ARMOR-IIMAK plans to permanently close its Amherst manufacturing facility, according to a recent WARN filing with New York State. The Amherst facility serves as the company’s North American manufacturing hub for thermal transfer ribbons and related printing products.
ARMOR-IIMAK to Close Amherst Facility
ARMOR-IIMAK filed the WARN notice with the New York State Department of Labor on April 27. The filing state that the company is winding down operations at 310 Commerce Drive, impacting 199 employees.
The facility is expected to close on July 31, 2026, with layoffs taking effect the same day. The company has not publicly detailed the specific reason for the shutdown. However, according to a report by The Business Journal, the company is consolidating its U.S. operations and will conduct an orderly wind-down process this year.
A Look at ARMOR-IIMAK
In 2021, ARMOR Group, based in France, acquired International Imaging Materials, Inc. (IIMAK). The acquisition united two long-standing companies in the thermal transfer ribbon industry into ARMOR-IIMAK.
The merger brought together ARMOR’s strong business in Europe and IIMAK’s manufacturing and research presence in North America.
ARMOR was founded in Nantes, France, in 1922 as Galland & Brochard. Over time, the company became the first manufacturer to produce carbon films in France. IIMAK was formed in the United States to produce thermal transfer ribbons.
Both companies grew their manufacturing, coating, slitting, and R&D operations around the world.
ARMOR-IIMAK creates and produces thermal transfer ribbons and printing solutions. This includes labeling with barcodes, traceability, packaging, logistics, retail tagging, food labeling, and industrial identification systems.
Some of its more popular technologies include the inkanto ribbon line and Clean Start printhead cleaning system integrated into some ribbons.
As the Amherst shutdown progresses, impacted workers may seek transition plans and find jobs in the region’s manufacturing and logistics industries.
