Markem sells Dimatix subsidiary

Markem Corporation of Keene has agreed to sell its Dimatix subsidiary to Fuji Photo Film of Japan.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based Dimatix is a provider of piezoelectric ink jet printheads and fluid dispensing micropumps. The deal is expected to close in July.

“From the time that we acquired what was Spectra, Inc. in 1996, we believed that their technology could have applications far beyond the core marking and coding business of Markem, and that has proven to be the case,” said Markem President Jim Putnam. “Since that time we have seen the company achieve its technology goals, and move beyond the original applications that attracted us to them.”

Markem has made a number of acquisitions in recent years, including a laser marking business in San Diego, Calif., a thermal printing company in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and most recently, a software company in Belgium. The Dimatix sale is the first divestiture for the company in a number of years, the company said.

“Our expectation is that the new technology developed at Dimatix will continue to find applications at Markem in the future, and that the long-term effect on Markem will be positive as well.” added Tom Putnam, chairman of Markem. “We feel that Fuji will be an excellent parent company for Dimatix because of their commitment to new digital technology and financial strength that can best support the future growth of Dimatix. Additionally, it is our belief that Fuji will make a strong commitment to the Dimatix customers, vendors, and employees.” — JEFF FEINGOLD