American Reprographics Buys R.I. Blueprint

American Reprographics Co. of Glendale said it has acquired Rhode Island Blueprint, the latest in a string of acquisitions aimed at increasing the company’s nationwide presence. Known for its digital blueprint work within the construction industry, privately held American Reprographics has purchased more than 50 companies since 1996, including ICC Reprographics Ltd. of Toronto on Tuesday and Reprographics Northwest of Seattle late last month. Rhode Island Blueprint, founded in 1974 in Cranston, R.I., generated about $3 million in revenue in 2000. President Peter Morin and son Scott Morin will continue to oversee production. The company’s name and employment base will be upheld, as was the case in Toronto and Seattle, an ARC spokesman said. Financial details about the acquisitions were not disclosed. Reprographics is the business of reproducing highly detailed, precision documents such as construction blueprints so they can be copied with the same clarity as the original. American Reprographics, with $428 million in annual sales, operates in 22 states and Canada.