Specialty Toner Closes Shop

Specialty Toner Corporation has closed its doors. Founded in 1986 by Romit Bhattacharya, Giovanni Perrotta, and Jack Keller, Specialty Toner Corporation (STC) had remained exclusively involved in the manufacture of toners for electrostatic printers and developing applications for those printers.

In 2002, STC formed a partnership with 3M. The partnership's goal was to help transition vinyl customers as well as new customers to dye-sublimation technology, but "the transition did not take place in a timely manner with justifiable revenues," says Bhattacharya, STC president and CEO. "Consequently, STC had no option but to withdraw from the toner market." "

"It has been an incredibly exciting and fast-moving 18 years. We have seen the digital printing market grow from less than $1 million to $20 billion. Very rarely does an individual or company get a chance to truly participate in an industrial revolution. We at STC are extremely proud to have had the drive, passion, and innovation to have been a key player," says Bhattacharya.

Some STC highlights over the years:

1989: STC joins forces with software expert Harry Bowers to establish Cactus, which introduces a turnkey wide-format digital printing system (Xerox/Versatec 44-in. electrostatic printer, Sharp flatbed scanner, Cactus software, and STC toners).

1991: STC introduces UV toners and"?along with Cactus, Rexam, and Gannet Outdoor"?co-produces a digital paper billboard outside of Newark Airport.

1992: STC begins application and development program and training/application support program.

1996: 3M purchases Cactus; STC sold to a group of investors.

1998: STC introduces turnkey dye-sub system utilizing RGI DCS5442 e-stat printer and STC dye-sub toners. STC opens 7000-sq-ft Application Gallery to promote dye sublimation.

2001: Dream Interiors division created to pursue applications in the custom interior-design arena.