CELEBRATING M&R’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

In 1985, in a small garage, Rich Hoffman and his team of three embarked on a path that would revolutionise the screen-printing industry. What began as a maintenance and repair service, quickly evolved into M&R Printing Equipment. The company is the world’s largest manufacturer of digital and screen-printing equipment. Over the past four decades, M&R has set the standard for innovation, reliability and customer service. Today, as M&R celebrates its 40th anniversary, all at M&R reflect on the company’s rich history and look forward to a future of continued excellence.

M&R’s trajectory has been defined by groundbreaking innovations and strategic expansions. Its first major breakthrough came in the late 1980s’ with the development of the M&R Challenger – its first automatic screen-printing press. The press’s superior quality and efficiency quickly made it an industry leader. This then set the stage for M&R becoming a leader in the field. By 1992, the business expanded its offerings with graphic screen-printing presses, which further cemented its reputation as a pioneer.

Acquisitions have played a key role in M&R’s growth. In 1995, the company acquired Elexon and Precision. Both strengthened the product line and technical expertise. The later acquisitions of Amscomatic and NuArc in 1999, broadened M&R’s capabilities even more. Amscomatic was a leader in post-press, processing equipment (folding, bagging and labelling). NuArc was a premier maker of prepress-imaging equipment. These strategic moves positioned M&R as the go-to name in screen-printing technology.

“What began as a maintenance and repair service, quickly evolved into M&R Printing Equipment”

M&R’s commitment to technological advancement has led to over 75 patents. Each of these represents a step forward in efficiency, quality and user experience. From automatic screen-registration systems to hybrid digital-printing machines, the company’s innovations have played a major role in shaping the industry. Products such as the I-Image S and Challenger III have earned SGIA’s prestigious Product of the Year Awards – currently known as the Pinnacle Product Awards.

M&R’s dedication to customer success extends beyond equipment. Service Central – its state-of-the-art technical support system – ensures that its customers receive unparalleled service. M&R’s 24/7/365 technical support – available across six continents and 160 countries – is rare in the printing industry.

“M&R’s global presence ensures that customers receive prompt service”

From M&R’s headquarters in Roselle, Illinois, to facilities in New York, Poland and Hong Kong, the company has built a global network. This network provides exceptional customer service and support. The company’s 29,000m2 headquarters houses hundreds of employees. The staff includes 29 engineers, skilled technicians and customer support staff, who are all dedicated to maintaining the highest standards.

M&R’s global presence ensures that customers receive prompt service. With over 60 field technicians in the US alone – as well as a vast warehouse of replacement parts – downtime is minimised and efficiency maximised.

M&R Printing Equipment has traditionally been known for its screen-printing machinery. The business has significantly expanded its portfolio to include advanced direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing systems. This strategic move aims to provide versatile solutions for modern garment decorators seeking high quality, digital-printing options.

M&R’s DTG offerings are exemplified by the POLARIS Platform. The POLARIS is an industrial-grade printer designed for high-speed, high-quality garment decoration. It features advanced automation for efficient production.

The Polaris DTG and S4 Digital-Pretreat Unit was designed specifically to tackle one of DTG printing’s most annoying problems – unwanted pretreatment marks. The S4 digitally applies pretreatment only where it is needed – directly underneath the design. This eliminates the problems of pretreat everywhere, visible boxes and UV staining. 

The S4 means that a garment that is prone to staining or marks, can now be printed without these issues. Printing onto bright blues, reds, greens, pastels, garment-dyed fabrics and blends, can now be achieved without worrying about pretreatment appearing where it is unwanted.

In the DTF sector, M&R introduced the QUATRO series, including models such as the QUATRO-44 and QUATRO-68. These systems utilise Epson i3200 printheads and an expanded colour gamut. As a result, vibrant, high-quality prints – suitable for a wide range of fabrics – can be successfully achieved. The QUATRO series addresses colour accuracy challenges and enhances print efficiency, making it a valuable tool for garment decorators. M&R has also launched an X-Axis cutter – the Cutter-X. In addition, an automated XY-Axis cutter, aptly named Cutter-XY. Both these units reduce labour, increase production output and ensure cutting consistency.

M&R has also expanded its ink-development partnership with Nazdar. The company’s aim is to enhance the performance of its DTG- and DTF-printing equipment. This collaboration focuses on developing inks that deliver superior colour accuracy and durability. 

“Acquisitions have played a key role in M&R’s growth”

As it celebrates 40 years’ of innovation, M&R remains committed to pushing the boundaries of screen-printing technology. The company’s focus on automation, sustainability and efficiency will drive its future developments. With new patents pending and cutting-edge technology on the horizon, the future is bright.

The business owes its success to its dedicated employees and loyal customers. M&R’s unwavering vision has continuously guided the company, from a small garage to a global enterprise. Looking ahead, M&R will continue to provide its best equipment, service and solutions for the screen-printing industry.

POLARIS and QUATRO are Trademarks of M&R Printing Equipment