Vastex founders Fannie and Michael Vasilantone at a screen printing tradeshow, courtesy of Vastex.
In the bustling landscape of printing technology countless entrepreneurs have built their fortune, but very few can claim they led a revolution. This is the story of Michael Vasilantone, the visionary behind the “Multicolor Garment Screen Printing Apparatus.”
In the late 1950’s, while working in the garment manufacturing industry as a production supervisor, Vasilantone stumbled upon a peculiar piece of machinery—a drying cabinet used for printed wallpaper. He found inspiration in the cabinet’s rotary mechanism and envisioned a new way of printing on textiles –specifically bowling uniforms.
Drawing on his background in garment production, he invented the first rotary multicolor garment screen printing machine, and began selling them in 1960. A few years later, with enough proof that his machine was a unique success in the market, he filed a patent for the “Multicolor Garment Screen Printing Apparatus.” It was still too early for him to realize the impact his invention would have on pop culture at large.
At the helm of his company, Vastex International (a portmanteau made of his name + the first half of “textile”) Vasilantone continued to push the boundaries of screen printing technology by introducing advancements such as adjustable screen lift mechanisms, infrared conveyor dryers, and digital control systems, further enhancing the efficiency and quality of screen printing processes.
Along the way, the company also built a noble and strong reputation for their commitment to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs entering the screen printing industry. They didn’t just sell machines, the company provided necessary training programs, technical support, customer service and other resources to help aspiring printers succeed in their new ventures.
The story of Michael Vasilantone is one of vision, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From humble beginnings in garment manufacturing to his pioneering work in screen printing technology, Vasilantone’s legacy continues to inspire generations of printers and entrepreneurs worldwide. As we celebrate the iconic band tee, the creator economy, and small businesses worldwide, let us not forget the one and only Michael Vasilantone.