Anderson, Ind., May 6, 2017—Warner Press continues its growth with the announcement of the recent agreement in principle to acquire a 100% interest in Hermitage Art, Inc., a Chicago based organization. This acquisition will provide Warner Press the opportunity to expand their current customer base through the addition of new products, categories and customer channels.
Warner Press, originally called the Gospel Trumpet Publishing House, was founded in 1881. In 1963, the name changed to what it is now. Since its inception, Warner Press has been the publishing voice of the Church of God Reformation Movement.
Hermitage Art was founded in 1924 as an independent, interdenominational publisher of worship resources. In the 1960s, realizing the need for similar products in the public, private and home school market, Hermitage Art launched the “School Art” division. Today, Hermitage products are used by churches and schools worldwide.
“The addition of the Hermitage Art product line to the wide range of products Warner Press offers will allow us to better serve both our existing customer base and those that are currently not familiar with our products,” said Eric King, president of Warner Press. “Providing resources that serve and equip the church and school communities is what we strive to accomplish daily.”
King, who spearheaded the acquisition from start to finish, worked directly with Robert Brenner, president of Hermitage Art, to create a unified plan that will allow for growth of both Warner Press and Hermitage Art in the Christian market. Hermitage Art Company has grown over the past thirty years to become a trusted and valued provider of resources to churches and schools domestically and internationally. The decision to join with Warner Press will provide new strength and focus to the product lines as well as establish a new foundation for further product and service development.
“Joining Warner Press will allow Hermitage to expand in areas like product development, marketing, and supply chain efficiencies,” said Brenner, “while allowing me the opportunity to follow my passion of serving the customer.”
The companies will continue to operate independently with Warner Press assuming the production, marketing, customer service, and shipping responsibilities of Hermitage Art. Additionally, the acquisition allows for expansion into the liturgical and school markets, while providing the opportunity to gain efficiencies in operations and logistics.
The acquisition will initially allow for five additional positions to be added. Transition began in May.
About Warner Press: At Warner Press, our goal is to equip the Church for ministry. We strive to help churches and Christian organizations communicate better within their walls, encourage spiritual growth and biblical literacy, and share the hope of Christ and the good news of the gospel with a broken world. Warner Press publishes and distributes Christian products worldwide, including ministry resources, church supplies, kids’ books, and greeting cards. We also own and produce artwork by the artist Warner Sallman, which includes some of the most recognizable images of Christ known throughout the world. Warner Press is in Anderson, Indiana and is a not-for-profit organization.
About Hermitage Art: In 1924, Hermitage Art was founded in Chicago as an independent, interdenominational publisher of full-color, lithographic, fine art church supplies. As the originators of the full-color church bulletin, Hermitage Art quickly expanded its line to include matching offering envelopes, small announcement folders, seasonal stationery, die-cut bookmarks, Easter crosses, and other specialty items.
For further information, contact Warner Press at (765) 644-7721 or visit us online at www.warnerpress.com.
