Avery retail services acquires Columbian converter

Avery Dennison's Retail Information Services Division has completed the acquisition of Industrial de Marcas Ltd a tag and label converter located in Medellin, Colombia. The acquisition will support the growing apparel manufacturing industry in Colombia and neighboring countries and assist the apparel sourcing efforts of Avery Dennison's U.S.-based apparel retailer and brand owner customers.

MARK-IND. produces printed price tickets, pocket flashers, size stickers, fabric labels and hangtags at its Medellin, Colombia, facility, and also supplies Avery Dennison fasteners, heat transfers, woven labels, leather and leather-like labels and 10-color poly bags. The company serves apparel manufacturers in the Andean Region, including
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It has 15 years experience in the apparel market and employs more than 80 people.

According to James Rollo, general manager, Latin America, Avery Dennison's Retail Information Services (RIS) Division, a trade agreement enacted in 2002 by the US Congress has provided a major stimulus to apparel manufacturers based in the Andean region. As a result, apparel exports from Colombia to the United States increased by 50 per cent in 2003 and are expected to rise again this year.

'The MARK-IND. acquisition enables Avery Dennison RIS to meet the growing product ID labeling needs of apparel manufacturers in Colombia and neighboring countries,' says Rollo. 'We can now respond more quickly to customer needs by manufacturing our products in-country. This translates into reduced delivery times and delivery costs for customers in key market locations in the Andean region. With the acquisition, Avery Dennison now has the widest portfolio of identification products available to Andean apparel manufacturers.'