M&R says IST’s MutiiGrip is one of the finest gripper-style graphics presses on the market. Now, thanks to Glen Ellyn, IL-based M&R’s acquisition of Italian manufacturer IST, the MultiGrip will join M&R’s roster of screen-printing equipment.

“We feel fortunate to be able to add IST’s product line and engineering expertise to the M&R companies,” says Ronnie Riggs, president of M&R. “IST’s multicolor presses are technologically advanced, highly automated, and exceptionally fast. The addition of presses with gripper-style media transport to our product line means graphics printers will be able to obtain virtually any type of large-format graphics press from M&R.”

IST owner and CEO Marco Bergomi founded the company in 1999. “I’m excited that IST is now part of the M&R companies,” he says. “M&R’s manufacturing prowess and its global sales, distribution, and service network should enable the MultiGrip line to find immediate success throughout the world.”

M&R will add a regional office near Milan, Italy to complement its presence in Austria, Poland, China, and the US. Bergomi will manage M&R’s international graphics sales from the Italy branch.

M&R CEO Rich Hoffman says customers will be able to buy a gripper press that includes access to parts and service around the clock and every day, and he predicts MultiGrip graphics presses will become even more popular as part of the M&R companies. The first M&R-built MultiGrip press will debut at SGIA 2006 in Las Vegas, NV.