Unisource Worldwide working with its suppliers to complete sustainability scorecard
Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, is now asking its suppliers to complete a Sustainability Scorecard to ensure that environmental responsibility is being practiced and assessed according to standard industry procedures.
Unisource's program is based on the Walmart Sustainability Scorecard, which was first announced in July 2009, and is now viewed as best practice in the area of corporate sustainability.
The scorecard serves as a comprehensive response for the information required to complete the sustainability assessment and explore in great detail potential benefits for companies to measure and manage their environmental impacts. The questions are grouped into four categories:
1) Energy & Climate;
2) Material Efficiency;
3) Nature & Resources; and,
4) People & Community.
"We are striving to achieve our corporate sustainability goals with a shared commitment and partnership from our supplier base," said Unisource Vice President of Sustainability Nancy C. Geisler, in outlining the basis for the Unisource Sustainability Scorecard. "By working closely together with them, we will both be assured that we are minimizing future business risk associated with environmental and social factors," she said.
*MIR Print salutes Unisource Worldwide, Inc., for taking necessary steps to insure a healthier future for our world.
09/02/10
Label Traxx Debuts New Direct Press Data Collector
A new direct press data collector, developed by Tailored Solutions Label Traxx, will debut at Labelexpo Americas 2010 in Chicago, September 14-16. The new data collector is going to be a key part of Label Traxx Version 5.6, which will be released late 2010.
A bustle wheel encoder which mounts on almost any press, the Auto Traxx encoder utilizes a USB port to record substrate roll data and can track up to three materials at once. It also collects speed, label per hour and job number data for each run.
"With the introduction of the Auto Traxx encoder, Label Traxx takes the next step in automating and providing traceability in the label production process" said Ken Meinhardt, president of Tailored Solutions.
"This new direct machine interface further reduces keying and eliminates still another potential source of error in label management. Direct press data collection is particularly useful to HP Indigo and other digital press users, because short run lengths and quick turnarounds typically complicate data acquisition and management. With the Label Traxx Auto Traxx encoder, label printers can increase machine utilization and reduce data errors significantly. The Auto Traxx encoder is the result of extensive testing and evaluation by members of the Label Traxx user group."
08/13/10
PIA Gathers on Capitol Hill to Protest USPS Rate Hike
Members from the Printing Industry of America will gather on Capitol Hill in September to stand against a proposed postal rate hike that would significantly erode current limits on postal rate increases imposed by Congress in 2006.
The USPS is petitioning to raise current rates higher than allowed by current law, stating that the recession and widespread use of email is forcing them to increase prices to stay afloat.
The Printing Industries of America's Print Voice 2010 Conference is being held September 14-15 in Washington, DC. The conference is free for members of Printing industries of America and will focus on key legislative issues concerning the environment, labor and tax policy. A special session concerning postal policy will also be held.
"With the decision to raise postal rates looming, it's more important than ever that printers stay educated on the politics that affect their business," said Lisbeth Lyons, vice president of Government Affairs at Printing Industries of America. "Print's Voice 2010 will equip printers with the resources necessary to have their voice heard in our government. Additionally, face-to-face meetings with Congress is a valuable step to increase the visibility of the printing and graphics communications industry among lawmakers and to urging policy positions that positively affect the printing industry."
08/13/10
Mark Pollack Signs Onto be Konica Minolta’s Marketing V.P
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., made a public announcement today that Mr. Mark Pollack has signed onto the company as the Vice President of Marketing Communications and Program Development.
Mr. Pollack, when asked to comment on the position stated, “Konica Minolta's ability to listen to and adapt to customer needs and truly drive customer satisfaction represents the solid foundation for our marketing efforts and continued revenue grow.” He also adds "I look forward to continuing – and advancing – the development of our marketing campaigns, and to introducing corporate initiatives and business strategies to further strengthen Konica Minolta's market leading position."
Responsibilities for Mr. Pollack include advertising, channel marketing, events and communications. Mr. Pollack joins Konica Minolta from holding the Vice President of Marketing position at Pitney Bowes. Mr. Pollack will report directly to Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A Inc.
When asked to comment, Mr. Kevin Kern issued this statement:"We are excited to welcome Mark to the Konica Minolta team with the assets he brings including industry expertise and an energetic approach to the business. Mark arrives at an exciting time when market share is growing steadily and our industry presence is strong. He will be an integral part of our continued success in ensuring that customers can always count on Konica Minolta for leading products and solutions that meet all their needs."
08/02/10
Padgett’s Benito Parades Celebrates his 30th Anniversary
Padgett pressman Benito Paredes chose to share his celebration and festivities for his 30th anniversary with the company, and he chose to share that day with all the employees that work alongside him at Padgett.
The company held a celebration to honor Mr. Benito Paredes and to emphasize the recognition for all the commitment and hard work he has put into the company throughout the last thirty years. David Torok, the Padgett President and CEO congratulated Mr. Paredes with a check, and the whole company followed that with a roaring round of applause. Padgett has an outstanding record of employee longevity. Roughly ten percent of Padgett's employees have been with the company thirty years or more.
08/02/10
SUNDANCE papers Recruited by Neenah Papers
Neenah Paper has tacked on SUNDANCE Papers 100 PC White Smooth Finish to its digital folio, which already includes the SUNDANCE Papers 100 PC White in Felt Finish. This premium paper is not only budget savvy, it is also FSC certified and produced with a hundred percent post consumer fiber.
Neenah Paper’s Brand Manager, Mr. Greg Maze states, “We are pleased to give our customers this value-priced smooth finish option for digital production print jobs," he continues adding; "As we expand the Neenah Digital portfolio, we give our customers the versatility they need for today's print communications."
SUNDANCE Digital is certified for HP Indigo, which is convincing enough that the paper meets the highest HP Indigo performance expectations.
08/02/10
Ryno Rollers Debuts New Ryno Drain Covers
Ryno Rollers is in a position to help all types of businesses with its new Ryno Drain Covers. Printers, manufacturers and many other businesses will now be able to comply with environmental regulations by providing a fast and dependable way of making sure that any liquid runoff will not enter our waste system.
Manufactured from a high quality PVC compound, Ryno Drain Covers have amazing tensile strength and have a very durable surface that can bond temporarily to both smooth and rough surfaces. They are nontoxic, which means they can be used in and around the home.
Ryno Rollers Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Roger Giza, discussing the benefits of Ryno drain covers, commented: "Ryno drain covers provide manufacturers with a quick and easy means of preventing chemicals from entering the waste processing system. Ryno mats should be kept in chemical storage areas and near drains to ensure availability for immediate use in case of spills or leakage."
07/30/10
Poligrafica Becomes First Ecuadorian Printer with Color-Logic Certification
Color-Logic issued a statement that Poligrafica, one of the top commercial package printers in Ecuador, has met all necessary qualifications to be the first certified Color-Logic printer in the country. Poligrafica, with multiple branch offices in the town Quito, provides multiple varieties of printing services to most all Latin American companies.
