Anderson & Vreeland marks 65th anniversary

Anderson & Vreeland is marking its 65th anniversary, having commenced operations in January 1961.

The company has consistently served the flexographic industry, evolving its offerings and expanding its reach to meet the needs of its clientele. With a network of eight warehouses spanning three time zones, the company's sales consultants and support infrastructure are dedicated to fulfilling customer requirements with speed and effectiveness.

'Our 65-year journey has been defined by continuing to treat our people as part of the family, an enduring vision that my father and Andy Anderson instilled when they founded this company,' said Howard Vreeland Jr. 'We are thrilled to continue building on that legacy by delivering unparalleled service and innovative solutions that help our customer base thrive and achieve their highest potential.'

Anderson & Vreeland has consistently introduced pioneering technologies and expanded its capabilities.

In 1980, the company introduced Toyobo Printight to the U.S. market, marking the arrival of the first waterwash dry offset and letterpress polymer plate.  

In 1986, it expanded internationally with the acquisition of Williamson & Co in Holland.

In 1993, Cosmolight, the world's first water-wash flexographic plate from Toyobo, was introduced in North America through Anderson & Vreeland.

In 2003, the A&V engineering team developed the Flexolaser, a computer-to-plate (CTP) system.

In 2004, Anderson & Vreeland became the primary North American distributor for BASF Nyloflex photopolymer printing plates across the US and Canada, providing customers with a comprehensive digital flexography workflow. In the same year, the engineering team constructed the first Orbital X 2430 waterwash photopolymer processor, which remains operational today.

In 2005, the company acquired Akron Graphic Supply, a distributor of flexographic printing materials serving the western US, and integrated Nova Polymers, a manufacturer of photopolymer sign materials and equipment, as a wholly owned subsidiary.

In 2007, Anderson & Vreeland acquired Custom Flex, a manufacturer and supplier of Doctor Blades and End Seals, now known as Provident.

In 2009, it launched its full line of AVantage Liquid Photopolymers, produced at its Bryan, Ohio, laboratory. Additionally, AVCE, a high-performance direct engraving material for the letterpress and dry offset markets, was introduced. The engineering team also designed the Demounter 77, a technology for delaminating mounted printing plates from printing sleeves.

In 2011, Anderson & Vreeland acquired Flexolutions, a distributor of flexo materials in Canada.

In 2012, it acquired The Provident Group, a manufacturer and supplier of doctor blades and end seals. 

In 2018, it installed the first AVxpose unit in Ohio, an exposure system for digital imaging and thermal applications, which was subsequently updated in 2024 with enhanced automation, including a PLC interface and LED touchscreen.

In 2023, it acquired Grimco's flexographic division to further strengthen its presence and support in Canada.

In 2024, Anderson & Vreeland acquired Adheso-Graphics, a manufacturer of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for various printing applications, including corrugated, wide web, narrow web, offset and letterpress.