1100 N. Harvester Road
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: (630) 231-6500
Fax: (630) 231-6520
Sales: $65 million.
Major Products: Web offset heatset, coldset, sheetfed, flexo and UV/EB inks. CIC is also one of the largest blanket converters in the Midwest.
Key Personnel: Richard Breen, CEO; Gregg Dahleen, president; Doug Anderson, VP of product development; Mary Dickey, VP of finance; John Pieranunzi, VP of sales and marketing; Victor Dahleen, VP of strategic services.
Number of Employees: 117.
Operating Facilities: West Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Swedesboro, NJ; Fontana, CA.
Comments: The North American publication market has been facing a number of difficult challenges, from the economy and higher raw material prices to the gains made by the Internet. For Central Ink, 2012 saw a slight improvement in terms of sales, as the company looks into new markets for expansion.
“We did have a slight increase in sales,” sad Doug Anderson, Central Ink’s vice president of product development. “However, the bottom line remained stagnant. The newspaper business stabilized in 2012, but heatset sales are being impacted by continuing customer consolidation.”
One area of opportunity is the international market, and Central Ink is looking to make inroads outside of the U.S.
“Our focus will be on international growth opportunities,” Mr. Anderson said. “We have entered into joint venture agreements with Rendic Graphic Systems (international sales) and C&W Pressroom Products (fountain solution and pressroom chemicals).”
Mr. Anderson noted that Central Ink enjoyed more stability in our raw materials in 2012 than in previous years. “We work closely with all of our vendors to stay on top of any changes in supply or pricing,” he added.
In an important personnel move, Brad Dahleen left Central Ink in 2012 to pursue other opportunities, with John Pieranunzi being named to replace him as vice president of sales and marketing.
“While we were sorry to see Brad leave the company, we are excited to have John Pieranunzi as our new vice president of sales and marketing,” said Mr. Anderson. “John has been with Central Ink for six years, serving as our Midwest regional sales manager. Prior to joining Central Ink, John has worked for INX, Sun Chemical and Graphic Color.”
The printing and ink industries are changing, and Mr. Anderson said that Central Ink will be changing along with their customers.
“The printing industry is constantly evolving,” Mr. Anderson said. “We will continue to work hard to improve our processes and add value to our customers.”