PDI Group partners with Hemlock to acquire PrismTech Graphics

The PDI Group (Montreal, QC) and Hemlock Printers (Burnaby, BC), two recognized leaders within the Canadian printing industry, have announced the acquisition of Burnaby-based PrismTech Graphics, a well established wide-format and specialty printing company that’s been operating for over 25 years. The acquisition, an equal partnership between Hemlock and PDI, marks the launch of a new venture that will provide customers of both companies with access to a complete solution for their graphics production requirements. With significant capacity, technology and resources at the foundation of this new initiative, Hemlock and PDI plan to strategically promote a newly integrated and comprehensive service offering to sign and display customers requiring both regional and national in-store graphics production as well as distribution.
The PrismTech professional team and its original brand will be retained under the new ownership that will commece on September 1, 2020. Hemlock’s wide-format operations will move into the existing PrismTech 30,000-square-foot production facility in Burnaby, British Columbia. The combined capabilities of the new company will include flatbed UV, screen, and roll-printing technologies, as well as finishing and installation services. Richard Kouwenhoven, President and COO of Hemlock Printers, will serve as the President of the new organization and Paul Milburn, the former President and owner of PrismTech, will remain with the company and is looking forward to participating in the new business. Jamie Barbieri, President of the PDI Group, will assume the role of Director in support of the new business initiative.

“After several years of consistent growth, we felt it was the right time to take the next step with our wide-format service offering,” Kouwenhoven added. “Our partnership with PDI and the acquisition of PrismTech is a perfect strategic fit for us and we are very excited for the future of this business. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Paul and his dedicated team at PrismTech over the past number of months, and they exemplify the same values that have been key to our success – a constant focus on quality and the customer experience, a deep commitment to the staff, and an ongoing commitment to re-invest in the latest technologies.”

“In keeping with our past success and growing partnership with Hemlock, the PrismTech acquisition enables both companies to provide customers with a unique regional and national service offering.” Barbieri pointed out. “Our combined and proven experience in large-format print production, along with a shared commitment to excellence, will deliver unmatched value in the solutions we bring to clients across all sectors and sizes.”
Milburn added: “We have always admired Hemlock and see this acquisition as a testament to a shared commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. This initiative will provide exceptional opportunities for both our customers and our staff.” The joint venture represents the second partnered acquisition by Hemlock and PDI, following their purchase of Kirk Marketing in Richmond, BC in 2017 to form Hemlock Harling Distribution Limited – now a leading provider of mailing, fulfillment and distribution services.