Acme Graphics Prepares for More Change

Acme Graphics, a Cedar Rapids printing company that creates materials for visitations and funerals, is just two years away from celebrating its 100 year anniversary in the community. The company has remained local since its founding in 1913 and stayed strong even in difficult times, such as the flood of 2008. After 70 years, Acme Graphics is preparing to move out of downtown Cedar Rapids. The printing company has been in the downtown area since the early 1940s. While it was a difficult decision, Acme Graphics remains dedicated to the Cedar Rapids community and wanted to keep their business in the city.The move was not expected by owners Emmett Scherrman and Jeff Scherrman. Following the flood of 2008, they worked to restore their building located at 201 Third Ave. SW, planning to return to business as usual. When the spring vote on the 20-year sales tax extension didn't pass, Emmett Scherrman said the business couldn't take the risk of being in an area without flood protection. Acme Graphics has been working with Priority One, a division of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, to apply for tax-increment financing (TIF) assistance from the city to build the new 22,000 square-foot plant, which will keep jobs in the community.             “We're coming up on the 100 year anniversary of the company and it was important for us to celebrate that anniversary while still conducting business in the city of Cedar Rapids,” Jeff Scherrman said. “The city has been good to us – my dad has lived here for 54 years.”            The Scherrmans have been part of Acme Graphics' history since taking ownership 10 years ago. Jeff Scherrman, who has a background in the printing industry, was living out of the state at the time his father started talking to the previous owner about purchasing the company. The father-son team was looking to get into a printing business offering a specific niche product.            While the company is based in Cedar Rapids, they sell their products across the nation, and have an international customer base in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia. Recently the company expanded their offerings to include a packaged product of acknowledgements and series of books.            “This way the families have everything they need in a convenient package instead of buying print items separately,” Emmett Scherrman said.            The company is even looking at expanding into alternative markets after receiving a request from clients in Australia. They are currently developing products for these new markets using the very same equipment and employee skills they currently use for the funeral industry.             “Having the ability to expand into different markets without the initial investment in additional capital equipment allows us to concentrate on expanding our sales growth. We are essentially capable of doubling the output of our business using the same equipment and production methods employed at this time. Our new building is being designed with the thought of future expansion in production and warehousing,” Emmett Scherrman said.            The new change in the product line comes in part because of the disaster funds that were received following the 2008 flood. According to Emmett Scherrman, with the help of the city and disaster funds, Acme Graphics was able to get up and running much faster after the flood. The company was able to replace their equipment and materials. They also hired a business coach, which helped guide them through a process to adapt in a struggling economy and run more efficiently in production. Emmett Scherrman said the funeral industry was affected for the first time in the recession.            “People are changing their buying habits in every area of the economy. They are looking for value more than they ever have,” Emmett Scherrman said. “Our products are not cheap, but they're not expensive. We concentrate on providing the quality and the value.”            Change is definitely happening at Acme Graphics, and soon construction will start on their new location at 320 49

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Avenue Dr. SW in Cedar Rapids. The Scherrmans hope to be at their new location by the end of summer 2012.             “Moving is something we'd rather not do, especially with Acme's history in downtown Cedar Rapids – this is like home away from home, but we'll get through it,” Emmett Scherrman said. “We definitely won't forget the way people came together to help us after the flood, especially the volunteer employees from companies such as Van Meter Industrial, AEGON, as well as the Mennonite Disaster Service out of Kalona. It's hard to imagine how we could have reopened so quickly without their help. We were amazed at how generous people were to us.”

View our photo gallery of Acme Graphics below:

Acme Graphics, located at 201 Third Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids?

?Owners Emmett Scherrman, left, and Jeff Scherrman in the office.

Like many businesses affected by the flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids,

a photo of the area serves as a reminder of all that's been overcome.

Office space at Acme Graphics.

Production area of Acme Graphics. With disaster assistance dollars, Acme Graphics was able to replace equipment damaged in the flood.

Flood waters reached the top shelf (marked W110) in the building.

Material produced by Acme Graphics:??

The Scherrmans hope to include special detailing like this on their new building.

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