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Excelsior Printing Acquires Berkshire Information Systems
 The Excelsior Integrated management team Shawn Ouillette, left, Julianne Fruscio, Brendan Burns and David Crane. |
"For several years now, Excelsior Printing has worked with Berkshire Information Systems on various projects that mutually benefited our customers. We have grown to admire the capabilities of BIS and, especially, its people," said Excelsior Chairman David Crane. "When the opportunity arose to acquire the assets of the company and work more closely with its customers, we felt we had to act quickly. It is very exciting to establish a new company that complements our existing business and keeps important jobs in Berkshire County."
Berkshire Information Systems, a provider of fulfillment, inventory management and electronic commerce services, was founded by Andrew Chmura in 1973 in Pittsfield as Berkshire Computer Processing Center. Mr. Chmura died last June at age 69.
The new Excelsior Integrated is an independent company and continues to maintain its current customer relationships with numerous corporations, media companies and tourism offices. It plans to continue operating from BIS's facilities in Lenox Dale and from its offices in North Adams. BIS employees, about a 10, will continue in their positions.
"Our customers will now benefit from a tight integration with the capabilities or our new sister company, Excelsior Printing," said Shawn Ouillette, executive vice president of Excelsior Integrated and former BIS executive. "In the past when one of our tourism customers asked us to help them create a brochure or other marketing materials we would make suggestions of companies to work with, but ultimately had no real influence in the process. Now, with Excelsior Printing we can create integrated product offerings that allow for great value and outstanding service."
The joint capabilities of the two companies create a powerful combination from a customer's point of view, said Brendan Burns, CEO of Excelsior Printing. The newly formed company will provide customers with a streamlined solution for their marketing and business needs.
"Over the last several decades the printing industry has experienced a lot of pricing pressure due primarily to the proliferation of technology," he said. "Ultimately, this has benefited customers. What has been more difficult for customers is that they face their own competitive pressures and often need to manage three or more vendor relationships to support their marketing and business development needs."
Excelsior Integrated management will consist of Burns as chief executive officer and also as CEO of Excelsior Printing; Crane as chairman; and Ouillette as executive vice president. Julianne Fruscio is business development and marketing coordinator.
The acquisition is the latest since 116-year-old Excelsior Printing was purchased from Crane & Co. in 2005 by David Crane. It now provides printing, digital communications, mail and distribution programs. Specialty business divisions include SeedPrint, packaging for the seed industry, and Oatmeal Studios, greeting card publishing. For more information: www.excelsiorprinting.com.