Mr. Mark Geeves, the Director of Color-Logic Sales and Marketing said; "Poligrafica has demonstrated their prowess in printing with the Color-Logic system, and we are pleased to recognize and recommend them as a certified Color-Logic printer. We are particularly gratified to note that the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System is quickly becoming recognized around the world as the most consistent and cost effective means of creating metallic’s."
07/28/10
DuPont Confirms Pitman’s Cyrel Flexographic Products Dispensary Role
DuPont Packaging Graphics vocalized its backing of the projected sale of the Harold M. Pitman Company to Agfa Graphics, and reestablished its relationship with Pitman Company as their dispenser of DuPont Cyrel flexographic products.
"Pitman has been U.S distributor for Cyrel and Cyrel fast products for over 35 years. It is an excellent relationship and we look forward to it continuing," said Wendy Andrushko, North American Director for DuPont Packaging Graphics Products.” She also adds that, "DuPont Packaging Graphics also has a long history with Agfa and believe they are fully committed to the graphic arts," Andrushko said. "This acquisition reaffirms that commitment, and we're convinced the packaging industry will benefit."
07/28/10
Koch Industries Contemplates Purchase of Pactiv Corp
The Maker of the well- known Hefty trash bag line, Pactiv Corporation, is in the news lately due to Koch Industries interest towards purchasing their company.
Based in Lake Forest, Illinois, Pactiv, also a developer for disposable-like packaging materials, yesterday saw a change at Wall Street, when they saw their company shares shifting at $29.65, up 16 cents .The company has been trading near its 52-week high since midMay since the Wall Street Journal reported that private equity firm Apollo Management was in talks to buy it.
At the time, Pactiv's share price leaped from $23.97 to $28.44. But Koch Industries, holding ownership of Georgia Pacific, shows figures that indicate a large jump into the lead ahead of Apollo. Koch did not return calls for comment. Pactiv declined comment.
07/27/10
Great Printer Certification Awarded to Press Sure Print
The Printing Industry of Minnesota, Inc. Minnesota’s representation for the graphic arts communications industry has made the announcement that Press Sure Print has acquired their Great Printer certification. The Great Printer certification stands is an Environmentally savvy movement that acknowledges individuals or certain groups that consistently exceed and operate under all environmental, health and safety rules, regulations and laws.
President at the Printing Industry of Minnesota, Mr. David Radziej says that, "It is an honor to add Press Sure Print to the list of certified Great Printers," he further comments saying "We commend the efforts of John Warian, Press Sure Print owner, and his employees for their commitment to environmental and safety responsibility."
Press Sure Print provides image blueprints as well as; e file management and, variable data imprinting, digital printing in both color or black +white, small offset printing, commercial sheet-fed printing, full service bindery, warehousing, on-demand fulfillment and mailing services.
07/27/10
Oddi Printing Opens 2nd Green Facility in New York
For twenty years and still going strong, environmentally friendly company, Oddi Printing, is now opening a second branch of its company dedicated to their east coast clientele which will be located in New York.
Oddi Printing has been labeled as an 'Ecolabelled Printing Company' by the Nordic Eco-Label, the official ecological label for Nordic countries, for its awareness in environmentally safe printing within the Icelandic printing industry.
Oddi has managed to use healthy raw materials throughout the years minimizing the use of volatile compounds and environmentally dangerous chemicals whenever possible. The company's policy is to assure customers that the products they are purchasing are made with as little environmental disturbance as possible.
07/27/10
GOING GREEN: US Postal Service Takes Action
The U.S. Postal Service is very close to attaining its goal of reducing energy consumption by 30 percent by 2015.
The project has already reduced energy costs by more than $1 million for the Morgan, NY processing facility, only one year after installing the first green roof.
At nearly 2.5 acres, the green roof is made from 90 percent recycled and reused materials, including parts of the original structure. The green roof will also help the Morgan facility reduced its polluted storm water runoff by 75 percent in the summer and 40 percent in the winter. The facility also plans to monitor additional building performance measures including water quality, bio-diversity and urban heat island effect.
The Morgan facility also replaced over 1600 windows, and is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and High Performance and Sustainable Building (HPSB) certifications.
07/26/10
New Xerox Presses Create Buzz
Xerox Corporation's new Color 800/1000 Presses made a huge impact on printers worldwide as they install the devices to create breathtaking images on a wide variety of paper stocks.
The systems, printing 80 and 100 pages per minute respectively, are perfect for print firms and professionals seeking to expand their digital printing capability to produce high-end, full-color products including postcards, business cards, flyers and direct-marketing pieces.
"This is the first time that the ability to add a special effect, such as this clear coating, has been made available through a fifth imaging station in a Xerox production color product," said Jim Hamilton, group director, InfoTrends' Production Hardware Consulting Services. "I am sure customers will be able to use it to great advantage as they create and sell value-added content that goes beyond the four process colors."
07/23/10
Fund for Eco-friendly Acts
Mondi was rated the number one company in the new World Wildlife Fund (WWF) voluntary evaluation tool for paper companies to report on their worldwide environmental path.
The WWF has based their decision on certain factors that they feel to be most important when determining environmentally friendly companies such as use of recycled fibers, the amount of energy use and CO2 emissions, the level of water consumption and the amount of water pollution given off.
WWF applauded Mondi for its responsible wood curing, usage of virgin fibers; they were also commended on their open policy to abolish all controversial timber supply sources and its current level of FSC-certified fiber content for fine paper production.
Mondi Group CEO, Mr. David Hathorn, said, "We have a strong commitment to sustainable development and continuous improvement in reducing our environmental footprint. This is also evident in our Green Range of products which consist entirely of FSC certified office and printing paper from responsibly managed forests, chlorine-free paper or 100% recycled paper and ensures that our customers can conduct their business in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way. We hope that the index will attract many global paper companies as it provides an opportunity for participating companies to present progress they continue to make in reducing the impact of their operations on the environment."
07/22/10
U-Printing Network Acquires Mitsubishi Diamond 3000s Sheetfed Press
Digital Room, Inc. and U-Printing Network, both being pioneers in the digital printing industry and two of the first companies to make use of the web-to-print business tactic, have recently acquired highly mechanical Mitsubishi Diamond 3000S sheetfed press. The Mitsubishi Diamond Press, being a five-color, 40-inch press with aqueous coater will most certainly heighten the offsetting capabilities at U-Printing's shop located in Los Angeles.
With their printing operations established in 1985, UPrinting.com is a trusted online printer which mostly caters to the small and medium-sized companies worldwide. U-Printing stresses the usage of both digital and sheetfed presses in order to deliver the best quality brochures, postcards, catalogs and other types of custom made business products. Among its many large-format offerings, posters and banners for indoor and outdoor display purposes are their specialty.
The Diamond 3000S will be the company's second press made by Mitsubishi. U-Printing also operates a four-color Diamond 3000S equipped with an aqueous coater. Both presses integrate automatic presets, wash systems and console-controlled functions. The new press will feature the SimulChanger plate-changing system which does just that in just over one minute. Running both presses will greatly improve production and turnaround times.
07/22/10
INX Digital International Co. Gets a User Friendly Website Makeover
INX Digital International Company revealed today that it has revamped and recreated its bold Web site. The new design merges all of the previous companies that were gained in the past three years and they will now be operating under the INX Digital corporate umbrella, Including Triangle, and Anteprima.
