Marceline, MO, Dec. 18, 2019 — Walsworth announced today it will acquire Ripon Printers in Ripon, Wisconsin, on Dec. 31, 2019. The purchase of Ripon Printers will enhance Walsworth’s print manufacturing capabilities, giving customers additional printing, direct mail, fulfillment and digital communications options.
The Ripon Printers plant will remain open and regular production schedules will continue as planned, but will operate under the Walsworth brand beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
“Walsworth and Ripon Printers share a similar history and culture,” said Don Walsworth, President of Walsworth. “Like us, they have a long history as a family-owned company focused on meeting the needs of their customers, employees and communities.”
Ripon Printers’ roots dates to the Civil War, when the Ripon Commonwealth Press began publication. In 1962, the Lyke family bought the newspaper. A few years later a web press was purchased, enabling Ripon to diversify its product focus.
Officials at Walsworth state the acquisition of Ripon Printers is consistent with the company’s strategy for growth. The purchase will augment their catalog manufacturing operations, which will increase Walsworth’s market share in that space. In 2010, the company purchased IPC in St. Joseph, Michigan, and in 2012 it acquired The Ovid Bell Press in Fulton, Missouri. Both facilities are key operations, as Walsworth expects Ripon Printers to be as well. The company has made significant investments in people, capital and technology and its goal is to continue to grow across all locations.
After the acquisition, Walsworth’s annual revenue will exceed $200 million.
About Walsworth
Walsworth is a top-five book printer, a top-10 magazine printer and is the only family-owned printer of yearbooks. Started in 1937 by Don Walsworth, current leadership is under the second and third generations: Don O. Walsworth, CEO, and his son, Don Walsworth, president. The company operates from administrative offices and printing and binding facilities in Marceline, Missouri; a prepress facility in Brookfield, Missouri; a sales and marketing office in Overland Park, Kansas; and a printing facility in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Additionally, Walsworth owns the Donning Company Publishers, a specialty book publisher, as well as The Ovid Bell Press, a printer of journals and magazines located in Fulton, Missouri.