Founded in 1963 with a shading medium for editorial cartoonists, Maple Heights-based Grafix now manufactures specialty plastic films and related art materials for creative and industrial markets. The company expanded from its original commercial-art roots into products such as its Dura-Lar polyester film, supplying retailers, distributors, plastic manufacturers and artists through separate consumer and industrial divisions. Grafix changed its name from Ohio Graphic Arts Systems in 1990 and has continued developing film alternatives and accessories for art, craft, graphics and design applications.
Grafix PlasticsSince 1963, Grafix Plastics has grown from a Cleveland garage operation into a manufacturer and converter of plastic film and sheet for industrial, commercial, and consumer customers. Its distinctive LaserPro™ coating lets stacks of polyester sheets be laser-cut without fusing, while the company also customizes materials and formats them to customer specifications. Grafix Plastics operates from a 50,000-square-foot headquarters and serves more than 1,000 industrial and manufacturing customers.MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH
Photo Lab, IncSince Robert and Norma Rahe opened Photo Lab, Inc. in Cincinnati in 1975, the family-owned company has grown from a photographic design and development shop into a 30,000-square-foot producer of large-scale graphics and digital imaging. PLI is particularly known for museum-grade exhibit graphics, with work spanning institutions such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Archives, and the Museum of the Bible. Its experienced team handles projects from imaging through finishing, including custom coatings and display preparation.CINCINNATI, OH
Policrom, IncSince 1983, Policrom, Inc. has supplied printing and graphic-arts industries from its Bensalem, Pennsylvania operation with surface-treated films and other printing consumables. The North American branch grew from an 1980s family expansion led by Giorgio Vavassori-Bisutti and is now managed by his son, Ario, carrying forward the Italian company’s 1949 heritage. Policrom is particularly distinctive for connecting traditional offset-print supplies with specialty films used in transfer printing and flexible electronics.BENSALEM, PA
Polytek Development CorpSince 1984, Easton-based Polytek Development Corp. has formulated and manufactured specialty polymer materials for mold making, casting and coating, serving both industrial users and makers. Its materials help turn everything from sculptural originals and concrete textures to theatrical effects and food-contact molds into repeatable forms, with hands-on technical support built into the company’s approach. Polytek also develops private-label polymer products for businesses that want materials packaged under their own brands.EASTON, PA