PCMC Acquires F.L. Smithe Machine Co.

GREEN BAY, Wis.—Timothy J. Sullivan, president and CEO of Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), announced the acquisition of F.L. Smithe Machine Co., Inc. of Duncansville, Penn., which specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance printing and converting equipment solutions.

The acquisition further strengthens PCMC’s continuing commitment to the flexographic printing industry, establishing the combined company as a global provider of a complete range of narrow-, mid- and wide-web printing presses. The new partnership also leverages F.L. Smithe’s historic position in the envelope converting industry to broaden the range of products and markets served by PCMC for dry and wet folding technologies across a variety of applications.

“With a history spanning more than 100 years, F.L. Smithe has been a leading supplier of state-of-theart printing and converting systems that include its well-known Aquaflex narrow-web printing presses and Champion envelope machines,” Sullivan stated. “We plan to continue that tradition of innovation as we carry forward the legacy of F.L. Smithe across its complete range of product offerings.”

F.L. Smithe Machine Co. was founded in 1904 by Ferdinand L. Smithe in New York City. In 1966, under the leadership of Edgar A. Smithe, Jr., president and CEO of F.L. Smithe and grandson of the founder, the company moved to its present location in Duncansville, Penn., where it continued to produce machines capable of manufacturing virtually any envelope seen on the market. In 2004, the company purchased Aquaflex, a Montreal-based manufacturer of narrow-web printing presses.

“We’re proud to partner with PCMC and Barry-Wehmiller to build on the rich heritage of our companies while serving a broad range of markets and industries worldwide,” Smithe commented. “This agreement ensures the continued commitment to existing and future customers of our Champion and Aquaflex product lines for many years to come with regard to new machinery, as well as service and support for thousands of installed machines around the world.”

The F.L. Smithe acquisition is the 44th for Barry-Wehmiller since 1987. In fiscal year 2008, a strategic combination of organic and acquisition growth allowed Barry-Wehmiller to reach a new milestone, with annual revenues surpassing $1.1 billion for the first time in the company’s 123-year history.