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Why Daetwyler Acquired Cheshire
At Daetwyler, growth has never been about expansion for its own sake. For more than 80 years, the company has evolved by staying grounded in technical excellence, long-term thinking, and a deep respect for the pressroom.
The recent acquisition of Cheshire Anilox is the latest chapter in that story—not a departure from Daetwyler’s philosophy, but a continuation of it.
A Legacy Rooted in Precision
Founded in 1943, Daetwyler did not begin in the printing industry. After two decades in aviation, founder Max Daetwyler turned his attention to gravure printing in the 1960s, developing machines capable of producing cylinders to extraordinary tolerances. Precision wasn’t a marketing claim—it was the business.
As gravure printing expanded, so did Daetwyler’s capabilities. The company became synonymous with quality gravure cylinder manufacturing and, in parallel, began producing doctor blades—first for gravure and eventually for flexographic printing as the market evolved.
Focus as Strategy: The Second Generation
Under second-generation leadership, Daetwyler grew into a truly global organization. During this period, the company introduced the first coated doctor blades, reinforcing its position as a technology leader rather than simply a supplier.
In 2009, Daetwyler made a defining decision to sell its gravure machine manufacturing business to Heliograph Holding. This was not a retreat, but a strategic narrowing of focus—allowing the company to concentrate fully on pressroom products and technical support.
That discipline would prove essential as the industry continued its shift toward flexo.
Building Pressroom Capability, Not Just Product Lines
Today, Daetwyler’s strength lies as much in its people as in its products. With dozens of technical specialists—many of them former pressmen—working directly with customers on site, the company approaches every challenge through a practical, pressroom-first lens.
As flexographic printing grew in complexity and importance, Daetwyler began asking a simple question: What else can we offer in the pressroom that truly helps printers succeed?
That question led to deliberate expansion.
In 2017, Daetwyler acquired Rotoflex, a Swiss ink manufacturer serving food, pharmaceutical, and security printing markets. The company also began producing its own end seals. Each step was about adding capability, not redundancy.
Why Cheshire Was the Natural Next Step
Anilox rolls were always an obvious extension of Daetwyler’s technical DNA. Producing ink-transfer cylinders to micron-level accuracy is something the company has understood since its earliest gravure days.
What Cheshire brings is unmatched depth of experience. With more than 30 years of anilox expertise under one roof, Cheshire adds specialized knowledge, craftsmanship, and credibility that strengthens the entire Daetwyler group.
The acquisition was not about scale—it was about know-how. It allows Daetwyler’s global teams to bring more value to every pressroom conversation, while preserving the expertise that made Cheshire successful in the first place.
A Long-Term Vision, Already in Motion
Daetwyler is a strategic buyer, not a financial one. The goal is not short-term extraction, but long-term stewardship.
That vision is already being executed. In 2026, Daetwyler will replicate Cheshire’s Dukinfield manufacturing capabilities within its Huntersville, North Carolina facility—creating a parallel center of excellence for the U.S. market. Equipment investments are underway, and cross-training between teams has already begun.
At the same time, Daetwyler is activating its combined global network of agents and subsidiaries to ensure consistent expertise and support worldwide.
Stewardship Across Generations
The acquisition of Cheshire was built on shared values. Founder Paul Smith often referred to Cheshire as his life’s work, and honoring that legacy was foundational to the transaction. This is not one company absorbing another—it is two family businesses aligned around craftsmanship, culture, and long-term responsibility.
As Daetwyler looks ahead to its fourth generation, the focus remains unchanged: invest thoughtfully, support printers where it matters most, and build capabilities that endure.