Tru Line Litho Merges with Ed. Garvey and Co.
RACINE, WI—Tru Line Lithographing has merged with Ed. Garvey and Co., a commercial and direct mail printing company based in Niles, IL.
There are no plans to change the company name or corporate identity, and no loss of jobs due to the merger is anticipated. The company reports plans to increase its customer service staff.
Paul J. Hellenberg, Tru Line's president, states, "Both companies are quite successful in their markets and are in the midst of growth spurts. This is an additive scenario."
Hellenberg goes on to say, "The merger will give us the financial strength of a $22 million printing company, while allowing Tru Line to serve new markets with small web and direct digital printing, as well as fulfillment services."
Donald Ford has been appointed CFO, and Edward Garvey will serve as president. Hellenberg, who has served as president of Tru Line since its founding in 1965, says one attraction of the merger is that it allows for flexibility in his retirement. He will concentrate on sales development at Tru Line and the overall business.
According to Garvey, "Clients served by both companies will benefit from a broader range of services, more diverse product availability, an increased ability to respond to ever-changing industry needs and the increased purchasing strength of a larger corporation."
Founded in 1919, Ed. Garvey and Co. complements Tru Line's primarily sheetfed operation with full-service sheetfed and web printing, direct mail printing and related fulfillment services. The company will also benefit from Tru Line's design and electronic prepress capabilities, as well as DocuTech and Xeikon on-demand printing and personalization services.
"It's a lot of work, but very energizing," enthuses Hellenberg. "I am more excited about it every day."
by Katherine Malone