The Web site visitors will find navigation and information attainment to be much more user friendly by providing a series of drop down menus. The first menu item, which is labeled as About INX Digital, includes a message from Mr.Ken Kisner, INX Digital President, In addition to a corporate fact sheet, news and events.
The Global Network section offers information, support and products, and the Evolve to Digital area offers videos, case studies and downloads. A separate Alternative Inks products and support area promotes various inks, in addition to UV curable, water-based and laminate products, plus parts and tools and technical support.
Susie Mendelssohn, International Marketing Manager for INX Digital commented saying, "The redesign of our Web site has been a priority for a long time, and I appreciate the support and patience exhibited by our customers," "We spent countless hours getting feedback from customers and others in the company to determine what we wanted to include. This was a tireless task and I think the end result speaks for itself."
07/22/10
WorkflowOne Appoints David Buckley as the Vice President of Marketing
Announced today was WorkflowOne’s decision to appoint Mr. David Buckley as the new Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Buckley will be reporting to William Antoskiewicz, who holds the position of Executive Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Customer Services.
William Antoskiewicz commented on the situation saying,
“David brings a wealth of experience in marketing and strategic development” he also adds that, “In addition, he will work closely with the Solutions and Sales teams in helping them develop and deliver a strong portfolio of products and services that will deliver high value to our customers through simplifying their marketing and supply processes, providing best in class procurement capabilities, while reducing overall costs.”
Prior to this new position at WorkflowOne, Mr. Buckley served as the Vice President of Client Leadership at one of the top in customer care and target marketing programs in the world; ,Dunnhumby USA. His responsibilities included initiative handling for all forms of marketing, pricing/ merchandising, pricing, customer communication.
“I look forward to leading WorkflowOne’s marketing team in developing the strategy that underlies the company’s sales techniques, business communication and business development,” said Buckley. “In addition, I’m eager to further develop and enhance the WorkflowOne brand, positioning, product and services for the company’s internal and external stakeholders.”
07/20/10
Bangkok Phya Publishing Co. Installs first ProLiners In Asia
Bangkok native Si-Phya Publishing Co. hHas finally had two brand new new Muller Martini ProLiners installed in their facility to provide the best and clearest inserted business for the Daily News newspaper. The installation of the ProLiners is the first known of its kind in all of Asia.
Si-Phya often jackets its broadsheet Daily News using a heatset commercial product. The ProLiners, each equipped with four feeders, support three different types of production:
Si-Phya has three flexible options for making the advertising environment in the Daily News, which can feature up to 40 pages, even more appealing, and for generating additional advertising revenues. Asia's first two ProLiners were commissioned at the end of May. The two machines were assembled and subjected to rigorous testing at the Muller Martini plant in Switzerland prior to delivery, ensuring that the commissioning process in Bangkok went without a hitch.
07/20/10
Pricing Increase Announced Today By the Flint Group for August 1st
Heightened drastically throughout the last few months are costs for important raw materials needed for ink and by drastic growth, we are talking about over 30% increase in the last 6 months alone.
The yoyo –ing of the raw materials and chemical stock markets worldwide is the key factor towards what has caused de-stocking of most raw material supply chains. Consequently the costs of base chemicals have increased continuously since early 2009. The price increases in specialty chemicals are double digit on key feed stocks while a number of force majeure situations have added to the pressure.
Vice President Strategic Marketing for Flint Group, Mr. Web Michael Impastato, further explains the situation saying:
"Flint Group is conscious that its customers continue to face a difficult business environment, and many materials together with energy and transportation continue to rise."
He concludes:
"However, Flint Group is not exempt from this global situation, and although our technical team is constantly searching for ways to mitigate these effects, we are incurring tremendous cost increases despite our ongoing cost containment programs. The cost increases have now proven too large, and the need to pass on these higher costs to our customers is necessary."
07/20/10
Bob Weber Announces Launch Of New Website
Bob Weber, Inc. a well known supplier for digital prepress equipment worldwide, staged a public announcement earlier today where they declared the initial web site which is www.Bob-Weber.com.
Their website highlights improved listings for prepress equipment for Platesetters, and Imagesetters. The resource section includes videos on the refurbishing of digital prepress equipment as well as a comprehensive white paper on computer-to-plate technology written by Robert J. Weber. Other features include ChatLive, access to a library of PDF specification brochures on Platesetters and Imagesetters, a section for dealers, and a Hard To Find item section.
07/19/10
Budco announces new direct mail marketing partnership
Budco, a leading direct mail marketing company based in Highland Park, Michigan, announced today a new step in its quest to provide leadership to the direct marketing world by becoming an affiliate member of the DiscMail Direct Coalition (DMDC).
The DMDC's primary goal is to create a new form of disc-based mail and to educate marketers, ad agencies and brand managers about the latest technological advancements that can be achieved when DVDs, Blu-ray and CDs are used as complementary direct mail mediums for print and online marketing.
"Budco has been supporting the use of optical-based media through client specific initiatives for years so we are excited to become a member of the DiscMail Direct Coalition," remarked Jeff Sierra, Budco's Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. "With advancements like the ability to add personalized, variable content, optical discs have become another powerful tool to deliver relevant marketing communications to targeted audiences. Since Budco has a great deal of experience designing and executing effective multichannel fulfillment and direct marketing initiatives, we are confident we can add value to the coalition."
07/16/10
FUJIFILM gains award from I3A
Today FUJIFILM gained an award from the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) for demonstrating the highest levels of safety performance and leadership. The non-profit I3A represents almost all leading and emerging graphic imaging firms and is the largest imaging industry group worldwide. Fujifilm won 4 "Safety Excellence" awards and 3 "Best in Class" awards from I3A in honor of the safety performance by its Hanover Park, IL; Irving, TX; Rochester, NY, and Greenwood, SC facilities.
"We are honored by these awards," said Ryutaro Hosoda, president and CEO, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "A critical element of our efforts to build sustainable businesses involves the education, training and safety of Fujifilm employees. The safety record at these facilities, as recognized by I3A with these awards, is important validation of our efforts."
I3A's Safety Excellence Award criteria takes into account the lowest recordable days away from work accidents rate in addition to a low overall recordable incidence rate with the most hours worked during a calendar year. Award recipients are celebrated as being the best in their class among I3A member companies.
Awards will be presented at the International Imaging Industry Association's 64th Annual Conference in San Jose, CA in November, 2010.
07/16/10
KBA launches CO2 computation software for printers
KBA has become the first printer manufacturer to offer eco-minded clients a personalized, user-friendly solution for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions generated by printing production runs.
KBA was one of ClimatePartner's first commercial industry partners; the two companies have been working together since 2008. Starting today, KBA will be providing their own online platform in co-operation with the environmental protection consultancy out of Munich. Print shops and firms can utilize the software to calculate the exact amount of CO2 emitted during their printing production runs, which can then be eliminated by engaging in certified climate protection projects.
