Standard Register, Dayton, OH, USA, has announced that it has purchased the assets of Fusion Graphics Inc., a leader in in-mold labeling (IML) and decorating technology. The assets consist primarily of intellectual property and will become part of the company’s Industramark business unit, which is focused on product marking and other systems for industrial manufacturers.

“Standard Register has licensed certain technology from Fusion Graphics in the in-mold labeling space for about two years,” says Tom Furey, president of Industramark. “The acquisition of Fusion’s patented IML products and intellectual property will enable us to help manufacturers label and brand their products with more permanence and durability. Additionally, it adds to our already robust suite of product marking solutions.”

The acquisition includes Fusion’s Grafilm In-Mold Labeling System, a patented family of products which enables in-mold decorating technology to be used across a wide range of applications. Key attributes include conformability to irregular product surfaces and durable, fade-resistant product marking. The complete Grafilm product line works with virtually all thermoplastics and rubber.

“Through this acquisition, Standard Register can now help a much broader group of customers worldwide in using Grafilm to enhance their products,” adds Bob Freund, founder and co-owner of Fusion Graphics and inventor of Grafilm. “We can now continually develop new products by combining the material science capabilities of Standard Register with Grafilm’s unique properties.”

Joe Morgan, president and CEO of Standard Register, notes how this acquisition fits with the transformation of the company. “We aligned into three market-facing business units last year to focus on the needs of our healthcare, commercial and industrial customers, and to enable us to target investments to support these customers. Standard Register also has a legacy of innovation, currently holding numerous active patents. The acquisition of Fusion helps us to broaden our intellectual property portfolio and enhance our material science capabilities while remaining focused on the markets we serve.”