Engravable sheet producer Rowmark LLC has expanded its distribution network through its second acquisition in 2015.
Rowmark announced Aug. 25 that it bought LaserBits Inc, a supplier and reseller of laserable products sold into the awards and engraving market. LaserBits is based in Phoenix, with a branch location near Columbus, Ohio.
“They boost our distribution network and will be a source of new products we can funnel through our distribution system,” said Rowmark President Duane Jebbett in a phone interview.
Jebbett said laserable sheet is typically hard acrylic because laser cuts are well defined when the substrate does not deform under the laser action. Rowmark has supplied laserable sheet but the acquired company specializes in such products. LaserBits has occasionally distributed Rowmark's sheet, mainly extruded at Rowmark's headquarters plant in Findlay, Ohio.
The purchase was effective Aug. 13. Rowmark did not disclose terms of the deal.
Jebbett said Rowmark will add LaserBits' network to its own distribution system. Rowmark's global distribution presence will benefit LaserBits's marketing.
LaserBits educates customers on laser technology through special services and its Laser University unit. Mike Fruciano, co-founder of LaserBits, is well known in the industry, Jebbett said. He has joined Rowmark.
“Given the evolution of the marketplace, we believe this acquisition further enhances Rowmark's position as a leading partner and supplier to the engraving and laser markets,” noted Kevin Yamashita, partner at Bertram Capital, majority owner of Rowmark since 2013.
Three months ago, Rowmark acquired Johnson Plastics, a Bloomington, Minn., distributor of engravable plastic sheet and products for sublimation printing of textiles and other materials.
