GroupeStahl, an innovator in heat printing technology since 1932, has announced the acquisition of TKO Sales, a heat transfer manufacturer based in Pompano Beach, Florida, with additional facilities on the West Coast.
According to a release, the acquisition marks a bold step forward in GroupeStahl’s long-term vision of growing with intention, investing in innovation, and expanding its customer-first mode.
“TKO is a perfect fit,” says Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeStahl. “Their strategic geographic locations, unique heat transfer technologies, and entrepreneurial culture complement and amplify everything we stand for. We’re not just adding capacity – we’re adding capability, chemistry expertise, innovation, and above all, a shared passion for helping customers succeed.”
Christian Zarate, founder of TKO Sales, will remain on board as President.
“I started TKO in the middle of COVID with a dream, a plan, and a lot of faith,” says Christian Zarate. “My goal was to build a company that puts the customer first and delivers superior heat transfer solutions, day in and day out. Joining the GroupeStahl family is like coming home. I’ve always admired Ted Stahl and what he’s built – being part of this next chapter is a true honor.”
TKO has more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity between its East and West Coast locations. According to GroupeStahl, the addition of TKO offers:
• Greater manufacturing efficiencies and capacity
• Expanded geographic coverage to better serve coast-to-coast customers
• Diversification in print formats, chemistry, and techniques
• New technology pathways to fuel future heat printing innovation
• A deep bench of industry talent committed to excellence
“This isn’t just an acquisition – it’s an evolution,” says Gray. “Together with Christian and his team, we’re doubling down on our commitment to bring best-in-class solutions to the heat printing community – faster, smarter, and more flexibly than ever before. We’re not here to follow the market. We’re here to lead it.”
A version of this press release was originally published by GroupStahl.
