April 16, 2004

HEALEY HONORS PITTSFIELD’S INTERPRINT WITH INNER CITY AWARD

Interprint expands manufacturing facilities and creates new jobs

PITTSFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today recognized the importance of business investment and job creation in the Commonwealth’s urban centers by honoring Interprint, Inc. with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.

“We are pleased to recognize Interprint for their significant job creation in Berkshire County and for their ongoing presence and business leadership in the City of Pittsfield,” said Healey. “This award also highlights the importance of business investment in urban communities where the employment needs are greatest.”

Presented monthly, the Inner City Investment Award is given to individuals whose leadership and business success have brought new economic investment and jobs to the Bay State’s cities.

Romney also created the Governor’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award to recognize the innovation that drives the state’s economy.

Interprint, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the décor printing industry. The company designs and prints paper used in the manufacturing of laminate for countertops, furniture and flooring. Applications range from furniture for kitchens, living rooms and offices to store fixtures and decorations for train carriages, buses, ships and aircrafts. Interprint has six production sites, including one in Pittsfield, and one sales office worldwide.

Interprint employs 670 people on six continents. The Pittsfield location has 109 employees and is one of the most productive facilities, second only to its world headquarters in Germany.

The Pittsfield site has outgrown its present facility and broke ground last week on phase one of a new 135,000 square foot manufacturing/office facility situated on 78 acres. The new facility will create 54 new jobs over five years, retain 109 and represent a $20 million investment. In partnership with the City of Pittsfield, the state supported this expansion with its Economic Development Incentive Program. The construction is expected to be completed in spring 2005.

“CEO William Hines and Interprint have been good corporate citizens to Pittsfield and the region,” said Healey. “Interprint supports local civic groups and causes, carries clear environmental policies around its use of water-based inks and state-of-the-art air ventilation systems, and participates in various economic development activities.”

“Interprint is honored to receive the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award,” said President & CEO William Hines. “Pittsfield and Massachusetts provide an excellent environment in which we continue to grow and create jobs. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Since July, the Romney Administration has presented the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award to George Knight & Company, H.O. Zimman Publishing of Lynn, Traditional Breads of Lynn, Eastern Fisheries of New Bedford, City Fresh Foods of Dorchester, Court Square Data Group of Springfield, Visualization Technology of Lawrence, City Lights Electrical of Boston and Mill City Environmental Services of Lowell.

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