International Media Products (IMP), a manufacturer of printing consumable supplies, announced the acquisition of Palmetto Imaging Technology (PIT), a Winnsboro, SC-based manufacturer of thermal transfer and impact ribbons.

Founded in 2002, Palmetto Imaging Technology sells thermal transfer and impact ribbons to a network of printer manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors across North America. They also hold the exclusive distributorship for Fujicopian thermal transfer ribbons in North and South America. Fujicopian, the original inventor of thermal transfer ribbon technology, licensed this technology to Iimak and Armor in the 1980s.

“We are thrilled to welcome the PIT team to IMP,” says Derek West, president of International Media Products. “Both our companies share a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and our partners’ success. Our similar distribution channels make this a perfect fit. We are excited to offer PIT’s extensive product line to our existing customers, while also introducing our products to PIT’s clients.”

PIT founder Tony Perez is retiring after a distinguished 52-year career in the printing supplies industry. Andy Turner, executive VP at PIT, will be joining the IMP team.

“We’ve had a long and successful partnership with IMP,” comments Turner. “We’re very excited to join the IMP family and believe the strong synergies between our companies will create significant value for our combined customer base.”

In a separate announcement, IMP also revealed its appointment as the exclusive distributor for Fujicopian thermal transfer ribbons in North and South America.

“Fujicopian’s rich history, technical expertise, and strong capabilities in the thermal transfer ribbon industry will allow us to expand our solution set to include more high-end products like near-edge TTO ribbons, specialty resins, and a wider range of colors,” states West.