Attempt
to enter press equipment field
Offset
Duplicator
Mr.
Halpern talked to Sigmund Gestetner about the necessity of planning
for the replacement of stencils with offset presses. Mr. Picking,
the plant manager of the Totenham plant was opposed to it. He also
opposed Gestetner getting the Xerox franchise for England. However
Mr. Gestetner approved the project and put up 75% of the money Louis
Mestre needed to design and build a prototype. Polychrome put up
25%. When the prototype was finished, Ray Lauzon went to Mr.
Mestre’s place in the evenings and operated it and had Louis Mestre
make whatever modifications were necessary. Polychrome was short of cash
at that time and Mr. Halpern wanted his investment back. Mr.
Gestetner bought Polychrome’s share. He offered Mr. Halpern 11%.
Mr. Halpern declined this offer. So Polychrome was not involved in
the sales of the Duplicator. Webendorfer licensed, made and sold
this press under their brand in addition to Gestetner.