Vancouver, BC, Canada-based prepress provider Creo Inc. completes its acquisition of a printing-plate production facility from First Graphics (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa for a final purchase price of US$11.34 million in cash. The purchase accompanies the launch of Creo's own PTP thermal printing plates and the expansion of its digital media strategy. The First Graphics facility has a modern plate-manufacturing line, which is already producing the Creo PTP plate.

American Roller Co., a Union Grove, WI-based roller manufacturer, acquires Plasma Coatings, Inc., a manufacturer of thermal and release coatings. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This is the second major acquisition by American Roller in the past 3 months. On October 10, 2003, American Roller purchased Champion Roller Co. of Rock Hill, SC. Plasma Coatings, Inc., established in 1969, is a manufacturer of flame-sprayed special surface material coatings for rollers and a variety of other industrial parts. These coatings are primarily applied when non-stick, corrosion resistance and wear resistance properties are required.

Printco Industries LLC, Pulaski, WI, has been purchased in a management buyout from its parent company, Industrial Engraving. The new owners consist of local investors, including key members of Printco's sales and management staff. Founded in 1983, Princto Industries manufactures chambered doctor-blade systems, and performs machine upgrades and other rebuilds, as well as manufactures new printing and coating machinery. Printco Industries LLC will continue all operations at its present WI facility.

C&M Conveyor, Inc., a Mitchell, IN, supplier of material-handling systems to the corrugated and folding-carton converting industry, acquires Automated Systems Technology, Inc., a provider of roll-handling equipment to the paper and printing fields.