Printing firms who register at www.climateneutralprinting.com/kba can submit emissions data and obtain information on their shop's individual carbon footprint. Understanding a printing shop's carbon footprint is the beginning for making improvements in environmental protection. The Würzburg printer manufacturer is hoping to educate their customers to the dangers presented by climate change.
07/15/10
Chinese paper importing slowly destroying US industry
The paper industry employs more than 4,000 people in U.S. Rep. John Boehner's congressional district, and those jobs will be at risk if nothing is done about the massive subsidies the Chinese government provides its rapidly growing paper industry. That's the message paper industry executives took to the U.S. House minority leader's West Chester Twp. office Tuesday, July 13.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing delivered a new Economic Policy Institute report stating that China's rapid rise in the global paper industry has been fueled by an excess of more than $33 billion in government subsidies from 2002 to 2009.
This has allowed China to triple its paper production since 2000, which led to it overtaking the United States as the world's largest paper producer in 2008.
It's the reason why SMART Papers in Hamilton has had to let go roughly half of its workforce in the past 18 months, according to SMART Papers CEO Tim Needham. The plant now employs little more than 258 people, he said.
Needham and the trade group say that the United States is in a better position than China to be a paper provider, as America has more trees and China will not be able to compete without the government subsidizing pulp purchased from other countries.
"They buy the pulp from us, we ship it...they convert it into paper, they then ship it back to us and under-sell the U.S. domestic market," Needham said.
The subsidies violate international trade rules, according to Donnie Blatt, a representative from United Steelworkers who represented paper mill workers in the meeting with Boehner's office.
United Steelworkers asked Boehner to join other lawmakers in signing a letter to President Barack Obama to support raised tariffs on imported Chinese paper. This issue is currently being debated by the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce. A final decision is expected in September.
"We're asking the president to take whatever measures are necessary to stop this practice to ensure we don't lose any more of our domestic paper industry," Blatt said. "We think any time China doesn't follow the rules - whether it's the paper industry or any other industry they are flooding the market with - they do impose tariffs on them."
Boehner was in Washington D.C. Tuesday, so he missed the meeting.
"At this time Congressman Boehner is continuing to monitor the investigation, and he believes that the investigation should continue unimpeded by politics," said Boehner Spokesman Cory Fritz when asked if he would sign the letter to Obama.
07/15/10
Print Shop Gets Heidelberg Printer with Rainbow Printing Capabilities
A Russian printing company that is best known for its security printing has received the new Speedmaster SM 102 six-color UV press from Heidelberg which is significant because it is the 150th printing unit equipped with a rainbow device. The process of Rainbow printing allows immediate processing of different inks in a single ink fountain.
Print shops specializing in security marked printing in countries and regions like Brazil, United States, and Europe also use Heidelberg’s special presses with similarities to that of the rainbow. The presses are mainly used for the print of banknotes, security papers, check cards, driver's licenses, identity papers, postage stamps, and tax stamps.
The rainbow device features an individually adjustable ink distributing option, and ink division through the ink fountain. The Ink fountain has a new look as well, which is a special knife-type. The different inks combine in a single ink fountain to produce controlled fine lines on the sheet. The resultant vignette within the print motif is key to security printing.
07/14/10
Color-Logic: Opens Certification Program for Graphic Designers
Color-Logic has publically announced their fully Certified Designer Program. In order to receive your Certification as a Designer, Color- Logic has made it mandatory for all graphic designers to turn in two example artwork pieces that have been done with the use of the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System and then, those pieces must have been printed by a Color-Logic licensed printer.
Mr. Mark Mayers has become the primary certified graphic designer under the program for his Illustration and Design. Mark Geeves, Color-Logic Sales and Marketing Director issued a press statement the program, saying:
"The Color-Logic Certified Designer program assures brand and product managers that their graphic designer is fully qualified to execute their metallic designs and has a relationship with a licensed printer. As the first Color-Logic Certified Designer, Mark Mayers has demonstrated his expertise with metallic printing, from design concept to the final product."
07/14/10
EPG: Named Sole American Dispenser for Welas Products
Connecticut KeyColor ink control manufacturer, EPG or otherwise known as Essex Products Group, has signed a contract which declares EPG the select North and South American dispenser of Welas products. Welas produces laser-cut hardened carbon-steel and stainless-steel segmented ink blades for accurate ink metering and customizes blades for all press types. This partnership secures a unique nationwide distributorship of Colortronix's job presetting and color scanner interface systems.
EPG just recently gained custody for the sole distributing rights for Colortronix LLC Herman products as well. Colortronix products are strictly sold under the EPG alias brand, Adelphi. The Adelphi AutoSet system presets ink keys on presses having non-EPG ink control systems.
Managing Director for Welas, Livio De Cet , said,"EPG is a proven global leader in ink control technology, offering high-quality products and services comparable to those of the Welas brand. We are very excited to have them represent us and look forward to bringing exceptional value to printers in North and South America."
07/14/10
Herff Jones Inc. Bids the Printing Industry Farewell.
An eastern Pennsylvania based printing company, Herff Jones Inc., announced that it will be closing its doors this fall, causing the layoff of all employees which is 107 workers to be exact.
Herff Jones Inc. says the plant in Scott Technology Park in Lackawanna County will close by Sept. 30., and the local work will transferred to Indianapolis and Iola, Kan.
The company based in Indianapolis produces yearbooks, diplomas, instructional and recognition-oriented materials for schools and businesses. Officials cited business conditions and expressed regret over the effect of the closure on employees
07/12/10
Cenveo Inc. Conjoins and Relocates its Facilities to New Location
In an effort to boost print production and to create space for further company growth, the company, Cenveo, Inc. has announced the merger of both Cenveo printing facilities and they will both be relocating to a town called Eureka, still located in their current state of Missouri.
Cenveo Inc. will be calling a 220,000 sqft. property home soon. Expected moving date is around mid-July and is also set to be completed by early 2011. A ten year lease agreement has been signed for the new space.
Currently, Cenveo Inc. staffs 198 employees and a combined 130,000 sqft at its main sheet-fed plant and its web press facilities. With ample space to utilize comfortably in Eureka plus the economic advantage Missouri has, Cenveo is grinding continuously trying to arrange the new place so that it can nicely accommodate all of the equipment both new and transferred directly from other Cenveo facilities.
Mike Denny, The General Manager of Cenveo-St. Louis, says, "Our move to a larger facility clearly demonstrates Cenveo's commitment to St. Louis and the entire Midwest," he continues further "In addition to the benefits of combined efficiencies and seamless integration that will result in bringing our two St. Louis facilities under one roof, we will also be upgrading equipment and expanding our print capabilities so that we maintain our leadership position of providing the best print solutions in the region."
07/12/10
SQUAD Releases QReader for iPad
Today SQUAD has announced the release of QReader for iPad, which supports .txt .fb2 and .html eBooks! Unlike all of the other iPad reader applications, QReader lets the user change text format during reading without reopening the eBook. Bookmarks and text search capability will help you to keep important information at hand, all with the swipe of a finger. QReader also lets you easily download eBooks from FTP, and includes a speed reading trainer and a night mode. QReader lets you change font, font size and page orientation without reopening the application, which is very convenient.
