“65 years ago this month, Andy Anderson and Howard Vreeland, Sr. founded Anderson & Vreeland, Inc., forging a lasting commitment to service and stewardship within the flexographic printing industry—values we proudly uphold today. We are deeply grateful to our customers and clients for their trust and partnership over the years, as our success would not be possible without your support. Thank you to our dedicated teammates, whose passion and commitment have made this milestone possible.”
– Darin Lyon, President and CEO
When Anderson & Vreeland opened its doors in January 1961, founders Andy Anderson and Howard Vreeland Sr. established more than a business; they created a family-driven vision that would shape the flexographic printing industry for generations. Today, as the company celebrates 65 years in flexographic printing, that founding vision remains stronger than ever.
Building Anderson & Vreeland’s Legacy Through Innovation
Anderson & Vreeland’s legacy is built on a foundation of industry-first innovations that transformed flexographic printing. In 1980, the company introduced Toyobo Printight to the U.S. market, bringing the first water wash dry offset and letterpress polymer plate to American printers. This pioneering spirit continued in 1993 when A&V launched Cosmolight, the world’s first water-wash flexographic plate in North America.
65 Years in Flexographic Printing: Strategic Growth and Acquisitions
Throughout 65 years in flexographic printing, Anderson & Vreeland strategically expanded its capabilities through key acquisitions. The company acquired Akron Graphic Supply in 2005, extending its reach across the western United States. That same year, Nova Polymers joined as a wholly owned subsidiary, strengthening A&V’s manufacturing capabilities in photopolymer sign materials.
The acquisition strategy continued with Custom Flex in 2007 (now Provident, LLC), Flexolutions in 2011, and The Provident Group in 2012, each addition reinforcing Anderson & Vreeland’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider. Recent acquisitions include Grimco’s Canadian flexographic division in 2023 and Adheso-Graphics in 2024, demonstrating the company’s commitment to evolving with industry needs.
The Family Behind Anderson & Vreeland’s Legacy
“Our 65-year journey has been defined by continuing to treat our people as part of the family,” explains Howard Vreeland, Jr. “We are thrilled to continue building on that legacy by delivering unparalleled service and innovative solutions that help our customer base thrive.”
This family-first philosophy extends beyond words. Anderson & Vreeland operates as a privately held, family-run enterprise where customer relationships are built on trust, expertise, and personalized support. With eight warehouses spanning three time zones and a team of skilled sales consultants, the company ensures rapid response times and hands-on service.
Manufacturing Excellence: Made in Bryan, Ohio
Anderson & Vreeland’s legacy includes significant in-house manufacturing capabilities at its Bryan, Ohio, facility. The early 2000s marked a significant expansion in Anderson & Vreeland’s legacy. By 2001, A&V became the primary North American distributor for BASF nyloflex® photopolymer printing plates, while simultaneously engineering the Orbital X 2430 waterwash processor, a testament to durability, as the first unit remains operational today. In 2003, the engineering team developed the Flexolaser, an advanced Computer to Plate system that revolutionized digital workflows. In 2009, the company launched its full line of AVantage Liquid Photopolymers, alongside AVCE, a direct-engraving plate for letterpress and dry offset markets. The engineering team also designed the Demounter 77, a specialized solution for delaminating mounted printing plates.
In 2018, the team installed the first AVxpose exposure system, which was updated and launched at LabelExpo Americas (now Loupe) in 2024 with enhanced automation and LED touchscreen controls, demonstrating A&V’s ongoing commitment to cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
A Consultative Approach to Customer Success
What distinguishes Anderson & Vreeland’s legacy after 65 years in flexographic printing is its consultative methodology. Rather than simply distributing products, A&V serves as a strategic partner, educating customers on advanced technologies, improving financial outcomes, and providing seamless integration through its in-house field service team.
Whether serving corrugated, wide web, narrow web, offset, letterpress, or label printing applications, Anderson & Vreeland combines global supply relationships with local manufacturing expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Looking Forward
As Anderson & Vreeland celebrates this milestone, the company’s dedication to innovation, customer service, and family values positions it for continued industry leadership. For 65 years in flexographic printing, A&V has proven that legacy isn’t just about longevity; it’s about consistently delivering value, embracing change, and maintaining the human touch that defines exceptional partnership. Contact us today to learn more about how we help flexographic printing businesses innovate and thrive.
