FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2003
Gerber and 3M Announce Enhanced Strategic Relationship for Market Growth and Product Innovation
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. Gerber Scientific Products and 3M Commercial Graphics Division have announced the formation of an elevated strategic relationship designed to strengthen the two companies’ longstanding position of leadership and unity within the sign and durable graphics industries.
Gerber and 3M will soon be making some important announcements about their collective efforts to optimize the marketing of high performance vinyl films, including co-branding initiatives. “The market can expect to see a fresh, new approach to our joint product strategy” stated Elaine A. Pullen, president, Gerber Scientific Products. “The goal of our new joint program is to clearly show the market that 3M and Gerber provide the best quality and value available for the production of durable graphics images, at competitive prices and fully integrated into system solutions”.
The joint campaign entitled “The Names You Know, the Products You Trust” captures the spirit by which both Gerber and 3M intend to elevate their longstanding relationship. Pullen indicated, “There was never any question about the value the Gerber and 3M relationship brought to the market or the importance each company has to the other. Our new agreement will solidify this value as we optimize our product strategies, the brands and the promise that comes along with them.”
For over 20 years the collaboration between Gerber and 3M has brought the industry numerous innovations that have shaped the modern sign and durable graphics industry. In the early 1980’s Gerber introduced its first vinyl-cutting system, the SignmakerIII, with 3M pressure sensitive graphic films. The second wave of innovation in the early 1990’s included the GERBER EDGE thermal transfer printing system and 3M™ Scotchcal Graphic Films.
In creating these innovative breakthroughs, 3M and Gerber worked side-by-side to design and manufacture films for the new technologies which would set the standard for new and better ways to produce signs and graphics.
The key element to the 3M and Gerber success story is commitment to the market, to distribution and to innovation. “There aren’t many examples of strategic relationships that have had as much impact in the business or remained intact as long as the 3M and Gerber relationship” noted Pullen. “ It is rare to find a combination that works and continues to work so successfully for over two decades”.
The announcement of the elevated strategic relationship is an important one for the industry for several reasons and will be evident in a variety of initiatives underway. “The sign and graphics industry as a whole has counted on 3M and Gerber to support existing product technology and to develop the next breakthrough” said Alex Cirillo, division vice president, 3M Commercial Graphics. “We want to assure our customers that the industry’s two most relied upon resources are committed to meeting their needs and expectations everywhere possible.”
A variety of initiatives are also underway to streamline the logistics and supply chain management to ensure that each company is optimizing their operational efficiencies. Cirillo continues, “The benefits of manufacturing and inventory management by key suppliers can translate into improved profit for our customers. We see an opportunity to not only make sure that our customers can get the product they want when they need it, but help them understand the impact it can have on their bottom line.”
About Gerber Scientific Products
Gerber Scientific Products is the world leader in the development and manufacture of computerized sign making and specialty graphics systems, software, materials, and accessories among them the revolutionary GERBER EDGE thermal transfer color imaging system. The company’s start-to-finish digital design, printing and production products are carefully integrated via its unique Matched Technology System to provide customers with comprehensive engineered solutions for every color printing and dimensional signage need.
Based in South Windsor, Conn., Gerber Scientific Products is part of Gerber Scientific Inc., the world’s leading supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible goods, and opthalmic lens processing. Also headquartered in South Windsor, the company operates through four businesses: Gerber Scientific Products, Spandex Ltd., Gerber Technology, and Gerber Coburn.
About 3M Company
3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services; transportation and other businesses. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M, go to www.3M.com.
GERBER EDGE and Signmaker are registered trademarks of Gerber Scientific Products.
Matched Technology System is a trademark of Gerber Scientific Products.
3M and Scotchcal are trademarks of 3M Company.
Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
April Peghiny
1 FLEXcon Industrial Park
South Windsor, CT 06074
Phone: 860-643-1515
Fax: 860-648-8595
E-Mail:
Website URL: www.gspinc.com