"The idea of QReader is quite simple. It's just an easy-to-use reader app, which includes everything you need to have in an iPad app you use for reading eBooks" said Cyril Baklagov, a SQUAD developer. "With regard to the speed reading trainer, I know some users may not need it at all, but fast reading skill is a key to the two most valued things of the information society - time and information."
07/12/10
Giant Showcase Sponsored by Heidelberger
Huge scores of clients worldwide arrived at the 4th International Packaging Days festival sponsored by Heidelberger at the end of June 2010 in Germany to get the latest scoop on new advancements in industrial packaging printing.
During the two-day gala at the Print Media Center, the international visitors witnessed for themselves a fully-integrated packaging production workflow - from data prep and plate production to printing, die-cutting, and folding-carton gluing. The entire portfolio and each individual step was explained in great detail. At the end of the process, Heidelberg experts analyzed the actual production data live in front of the visitors.
The clients were devided into several groups and taken on a tour through the presentations and product demonstrations. Heidelberg product specialists were always on hand to answer questions and take part in discussions on taylor-made solutions for individual companies.
Highlights included the special applications on the Speedmaster XL 105 Duo and the Speedmaster XL 75 FoilStar, followed by product demonstrations on the Suprasetter 162, Dymatrix 106 Pro CSB, and Diana X 115. The participants were also impressed with the live production of folding cartons on the Speedmaster XL 105-6 with coating unit.
Participating customers came from Australia, Belgium, Spain, Norway, the United States, Denmark, Italy, Korea, Hungary, France, Russia, Mexico, Austria, Sweden, Uruguay, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
07/12/10
Baldwin Technology Company Declares $1.7 million Profit in June
Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., a company best known for its processed automation technology, made an official statement today revealing that they had received $1.7 million dollars worth of orders during the month of June alone and it all came from Japanese newspaper publishers.
Out of all the orders places, three of them were the highlighted important ones and two of those three orders were for equipment modification or replacement in already well established printing plants.
President of Baldwin Japan, Mr. Ichiei Imafuku, commented further saying, "The Japanese newspaper printing market recognizes Baldwin's superior technologies as evidenced by the number of new orders received recently from Japanese newspaper printers."
Yamagata Shimbun , a local newspaper with a circulation of 210,000 will be responsible to replace another company's spray dampening system using Baldwin equipment on its Goss NewsLiner presses which is scheduled for February 2011.
07/09/10
GPA Announces Its Entry Into Social Media Websites
GPA is happy to finally jump into technology and begin their social media marketing adventure on well known websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and video posting website YouTube in hopes of having their voice heard by delivering news and vital information directly to their customers and potential customers. By jumping on the band wagon and joining these popular social web pages, they have opened up every method of communication to their customers.
Connecting with GPA through these media outlets, allows customers to get updates on GPA's most recent product announcements, which will be delivered in both text form as well as video content. Also available for GPA customers to utilize are various sub categories such as marketing opportunities, special offers. It facilitates knowledge sharing, enabling users to network with their colleagues and coworkers on yet another level.
07/09/10
Denmaur Appoints New Management Leader, Mark Harsent
UK's leading independent paper merchant company, Denmaur Independent Papers, has announced that they have made some changes and the biggest one is that they have appointed Mr. Mark Harsent as their new Group Risk Manager. After concluding a long 27 years working with the James McNaughton Group., Mark Harsent felt the need for change and a new opportunity so he chose to take the position as Group Risk Manager when it was offered by Denmaur.
Mike Gee, independent's Managing Director for Denmaur comments saying, "With our current growth, it gives me great pleasure to see Mark joining our company. I have personally known him for a number of years and Mark's experience and know-how will compliment and add to our much valued Credit Control and Risk Management Departments."
07/09/10
Pemco Inc. Promotes Patrick Walczak the New Director of Sales
Taken in effect since July 1st of this year, Patrick Walczak had been offered the position of Director of Sales & Marketing for Pemco Inc. which he gladly accepted. In this position, He will be accountable to manage all business for the sales and marketing activity going in and out of the U.S. for the Pemco Inc.
From 1997 till 2006 Mr. Walczak held a position at E.C.H. Will, which is a sister company of Pemco's. While with that sister company, he worked in different positions, the last being Area Sales Manager for parts of Eastern Europe, Russia and a large part of Western Europe.
President of Pemco Inc, Lee Sleiter, adds "We are happy to welcome Patrick to our team. Having worked for our Group before, Patrick is familiar with our company and has exceptional knowledge of our products, services and processes."
07/09/10
Electronics For Imaging Inc. Gets Possession of Radius Solutions
Electronics For Imaging, Inc., considered a powerhouse in customer-focused digital printing innovation, issued a statement earlier today that it concluded its attainment of Print MIS solutions provider, Radius Solutions which had on its own been announced prior to forging ahead with the gaining process.
Also as formerly noted, Radius Solutions will merge with the Advanced Professional Print Software division of EFI which stands to combine numerous amounts their highly commended products which include Digital Storefront, Auto-Count, Fiery, and PrintFlow to name a few. The successful gain of Radius continues to increase the strength of EFI's ever-growing product catalog of listed software components, UV Inkjet digital presses and of course, their inks.
07/08/10
CreatorUrban Backlight Approved For HP Latex Ink Usage
Torraspapel, one of the leading European manufacturers of coated and specialty papers and a part of the Lecta Group, have recognized their new variety of papers made to be suitable for large-format digital printers called: CreatorUrban Backlight DPI, for HP printers that utilize advancements like latex ink. By using the HP latex ink, the situation becomes environmentally-friendly for the print.
With 300 years of history behind it, Torraspapel is with an output capacity of more than 1 million tons. Firmly committed to sustainable environmental management, all of its manufacturing sites hold EMAS, ISO 14001, PEFC and FSC environmental certifications.
The CreatorUrban Backlight DPI range includes a line of matte coated paper which was particularly produced for the act of digital printing on back-lit advertisements.
07/08/10
International Paper Successfully Purchases SCA Packaging Asia
International Paper has successfully executed the purchase of ownership for SCA Packaging Asia. The price paid for the acquirement of this plant cost International Paper a staggering $200 million dollars, which now brings the number of plants owned to a total of 27. Twenty-one of their facilities are based in China, and 25 are scattered in between Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
President of International Paper Asia, Mr. Paul Brown issued a statement saying,
"This acquisition strengthens International Paper's industrial packaging business in China the largest corrugated market in the world, and it extends our presence in Southeast Asia," He further comments saying, "We have an experienced leadership team in place and our business will now be more competitive and better able to serve customers in this fast growing region of the world."
07/08/10
Baldwin Tech Inc. finalized Acquirement of Nordson UV Ltd
Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., a leading worldwide company in process automation technology for the industry of print, fulfilled its motion to purchase of Nordson UV Ltd. This announcement was made primarily on June 14th. The attained company has provided UV curing systems for the majority of the graphic arts market, as well as carrying their own line of ultraviolet lamps and other parts.
