These two Baton Rouge-based printing, sign, and graphics companies are combining their successful brands into one company focused on exceptional customer service and quality full-service printing for local, regional, and national clients.
Vivid Ink Graphics and First Graphix have been cooperative competitors for years, and their relationship continued evolving until Stephen St. Cyr, president at VIG, and Chris Weilenman, president at FG, realized the potential synergy a merger would provide.
St. Cyr, states this is one of those times when one plus one equals three. While each company is profitable and strong on its own, all 4 owners recognized the opportunity for growth the merger would provide. The company will retain the Vivid Ink Graphics name and all four owners: Stephen St. Cyr, Collin Keller, Chris Weilenman, and Margaret Thompson-Crifasi, will continue as partners.
The two companies both produce large format graphics as well as full-service printing and have a customer-service-focused company culture that serves the entire graphics industry. Historically, VIG grew from the large format signs and graphics industry into all types of printing, including digital and screen printing. FG began as an offset print shop that expanded into large format signs and graphics.
Both companies have a significant presence in the food service industries, with VIG serving Raising Cane’s® and Community® Coffee, while FG serves McAlister’s Deli, Capriotti’s, and several others large restaurant chains. With operations in both NO and BTR, VIG also has a large presence serving the financial services industries and has 1000 local customers throughout the area.
The merged company will be better able to serve its local customers and expand its presence both regionally and nationally. Both locations of VIG in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, as well as the FG Baton Rouge location will be maintained. The combined company expects to retain all current employees.
