Two of the nation’s best-known suppliers of materials for digitally printed large-format graphics are joining forces. LexJet has acquired Sone Systems of Orange, Calif.

By joining forces with Sone, LexJet will provide customers of both companies with one-stop shopping for a wide selection of materials for aqueous, solvent, and UV-curable inkjet printing and digital dye sublimation.

The acquisition was initiated when Sone Systems founder Erik Ostergaard decided to step down from day-to-day oversight of company operations to focus on special projects.

In seeking to provide continued growth opportunities for Sone employees, Ostergaard approached LexJet, which enjoys a 25% annual growth rate and consistent profitability. All Sone employees will be offered jobs with LexJet. Ostergaard will serve as a business consultant to LexJet.

“Sone has been a friendly competitor for years,” says Art Lambert, who founded LexJet with partner Ron Simkins in 1994. “Combining LexJet and Sone resources will provide real benefits to all of our customers, employees, and industry partners.”

Ostergaard agrees, noting that “Because I have known Art Lambert and Ron Simkins for so many years and we have similar business philosophies, I am confident that Sone customers will continue to receive the same great level of customer service we’ve always provided.”

As a result of the merger, LexJet will add a 10th distribution center to its nationwide network for fast order fulfillment. LexJet customers in the Los Angeles area will be able to receive same-day delivery of their orders.

LexJet and Sone customers will all enjoy convenient access to a greater choice of products for the production of trade-show, vehicle, and point-of-purchase graphics. Customers will also find broader technical support for inkjet printing, laminating, and dye sublimation.

About LexJet

LexJet is dedicated to total convenience and personal customer service for its vast line of digital color imaging products. With one-day ground delivery to most of the continental United States, telephone and online ordering, highly trained account specialists, free and unlimited product and technical support, and extensive educational resources, LexJet is the industry’s premier one-stop, direct source for all kinds of imaging products.

About Sone Systems

Founded in 1981, Sone Systems evolved from its origins in the copier and reprographics supplies business to become a leading provider of graphics materials for large-format and grand-format inkjet printers. Working with both printer manufacturers and print providers during the developmental stages of large-format digital color printing, Sone Systems played a pivotal role in the expansion of the large-format graphics market.