Managing Director of Nordson UV Ltd. Mr. Jim Ainsworth commented: "Everyone in the Nordson UV organization is excited to be part of Baldwin, a highly respected company in the graphic arts industry. Their strong global brand name, international presence and well-established customer relationships in all major markets for print will provide the platform for synergistic delivery of UV curing and IR dryer solutions to our customers and strengthen the competitiveness of the combined companies."
Also commenting on the matter is Vice President of Operations for Baldwin, Mr. Steffen Weisser saying, “I am pleased to report that teams from both companies have already initiated preparation for integration of the two companies. The combination extends our previous alliance to a global reach and introduces Baldwin to the expanding opportunities in UV applications and the digital (ink-jet) market sector – new markets for Baldwin within our core competence of process automation for the print media market.”
07/07/10
Robin Tobin Acquires New Partnership With Trekk- Cross Media
Trekk Cross-Media has made the decision to bring Robin Tobin on as new collaborator on board. has joined the partnership as Principal and Executive Vice President of Business Development & Relationship Management.
In this chief position, she will utilize her former knowledge in product, partner and marketing, and from that she will be expected to expand and carry programs that churn mass revenue as well as market shares, and the growth of customer services. All Trekk clientele will most certainly benefit from Robin Tobin’s strong ability to maintain a fine balance of all her responsibilities.
Tobin’s academic background includes a bachelor of science in computer science from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Master of Business Administration from Clark University. She currently serves on many councils and boards, which shows her involvement and extensive firsthand knowledge of the industry. Some of the boards and councils she belongs to are; the Printing Industries of America's eBusiness and Digital Printing Council Advisory Boards, and Print on Demand Initiative Marketing Advisory Board , to mention a few.
Robin held the position as the Principal Manager of Adobe Systems Inc’s Print Industry Marketing in the Creative Solutions before having joined Trekk last year. At Adobe Systems Inc, her work duties consisted of driving adoption of Creative Suite, InDesign Server, VDP solutions, Acrobat, Adobe PDF workflow, workflow automation solutions, PostScript, PDF Print Engine and services, and binding strong relationships with other vendors and most importantly, customers all throughout the print industry Worldwide.
07/07/10
Mutoh America Announces Summer Printer Promotion
Mutoh America has released a special promotion for the summer to all sign shops for one of its most popular printers: the ValueJet 1304 54" MSRP of $18,495.00! For only $14,995.00 which is an approximate 20% discount. Also, a 2nd year warranty is included. This promotion is valid for a limited time only.
The ValueJet 1304 comes equipped with Mutoh Edition SE RIP Software. The ValueJet 1304 reaches print speeds up to 145 sq ft per hour in production mode, using Eco-Ultra Ink.
The VJ1304 is deemed as the classic favorite in the family of Mutoh printers and a top favorite of most Mutoh users due to its easy and smooth. The ValueJet 1304 has the capabilities to produce all banners, posters, POS displays, long-term backlit signs, stickers, as well as signs
07/07/10
Yutak Kwok offered promo by Spencerlab Digital Color Laboratory
Catherine Fiasconaro, director of the SpencerLab Digital Color Laboratory is pleased to announce the promotion of Yutak Kwok to the position of Information Technology Engineer, effective immediately.
Yutak began his employment with the SpencerLab group in 2007, working as a junior color engineer and his main objectives and contributions included deeply examining both color and monochrome quality prints through digital ink/toner as well as conventional methods. Yutak had timelessly demonstrated his expanding knowledge of the IT disciplines, as well as taking on multiple amounts of IT tasks including server management and administration, network and computing infrastructure, system performance evaluations, technical support and troubleshooting.
SpencerLab President, Mr. David Spencer, noted, ''Continuously incorporating the latest technological methods and concepts within our IT infrastructure and testing environments,'' He also adds that, ''Yutak maintains the momentum of the dynamic changes occurring within the technology industry, keeping SpencerLab IT at state of the art.''
07/07/10
Survey Advantage helps companies interact with clients
As part of its promise to offer member and client companies develop profitable, attentive, customer-based organizations, Mailing and Fulfillment Service Association (www.mfsanet.org), the trade association for professional mailing and fulfillment services management, has revealed that it will be offering members the Survey Advantage program for collecting client and employee feedback designed for printing, mailing, and graphic media networks. Survey Advantage provides its clients with a wide array of options to assist in gaining valuable insights.
“There is no question that succeeding in today’s marketplace requires companies to stay abreast of their customers’ needs. The low cost, easy to implement programs offered by Survey Advantage makes this a perfect fit for our members,” said Ken Garner, President of Mailing and Fulfillment Services Association. “Their services offer companies seeking a cost-effective solution a way to gain valuable feedback. Their programs alert managers of disgruntled customers while identifying sales leads with loyal customers.”
“MFSA’s commitment to helping members sharpen their business focus makes the Association a natural strategic partner for Survey Advantage,” said Michael Casey, president of Survey Advantage. “The many businesses that are members of MFSA are sure to benefit from the customer feedback provided by our three industry specific services.”
Survey Advantage’s feedback programs are fast becoming the industry standard for customer interaction and feedback. Hundreds of graphic communications companies already rely on Survey Advantage for key worker evaluations to maximize performance and customer relations.
07/02/10
Taopix uses Facebook with Photobook America
TAOPIX, a UK photo book software manufacturer, has installed its first US MultiSite Production solution at Photobook America, part of the Photobook Worldwide group.
The new software is perfect for large print and photo lab professionals and firms looking for a cost-effective 'hub and spoke' multisite photo book operation.
Photobook America already operates established production sites in Malaysia and Canada and this latest installation represents a specific focus on the United States, with Facebook at the center of its marketing strategy.
Says Charlene Callaghan, Marketing & Communications Director for Photobook America:
"We are excited at the prospect of bringing our photo products to the American market. We have built a solid reputation for quality and value and are confident we can emulate this success in the US."
Comments Gadi Kovarksy, TAOPIX VP Sales (Americas):
"Photobook Worldwide is one of our most enterprising TAOPIX customers and excels at business to consumer marketing. Their implementation of TAOPIX Photobook with its ability to allow customised websites in multiple languages, currencies and payment gateways has been a key component in their success to date."
Adds Charlene Callaghan:
"We have customers all over the world, so adapting to and using social media to our benefit is important. Our Facebook fanpage has increased by thousands since we launched and started to use the page for various marketing initiatives. Photobook now has over 19 thousand fans on the page and it continues to grow daily."
07/02/10
Alcom partners with PIA for G7 certification
Alcom has partnered with PIA (Printing Industries of America) to achieve the qualification of G7 and implement its methodology. The methodology allows commercial printers to improve the visual similarity between a proof and printed sheet from different presses. The method depends largely on defining and using gray balance to control and manipulate images.
G7 methodology is a valuable tool for printers looking to keep up with the high expectations of their clients while maintaining consistency throughout the entire printing process. Assistant chairman and CEO of Alcom, Douglas Yeager, says
"We're looking for ways to add value to our processes and products, and completing the certification in G7 is one example. Its use will provide customers with the highest level of color consistency possible."
Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president of technology and research at Printing Industries of America, echoes the benefits of G7, saying
"The use of specifications and standards is improving the quality and consistency of print to customers, and we are committed to helping printers implement these types of solutions. I am excited with the positive outcome achieved at Alcom."
