Industry updates
In memoriam
Michael Vasilantone
Vastex International
Michael Vasilantone, the founder of Vastex International, died peacefully in his home on Dec. 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Together with his wife, Fannie Vasilantone, Michael Vasilantone founded Vastex International in 1960 to develop, manufacture, and market machinery that is now sold in 50 countries. The couple retired in 1999, turning ownership of the company over to their son, Mark Vasilantone. A gifted engineer, Michael Vasilantone filed 14 patents, including the dual rotary printing press (in which the pallets and print heads both rotate), the four-way stretch hold down for printing jackets and dual layer fabrics, the first small-product electric infrared dryer, the air recirculation system for dryers, a patented belt alignment/tracking device, and a mechanical squeegee. Michael Vasilantone received the 2023 Joe Clarke Innovator Award for Screen Printing Technology for dedicating his career to improving the screen- and digital-printing industry through inventions, innovations, technical improvements, and education.
2026 Events
Features
Brother Industries proposes Mutoh acquisition
Brother Industries proposed to acquire Mutoh from its shareholders for roughly $220 million. Brother published their intent to acquire in a commencement of tender offer notice on Feb. 4. Through the proposed acquisition, Brother stated that it intends to make Mutoh a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Partnerships
Nazdar Ink Technologies is now a founding partner of the Sustainable Print Manifesto, a global initiative dedicated to driving sustainable practices across the print and packaging sectors.
Imperial Headwear announced a new partnership with LPGA player Ingrid Lindblad, who joins Team Imperial as an official headwear ambassador.
Roland DG Corporation entered into a new worldwide distribution partnership with LSINC Corporation, a provider of direct-to-object industrial printers.
Legacy expanded its university partnerships to include Boston University, Mississippi State University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Iowa.
Color-Logic partnered with Visualis3R, a visualization software designed for print projects.
Gemline announced a new partnership with Ringo, a drinkware brand.
Stanley/Stella’s collection will now be available through Monster Digital’s U.S.-based print-on-demand fulfillment platform.
Mergers & acquisitions
Koozie Group successfully completed its Garyline brand integration under the Koozie Group umbrella.
Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Carol Stream, Illinois, announced the acquisition of visual communications provider Image360 in Lombard, Illinois.
Imperial Headwear acquired the assets of Winston Collection, an accessories brand headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Updates
GS2 Awards celebrated the grand opening of its new Beyond the Beam Learning Center, an educational facility designed to enhance the skills required for success in the awards and personalization industry.
Transfer Express unveiled a rebuilt digital platform and a refreshed brand identity under a shorter name: TXP.
Promobilia rebranded to SRG Global, uniting its creative, sourcing, and production capabilities under one global brand.
Royal Apparel expanded its U.S. manufacturing operations with the acquisition of a second facility in Hauppauge, New York.
GRAPHICS PRO contributor Marshall Atkinson released a new digital book, “2026 Thinking: How Businesses Will Win, Stall, or Fail in 2026.”
Lane Seven released the latest feature in its Meet The Innovator series, spotlighting Gian Frabotti, founder of Undisputed Principles.
Awards & recognitions
Ted Karras, center for the Cincinnati Bengals and co-founder of Cincy Hats — an official partner of Imperial Headwear — has been named the Bengals’ 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner.
Orbus has received its 11th consecutive award for being among the Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation.
United Franchise Group celebrated five of its brands being recognized among the top franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500.
Following an aggressive growth through acquisitions strategy, Minuteman Press franchise owner Wes Froebel has achieved President’s Club status.
Vantage Apparel earned its 30th consecutive PPAI Golden Pyramid Award for embroidery decoration.
