the organizations reflect one and the same philosophy which is focused on providing solutions that help their customers become more successful. Their cultures and the approaches are also very similar, built on technology leadership and exceptional customer service. Not only the two businesses complement each other, but also there is no direct overlap.
Said Chief Executive of Autotype, Mr Peter Levinsohn, “I am delighted that Autotype has found a stable and successful long term owner who understands the potential for our business and is able to assist directly in accelerating our growth plans. I believe this is a vital step forward in realising our true potential.”

Autotype’s sales of around £50m are spread around the world with the two largest markets being the USA and China. Of late, it has won Queen’s Awards for innovations in hard coated films for the electronics industry and world leading in mould decoration films for the mobile phone, appliance and automotive industries.
Autotype’s most recent launches have been of antimicrobial hard coated films for hygiene critical surfaces and of diffuser and antireflection films for use in the flat panel display industry.
Mr Levinsohn concludes, “MacDermid’s approach is to encourage their businesses to develop as strong and independent companies, focused on the needs of specific groups of customers around the world. Our existing management team will continue to drive Autotype forward in line with our well-established strategy. This change of ownership will give us the opportunity to grow much faster and more aggressively with the full backing of a well funded and committed parent.”
For further details visit www.autotype.com