To become a G7 printer, Alcom obtained the help of a certified expert to verify that their equipment met the G7 methodology as well as running the company through a strict training program. Douglas Yeager says
"Printing Industries of America was a great help to us because they understand the technical process so well. In fact, after reaching G7 qualification, they smoothly transitioned into helping us achieve the ISO 12647-2 print standard."
In addition to helping printers achieve G7 qualification and meeting ISO 12647-2 standards, Printing Industries assists print firms in setting up procedures and methodology to meet GRACoL guidelines and print specifications. They test inks as well, ensuring that they meet the ISO 2846 ink standard, which is a requirement for both ISO 12647 and G7. Certificates of compliance are provided to print firms that are able to demonstrate that they meet G7 and ISO 12647 specific color management requirements.
Alcom is an integrated marketing company located 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. They provide their clients with high quality commercial print, direct mail marketing, and business development solutions using proven integrated cross-media strategies.
07/01/10
Shane Faubert is Mann & Co.s New Dir. of Cross Media Services
Mann & Co. Inc., Service Company for direct marketing, has announced that Mr. Shane Faubert will be joining Mann & Co. as their Director of Cross-Media Services. Mr. Faubert responsibilities will include further developing and managing Mann's cross-media programs and digital storefronts.
Prior to Mann & Co., Faubert was employed with Hammer IQ as their Director of Digital Services. His responsibilities at Hammer IQ included work towards the growth of high-end solutions including data management, web broadcasts, and web-to-print programs.
President of Mann & Co., Perry Mann, said "Shane is regarded as a leader in the cross-media industry and I'm very pleased to welcome him aboard," "Adding Shane to our staff enables us to take our cross-media services to a level unsurpassed by our competitors." Mr. Mann adds "We're working with our clients to help them effectively connect and communicate with their target audiences in a personalized and meaningful way. Technology has changed the pace of everything - and having the ability to see who, and what is out there is critical."
"I am delighted to join Mann & Co. as Director of Cross-Media Services, commented Faubert.”Mann already has extraordinary talent and I am certain that our combined experiences will create an unparalleled resource for our clients."
06/30/10
Color Logic’s Metallic Design Suite Now Available to the Public
Color-Logic has officially voiced the availability of its Color-Logic Metallic Design Suite. Included in this extensive suite are all the proper tools required for preparation of Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System files for offset printing.
Discussing the new design software, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves commented: "Graphic designers who previously were reluctant to use metallic effects in their artwork can now enjoy trouble-free, consistent, metallic printing with the new Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System. The system enables licensed printers and designers to create printed images that are sure to please commercial clients, as well as brand managers and corporate marketers."
The Color Logic Metallic Design Suite software is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and QuarkXPress. Designers and agencies creating brochures, books, greeting cards, posters, calendars, direct mail pieces, envelopes and packaging will find the software indispensible when metallic effects are desired.
06/30/10
Printexpress.co.uk Signs Agreement with Horizon for Equipment Use
London-based printing provider, PrintExpress.co.uk, has signed a 250,000 pound agreement with Horizon, the equipment manufacturer for new machinery. The contract is an understanding that PrintExpress.co.uk can flip books and manuals within a twenty-four hour bracket. The new machinery includes: perfect binders, saddle stitches, and includes a creasing and folding machine.
The finishing machinery has already been shipped and will shortly be operational. It goes hand in hand with PrintExpress.co.uk’s most recent placement of an HP Indigo 7000 digital press, which hopes to deliver its customers with supreme quality digital short-run printing.
PrintExpress.co.uk CEO said of the purchase: 'PrintExpress.co.uk aims to become the UK's only digital super factory. Thanks to this latest contract with Horizon we are one step closer to that objective. We can offer customers the highest quality finishing and industry-leading 24 hour tunaround."
06/30/10
SGIA 2010 Golden Image Competition now accepting submissions
SGIA is now accepting submissions for its highly anticipated 2010 Golden Image Competition, which annually recognizes the best nd most innovative work in the digital and screen printing arenas. Winners will be honored at the 2010 SGIA Expo (Las Vegas, October 13-15).
This is an amazing chance for SGIA members to compete against the best in the graphic imaging world and display their pieces to thousands of Expo attendees. Winners will receive industry respect and gain exclusive media exposure.
"Our work was compared to the best in the world and we came out on top! That's quite an accomplishment," said 2009 Golden Image award winner Keith Rosenthal, Mcloone.
Now in its fantastic 30th year, the Golden Image Competition recognizes industry-leading superiority and includes almost every item created by the specialty imaging process, no matter how complex. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry peers and professionals who will decide a winner in each of the 40-plus categories, and every entry is considered for the "Best in Show" award (digital and screen printing) and the "Best in Creativity" award (digital printing).
Online entries and payments must be submitted to SGIA no later than midnight, September 24, 2010 EDT. For more information about the Golden Image Competition and to enter, visit SGIA.org.
06/30/10
Color-Logic releases new metallic design suite
Color-Logic today announced the new availability of its Color-Logic Metallic Design Suite. The suite includes all of the tools necessary to prepare Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System files for quality offset printing.
When asked about the new design software Mark Geeves, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing, commented:
"Graphic designers who previously were reluctant to use metallic effects in their artwork can now enjoy trouble-free, consistent, metallic printing with the new Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System. The system enables licensed printers and designers to create printed images that are sure to please commercial clients, as well as brand managers and corporate marketers."
The Color Logic Metallic Design Suite software is completely compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and QuarkXPress. Graphic Designers, customers and agencies creating brochures, business cards, greeting cards, posters, postcards, direct mail pieces, envelopes and packaging materials will find the software indispensible when special metallic effects are desired.
06/29/10
Finch Paper rises to meet new challenges
Finch Paper is meeting the challenges of inkjet development head-on with their new Finch Inkjet Pi. Designed to meet the high demands of high-speed, pigment-based inkjet applications, Finch Inkjet Pi produces brilliant images that jump off the page due to maximized gamut, density and snap.
Finch Inkjet Pi provides customers with reliable print quality on a wide array of commercial, continuous and drop-on-demand inkjet print engines, such as the InfoPrint 5000; HP T300 Color Inkjet Web Press; Kodak Prosper; Océ Jetstream 1100/2200; SCREEN Truepress Jet 520; and many other professional presses using pigmented inks.
"Finch Inkjet Pi is unique in that it secures the pigment on the paper surface while allowing the ink vehicle to penetrate for excellent drying performance and print fidelity," says Tony McDowell, VP Sales and Marketing at Finch Paper. "The result is sharp detail with greater color. This new paper gives printers an ultra smooth, non-glare, environmentally-responsible option."
Finch Inkjet Pi's differentiating attributes include:
- amazing detail "snap" and contrast
- increased color density and gamut
- rapid ink drying for higher print speeds
- minimal "show through"
- minimal color-to-color bleed
"Finch Inkjet Pi is proving to be a worthy competitor to coated stocks," McDowell says. "Coated sheets notoriously have problems with dry time, which is one of Finch Inkjet Pi's most powerful attributes."
