Arpeco, a well known name in the narrow web converting industry for more than 40 years, has been acquired by Mark Andy Inc. The brand, known for its inspection rewind equipment, was purchased as part of an ongoing plan to further develop Rotoflex market segments and expand the company’s position globally.

Ken Daming, business unit manager for Rotoflex, says, “Arpeco is a star among inspection rewind products, and the acquisition complements our global growth plans. We couldn’t be more pleased to bring a quality product line into the Rotoflex family.” Mark Andy bought the ailing Rotoflex – based in Mississauga, ON, Canada, as is Arpeco – in December 2008.

Mark Andy bought Arpeco from Precision Automation Co. Inc., of Cherry Hill, NJ, USA. Precision Automation had owned Arpeco for several years, having acquired it out of bankruptcy.

“The benefit we see is the strength of the Arpeco name and equipment,” says Paul Brauss, Mark Andy’s president. “If you don’t own a Rotoflex, then you own an Arpeco. For us, this acquisition complements our continued drive to be a full system provider for the converter.” Brauss says that the Rotoflex equipment is focused on finishing, and that Arpeco is strong in the inspection area. “We also understand that there is a need to service existing equipment as well. We’ll supply factory parts out of our MAX service group.”

In recent years, manufacturing of Arpeco equipment had taken place at Precision Automation’s New Jersey plant. Now the work will move to St. Louis, MO, USA, home of Mark Andy. The sales and engineering office in Canada will be merged with that of Rotoflex in Mississauga.

The Arpeco name, says Brauss, “will be around a while. There is so much Arpeco equipment out there, and we’ll perpetuate the name. You’ll probably see it more on the MAX side of the business, because of the need for parts. We are working on how it fits into the Rotoflex operation.”

Ken Daming will remain the business unit manager for Rotoflex and all inspection rewinder business held by Mark Andy Inc.