IIMAK Takes the silver
with 25 years of growth
Here at IIMAK, we are celebrating our Silver Anniversary – 25 years in the thermal transfer ribbon manufacturing industry.
Since 1983, we have grown to be one of the world’s largest manufacturers of thermal transfer ribbons, and have diversified into the broader consumable imaging supplies market.
We are proud to share the important milestones that have shaped IIMAK.
1983: Modest Beginnings, Great Possibilities
IIMAK was founded in 1983 to produce thermal transfer ribbons exclusively in North America under a technology license from a Japanese company. This new digital thermal transfer technology could deliver breakthroughs in productivity, efficiency, and logistics for manufacturers across the globe.
IIMAK's first products were thermal transfer ribbons for bar code applications.
1990 - 1998: Organic Growth in a New Market
Adoption of barcode technology by manufacturers fueled the rapid growth of thermal transfer ribbons. IIMAK expanded their US facility to 250,000 square foot and expanded research and development to invent new inks to meet changing market needs.
Customer care became paramount, as companies came to rely on barcodes for manufacturing and distribution. IIMAK set the market standard with unparalleled product offerings, same day shipping direct to end users, and private labeling.
1999: Expansion through Strategic Acquisition
IIMAK made a strategic move to enter the Brazil thermal transfer ribbons market by acquiring Impress, an IIMAK distributor, and forming IIMAK Brasil Ltda.
In the years following, IIMAK continued North American expansion and industry consolidation with acquisitions, which included Acucote Imaging, ID Images (ribbons), and Precision Ribbon Technology.
2001: Infrastructure Investment
The addition of new, automatic slitters, multi-station coaters, and upgrading of ink-making equipment demonstrates IIMAK's commitment to growth and improved productivity. Also, IIMAK expanded into a brand new, 55,000 square foot distribution center in Amherst, NY to support same-day shipping and unequalled customer care.
2001: IIMAK Europe
IIMAK expanded its global presence by establishing a European manufacturing and distribution subsidiary, located just outside Antwerp, Belgium, to serve the EMEA market.
2003: IIMAK da Amazonia
IIMAK acquired the thermal transfer ribbon operations of Seal Electronica da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, giving IIMAK a strong position in a free-trade zone with significant import tax advantages.
2003: IIMAK Mexicana
High labor content cassette products led IIMAK to open a maquiladora in Reynosa Mexico, just over the U.S. border. This addition delivered new opportunities for growth, particularly in the retail photo market.
2004: Clean Start®
IIMAK invented and patented a new feature that clearly differentiates its thermal transfer ribbons from the competition. Dubbed Clean Start®, this printhead cleaner is built in at the beginning of the ribbon and makes regular printhead maintenance fast and easy.
2006: DecoThem
Leveraging its thermal transfer expertise, IIMAK developed and patented DecoTherm -- a new process for placing graphic designs permanently on glass using ceramic frit. This development expanded IIMAK’s market reach into the architectural and construction markets.
Into the Future: Diversification
IIMAK will continue to focus on their core global thermal transfer ribbon business, while developing new products and services for the broader consumable imaging supplies market.
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