Graphic arts media distributors Australian Visual Solutions (AVS), Chief Media, and Amari Plastics have merged into a new company Amari Visual Solutions, providing an expanded product portfolio for existing customers.
The new entity will now serve the customer bases of all three businesses, which were all under the same owner. It will operate from seven locations across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, servicing a broad variety of clients including sign, display and POS companies; digital wide-format printers; and screen and offset printers. According to Steve Baker, general manager of parent company MM Plastics, the move will help with both supply and support for customers.
"This combined network gives us an excellent supply base for customers around the country, providing not only fast and efficient local delivery, but access to the technical expertise and support of local product specialists," he said.
MM Plastics acquired Chief Media in 2015, and AVS in 2017, and has been laying the groundwork for the big merger since the middle of last year, according to Baker.
"With our customers needing access to a more diverse range of media and substrates to meet the demands of a dynamic market, it simply makes sense to offer our whole product range through every outlet," said Baker. "Also, while operating independently, the three companies have always shared a similar commitment to delivering a total solution to customers; quality products, responsive and knowledgeable support and excellent value for money. So, it’s a great fit."
The merger will benefit customers of all three companies, said Baker, with additional product ranges available to each.
"AVS customers will now have access to an extensive range of quality substrates including Aluminium Composite Panels, PVC, Acrylic, Polycarbonate and Flute. Amari Plastics and Chief Media customers, in turn, will benefit from access to the huge range of wide format media, cut graphics and display media, as well as hardware, tools, accessories, inks and finishing solutions which were previously only available through AVS," he said.
The transition will be staged to minimise disruption, with rebranding of building and delivery vehicles taking place over the next few months.