Hackworth Graphics & Printing acquired the Suffolk-based copy shop Copico effective Jan. 1.

Hackworth is a 27-year-old, family- and locally-owned business based in Chesapeake. Hackworth provides printing, design, graphics, signage and marketing services to companies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

“We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition opens up for Hackworth,” said Charles G. Hackworth II, vice president for Hackworth. “Copico has built a strong account base and reputation in the Suffolk business community. This purchase fits into our strategic plans for growing our brand in the local area. We will now be able to offer direct services into the fast growing markets of Western Tidewater such as Suffolk, Smithfield, Windsor, Isle of Wight and Franklin.”

Copico began operations more than 20 years ago. Copico customers will not see any drastic or immediate changes to production operations. Darren Schultz, former owner of Copico, will remain on staff.

“We needed to be able to offer more services for our clients,” Schultz said. “Hackworth is a leader in the region in large-format printing, and Copico excelled at cut sheet digital printing. We both already offered some of what the other did but had different areas of emphasis. Our company ethics are very similar, and we both enjoy coming up with solutions for our clients. So now Copico’s clients have access to Hackworth’s product lines as well as Copico’s at the same location in Suffolk.”

Jessica Turner, a former employee, has been hired back to handle customer service and client production needs. The current location and phone number, 934-2113, will remain the same.

Over the next few days and weeks, clients will see a migration to the Hackworth website, billing system, email addresses and file transfer programs. Hackworth’s aim is to make this a seamless transition for everyone involved.

Hackworth’s in-house capabilities include blueprinting, books and manuals, scanning, industrial screen printing, vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, magnets, banners, window graphics, direct print to rigid substrate (wood, aluminum, plastic, acrylic and coroplast), website design, marketing services and more.

Hackworth was voted the Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year in 2017 for the city of Chesapeake and has been recognized nationally as a Top 50 Print Shop by Wide-Format Magazine for 5 years running. For more information on Hackworth products, services and company history, visit the website at hackworth.co.