GAA to combine operations with AIMCAL

The board of directors and membership of the Gravure Association of the Americas (GAA) have voted unanimously to combine with the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). The deal also has been unanimously approved by the AIMCAL board of directors and is expected to be finalized by Aug. 31, 2021, pending the positive outcome of due diligence activities.  

The agreement with GAA creates an organization with a common mission, organizational structure, and programming; a strong financial foundation; and a total of nearly 350 members devoted to materials, products, equipment, and services related to roll-to-roll technologies such as gravure printing and coating, web handling, solution, extrusion, and vacuum web coating, metallizing, and laminating. GAA members will automatically become members of AIMCAL.

“With the merger, GAA gains access to new partners and customers, and AIMCAL broadens its scope in the converting industry and its international presence,” says AIMCAL President Dante Ferrari. He adds, “We are stronger together. This is a good move for the converting industry and members of both groups. It also supports AIMCAL’s goal to forge partnerships with other segments of the converting industry.”

“GAA is excited to be joining forces with an organization devoted to promoting roll-to-roll technologies and related education and training opportunities,” says GAA Chairman Luigi P. DeFlaviis Jr. “Together we will benefit from our shared expertise in event planning; awards competitions; industry training, certification, and scholarship programs; publications; technical resources; and regulatory and environmental concerns.”