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Q: What is happening?
Q: Who is Kelmscott Communications?
A: BUHL PRESS, KELMSCOTT COMMUNICATIONS and RIDER DICKERSON are combining under a newly created company called Fuse. All three organizations will retain their names, identity and operating structure under Fuse. A comprehensive integration plan is being finalized to bring the organizations together in a single location at Buhl’s current facility in Berkeley. The plan is focused on leveraging the collective capabilities and resources in market while maintaining a superior level of service to customers and a great place to work for employees.
A: Kelmscott is a full-service marketing solutions provider offering complete services from strategy and creative through production and fulfillment. Kelmscott helps customers manage, control and measure creative and marketing initiatives with 100% accountability. In 2016, Kelmscott is celebrating 80 years in business. More info at: www.kelmscott.com.
Q: Why are the organizations combining? A: Together they will offer customers one of the widest ranges of in-house marketing services and print solutions, from strategy through execution. The new company will continue to invest in talent, technology and other resources required to provide innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. We are confident the combined strength of our organizations will make us increasingly competitive in the market, and the new company will be the foundation for future growth. Q: Who is Rider Dickerson? A: Rider Dickerson is a fully integrated print and marketing solutions company serving a wide range of clients in the Chicagoland market as well as nationally. In business since 1903, the company has earned a solid reputation in the graphic arts community for a wide range of services—from high-quality sheetfed printing to sophisticated cross media direct marketing campaigns. More info at: www.riderdickerson.com.
Q: Does this new structure impact product offerings or services? A: Each organization will continue to offer the same services and solutions, under each individual brand. With the addition of the new services from the other companies, each organization now has an even broader range of potential in-house solutions. Q: Who will lead the businesses? A: Kelmscott Communications President Scott Voris will serve as President of Fuse overseeing the day-to-day business. He, along with the Fuse executive team, will lead integration efforts and the combined operation. He also will remain President of Kelmscott. Charles Barkley will remain President of Buhl Press and will serve on the Fuse executive team. Bill Barta will remain president of Rider Dickerson and will also serve on the Fuse executive team. Other key members of the Fuse executive team are John Reilly and Ed Gudonis, who each have more than 30 years of experience in the marketing services industry. This structure was implemented to provide clear leadership focus through the integration period while maintaining continuity for customers and employees. Q: Where will operations be located?
Q: Who is Buhl Press? A: Buhl Press specializes in printing on plastic. It is known for integrity, superior customer service and on-time delivery of the finest quality products. Drawing upon a half-century of experience, Buhl strives to achieve the highest standards of corporate, environmental and social responsibility. For 50 years, Buhl Press has maintained an unwavering commitment—to advance its clients’ business goals by perfecting the complex art of printing on plastic. More info at: www.buhlpress.com.
A: For now, each organization will continue to operate in its current location. Longer-term our goal is to bring all three operations under one roof to leverage resources most efficiently to serve our customers. We’ve determined Buhl’s current location at 5656 McDermott Drive in Berkeley is best suited to accommodate our combined operations. Relocation plans are being finalized and will be shared in more detail soon. Central to our planning process is developing a transition plan that causes the least disruption to our customers and to our employees.
Q: Can you share any details about the integration timeline?
Q: Do we work with our existing sales contact or someone new?
A: Details are currently being finalized, but the three organizations will be fully integrated over the next 6 to 9 months in three phases.
A: Your primary contact(s) at the company will remain the same. If you have specific questions or concerns, please let them know. If you are interested in learning more about the increased range of capabilities, please let your existing account rep know. He or she will be happy help you.
• I n Phase One, we will begin the buildout at the Berkeley facility to prepare it to house all three organizations.
• D uring Phase Two, we will relocate Rider Dickerson to Berkeley.
• I n Phase Three, Kelmscott will relocate to Berkeley early in 2017.
We’ll share more detailed plans and timelines for each phase as soon as we are able. Q: What are the benefits to customers from this acquisition? A: We will now have a broader range of products, services and capabilities from which to draw. It’s also important to note that the combined experience and resources of the organizations will result in a greater ability to invest in future tools and technology to leverage on our customers’ behalf. Q: How are you ensuring you’ll remain responsive to customers during the transition/integration period? A: We’ve taken steps to prevent any disruption to our customers’ businesses during the integration period. Chief among these steps is keeping the current operating and customer service structures in place for all three organizations. This continuity is key in maintaining a superior level of service and keeping important lines of communication open. Q: How will the new customer service/sales process work? A: The customer service and sales process will continue to work as it always has for each company. There are no immediate plans to change existing policies and procedures.
Q: Will any of the people I deal with day to day change? A: Your contacts remain the same.
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www.Fuse321.com