Marabu acquires Icon Inks

‘We have high hopes for this acquisition,’ said Jon Bultemeyer, executive vice president of the screen and pad printing Inks at Marabu Group. ‘We are always looking to identify segments with strong prospects. Until recently, our focus had consciously not included textiles. But the market environment is very dynamic, and it is important that our business is broadly based. Textile printing remains one of the largest global screen-printing segments. Icon Inks is a leading brand, and this acquisition gives us access to new markets and new skills. Icon Inks has a high profile in Asia and is a valuable addition to our existing Marabu ink offering. By expanding our product portfolio, we are now able to offer screen printing inks for textiles, in addition to our pad printing solutions.’

In 2020, Marabu launched its pioneering Maqua Pad MAP, claimed to be the world’s first water-based pad printing ink. Icon Inks products are an ideal addition to the existing portfolio and will help Marabu extend its focus on water-based products and expand its textile printing footprint. 

Integrating ICON Inks into the group will enable Marabu Shanghai to extend and improve its services in Asian markets. Ink formulations tailored to regional customer requirements and the use of local raw materials in production enhances business agility. Local manufacturing and logistics will ensure greater customer centricity and make a pivotal contribution to lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

Staff will be distributed across three sites. Eastern China will be advised and assisted by the regional headquarters in Shanghai and South China from Shenzhen. Moreover, the ink manufacturer has a third site in Hong Kong. All three report to Alexandra Taulin, general manager of Marabu Shanghai.