Where It All Began

OUR STORY

Serigraph was founded in 1949 by Alfred F. Ramsthal, when he quit his full-time job and launched his business out of his own garage. After successfully producing his first product, (glow-in-the-dark nursery characters) Ramsthal moved his printing operations from his small garage to a larger house. In 1955, Ramsthal got his first order for farming equipment decals with the Gehl Company and with the success of this account, Ramsthal was able to construct his very first manufacturing plant in West Bend, WI. The success of working with the Gehl Company allowed Ramsthal to purchase a letter press and lithographic operations. This opened the door to Ramsthal receiving his first plastic printing job making styrene clock dials for Sunbeam. From here, Serigraph launched as a major player into the printing business.

Today, our core business is decorating plastics. We print, form, mold, finish and fulfill in-house from our four West Bend facilities.

A lot has changed in 70 years, in terms of print technology, customer expectations and quality requirements. One thing that remains the same is Serigraph’s commitment to providing exceptional products and services to our customers.

Not only are Serigraph’s facilities IATF 16949 & ISO 14001 Certified, but we ensure those quality management systems are driven throughout our supply chain.

Lean and Continuous Improvement is ingrained in Serigraph’s culture. In fact, we are a benchmark company and mentor to other suppliers for continuous improvement practices.

Sustainability and environmentally-conscious practices are a top priority to Serigraph, and we strive to promote environmental protection and social well-being through all aspects of our company.

1949
1955 – 1959
1969 – 1972
1974 – 1979
1982 – 1987
1989 – 1992
1996 – 1999
2000 – 2004
2006 – 2009
2011 – 2014
2015 – Present

1949

Business launches in Ramsthal’s garage. First product: glow-in-the-dark nursery characters.

1955 – 1959

  • Large equipment manufacturer places 1st decal order
  • New plant is constructed in West Bend, WI
  • Serigraph purchases West Bend Pilot, launching letter press and lithographic operations, including financial printing

1969 – 1972

  • First plastic print job – styrene clock dials for Sunbeam
  • Clear plastic sub-surface jobs landed for Voice of Music and Whirlpool, using hot stamping and screen printing
  • Constructed 2nd plant in Trenton, WI

1974 – 1979

  • Serigraph wins first automotive graphics order
  • Launched UV screen printing capability
  • Installed first clean room

1982 – 1987

  • Automotive business takes off with Delco as major customer
  • Serigraph lands Point of Purchase advertising business with McDonald’s
  • Installed first six-color Heidelberg press.
  • Serigraph pioneer’s inter-station ultra-violet curing
  • Company purchased by John Torinus

1989 – 1992

  • 3rd manufacturing plant opens
  • First web screen-printing presses purchased
  • Serigraph enters heat transfer business with three-station web screen process
  • 4th manufacturing plant constructed

1996 – 1999

  • Serigraph is awarded ISO9001 and QS900 certifications
  • New Corporate Headquarters built
  • Decorating Technologies Institute established
  • Serigraph receives the first ever WI Forward Award for Excellence
  • Serigraph celebrates 50th Anniversary

2000 – 2004

  • Serigraph becomes a global supplier
  • Serilusion and Micromotion®, proprietary technologies, introduced
  • Micromotion® wins the Best of Category: Graphics Excellence Award by PIW, for “Special Innovation”
  • Original facility sold, and operations are consolidated into Corporate Headquarters

2006 – 2009

  • Serigraph is awarded TS16949 certification
  • Serigraph launches Lean program
  • Sean Torinus takes over as CEO
  • Serigraph awarded ISO14001 certification for environmental management

2011 – 2014

  • Serigraph is awarded Green Tier level 2 by Wisconsin DNR and EPA
  • Molding operations begin in West Bend
  • Specialty Division pushes 360 POP package with ezPOP fulfillment and printing
  • Durst digital press and Kongsberg digital die cutter installed

2015 – Present

  • Serigraph installs HP11000 digital press
  • 550-ton molding press installed
  • Serigraph receives Ping Supplier of the Year award and Yamaha REVS award
  • Advanced Vision Inspection System installed
  • HP Latex digital press installed

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