The A.W.T. World Trade Group today announced it has acquired the full line of General Cylinder Press and other assets of BecMar Corporation of Bailey, Michigan.

General originally developed and patented the cylinder screen printing press in 1948 and has been manufacturing it ever since. General has an installed base of hundreds worldwide.

“This is an exciting acquisition for A.W.T. that adds a new line to our already impressive array of screen printing-related machines, supplies, parts and services,” said Michael Green, president. “We intend to shift manufacturing of the General line to our Chicago headquarters and main manufacturing facility.”

Added Sue Proctor, former owner of BecMar: “This is an outstanding opportunity for General to reach a new level of growth with a well-respected company that has a global presence. We look forwarded to integrating the product line into A.W.T.’s operations and benefitting from its exceptional engineering team.”

Sue Proctor will join A.W.T. to assist in the transition and integration of General products into the A.W.T. line.

“Our highly experienced engineers will be introducing further enhancements to the General line,” Green said, “much like we’ve done since 2002 when we acquired American M&M, another pioneer in the screen printing industry. We are already quite familiar with the General line. Our parts division, Graphic Parts International Inc., has been manufacturing and distributing General replacement parts for several years.”

Green also noted that A.W.T.’s history with General dates back to 1983 when Advance Process Supply Co.-American M&M, which A.W.T.’s principals also owned, bought General. BecMar bought General from Advance Process in 1992.

General’s product line includes the venerable General Pony Express and Ranger 25, favorites of profit-conscious printers who demand high-speed production, close-tolerance registration and fast set-ups. The line is now in its fourth generation, with presses that are ideal for spot printing, clear coating, heat transfers, decals, pressure-sensitive labels, greeting cards and P.O.P. displays. It also offers the best method of applying adhesive for flock and glitter.

General’s latest line, the Classic Cylinder Press introduced in 1992, is built to provide years of consistent, trouble-free performance at the highest production rates. The Classic Press prints heavy solid areas of color, fine line work, high resolution reverse copy and halftones at speeds up to 3,250 impressions per hour.

Over the years General has developed more than 70 models and sizes of the cylinder presses capable of print areas ranging from 11-by-12 inches to 60-by-120 inches. General also manufactures stackers and feeders with applications for many industries in addition to printing.

We can build a system from the ground up or incorporate your existing equipment. We are a team of problem solvers with the experience to assist you in bringing to market a cost effective solution for your most difficult applications. We are your printing experts with experience, commitment to quality, and the best service in the industry.

LET US HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS!

For more information about the A.W.T. World Trade Group, visit www.awt-gpi.com, phone 773-777-7100 or email sales@awt-gpi.com.

For more information about General Cylinder Press visit www.generalcylinderpresses.com .