The paper performs amazingly for transactional-promotional pieces, direct mail, book printing, marketing postcards, business identity pieces, presentation folders, and more.
06/29/10
UPS WorldShip and CRC publicly announce their merger
CRC Information Systems, the well noted creator of the leading MIS/ERP system called Nucleus, has proudly announced the complete merger with UPS WorldShip.
Both companies hope that this new joint venture will expand and increase the percentage of accuracy in the workflow from both companies’s shipping. This new move also incorporates current data from all customers and jobs through Nucleus into UPS WorldShip to mass produce shipping labels and paperwork, then right after that step is complete, UPS WorldShip sends back all the billing and shipment info to Nucleus without double data entry needed.
A family-owned and operated printer in business for over 50 years located in Minster, Ohio is the best way to describe Globus Printing and Packaging Inc. A recent set up the integration between UPS WorldShip and Nucleus with great success. "Before we were able to take advantage of this new feature in Nucleus, we were using a third party application, Kewill ClipperShip, to handle our shipping workflow," said Kathy Winner, IT Analyst for Globus.
"By integrating, we have been able to eliminate our costs associated with using the third party software. Because of the seamless flow of data, we are now able to take advantage of features such as archiving shipment tracking and billing information within the job records." She added, "With the exceptional support from CRC's developers, getting our team up and running on the new integrated workflow was easy and virtually seamless."
06/28/10
IDG Computerworld's 2010 Best Places to Work in IT
IDG Computerworld's 2010 Best Places to Work in IT honoree this year goes to the company, International Paper. International Paper has been recognized as an organization that pushes their top notch staff to excel while at the same time, rewarding their staff by offering multiple benefits and of course, competitive compensation. All of this year’s chosen Honorees will be featured in Computerworld's media output alongside the results from the 17th annual Best Places to Work in IT questionnaire.
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for International Paper, Mr. John Balboni, comments saying; "We are extremely proud to have earned a place on the Best Places to Work in IT list.” "At International Paper, the Information Technology organization is an integral part of the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of our many business and staff organizations. We recognize that hiring and retaining the best IT talent is critical to the success of our mission.”
Balboni also said; "Our IT team has successfully delivered on a tremendous number of initiatives under extremely difficult economic conditions over the past 18 months,” "These challenges have served to energize and engage the entire organization. I congratulate our team for their spirit, efforts and accomplishments that have led to this honor."
With its Main Headquarter located in Memphis, Tennessee, and more than 1,200 employed IT professionals, International Paper's IT organization is starting to expand systems throughout their global operations. This group is in charge of overseeing all upgrading, designing and sustaining, all information as well as the information infrastructure that support and enable our worldwide operations.
"To be among the Best Places to Work in IT, it's not enough just to seek out and hire the most talented IT people, offer them competitive pay and provide great benefits," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "The organizations that made this year's Best Places to Work list sustain a dynamic work environment in which IT professionals keep their hands on the latest technologies and work on projects that are business critical."
06/28/10
Flint Group Seals the Deal on Torda Gain
Leader in providing worldwide solutions for Packaging and Print Media, Flint Group, made an announcement today to publicize its successful acquirement of the ink packaging company Torda.
Torda is one of the biggest manufacturers of printing inks throughout Northern Europe, and the Middle East with a considerable hand in Eastern Europe. Torda has generated total revenues of around 23 million euro in 2009 alone.
President of Flint Group's global Packaging and Narrow Web division, Dr. Dirk Aulbert, adds commentary stating, "We will now focus to quickly develop the significant potential of the Torda business within Flint Group's global packaging inks business building on the excellent fit of Torda's business model with respect to its geographic reach and its product portfolio."
06/23/10
Companies Nela and Proteck Join Forces to Create Large Corporation
NELA has publicly declared their decision to move ahead with the formation of a corporation shared with Proteck from India. Both these companies will share all efforts in the workloads which include engineering, sales and service for all plate ovens and CtP processors for the print markets in North and South America.
Proteck is one of the foremost graphic arts suppliers in India and is already directly distributing their processors to North and South America. In Order to boost the customer sales, service, and satisfaction, Proteck will be counting on their new partner NELA, to provide support towards engineering, and assembling and they will be doing it all from their home base location in Wisconsin. NELA is able to use Proteck to their advantage as well by adding Proteck’s processors and ovens to its product catalogue.
NELA’s President, Mr. Dave Klein, states: "We are very happy to have found an extremely competent business partner like K. Vaidyanathan, President of Proteck. This partnership combines his expertise and NELA's Know-how, Marketing and Technical Field Service to better serve the North and South American marketplace. We are very confident that this partnership will provide outstanding value to the customers looking for superior engineering and full service capabilities in their supplier."
06/23/10
WorkFlowOne: Tom Dailey receives Promotion
WorkflowOne announced that their General Manager Tom Dailey has been given promotion to move up to the position of Vice President of Operations. As Vice President of Operations, Mr. Dailey will report to the Executive Vice President, Mr. Ernest Miller.
In his new appointed role, operations, applied technology and engineering resources, workflow automations, quality process enhancements and expanded investments in capabilities and capacity are just a few of the duties that Mr. Dailey will lead. The Goal overall is for WorkflowOne’s standing to be strong enough to profit from. Dailey will also proceed to direct the growth of WorkflowOne's digital operations which means overlooking the little branch offs including Print-On-Demand, transactional printing, and e-services.
Executive Vice President of Operations, Mr. Ernest Miller, said "Tom has demonstrated effective leadership at a variety of senior positions at WorkflowOne. He is well suited to his new position and we are confident that he will perform with the same high level of excellence shown over the last 24 years he has been with the company."
06/23/10
Nationwide Graphics sells Side Division to PGC Imagine Graphics LLC
Nationwide Graphics made an announcement today that Argus Press, one of its divisions, has been purchased by PGC Imagine Graphics, LLC.
The sale of Argus Press' assets and business is a strategic move for Nationwide, as it begins to focus on a more streamlined business model, which encompasses a variety of services and procedures, allowing a broader repertoire of capabilities.
"It's important for Nationwide Graphics to focus on the future," said Nationwide Graphics' CEO, Carl Norton. "That future involves other avenues alongside print, avenues such as our online print store Snapio."
06/23/10
O.C Based LA Times Ends its Printing Run
One of Orange County‘s printing facilities which homes all of the LA Times printing presses. The presses at ' Orange had their final run Saturday after 42 years in Costa Mesa, reports the Los Angeles Times pressmen’s' blog.
Publisher Eddy Hartenstein announced in January that the newspaper's printing work was being consolidated at its upgraded Olympic Boulevard production facility in downtown Los Angeles to save costs. The work in Orange County began being phased out in February.
A representative for the Times said at same time frame when Orange County editorial, advertising and circulation operations and the Times' Community Newspapers will remain at the Costa Mesa facility. The pressmen’s' blog said the two remaining press crews in Costa Mesa are being transferred to the downtown plant this weekend
06/21/10
Color Logic Process Metallic Color System heads to FESPA 2010
After carrying out remarkable sets of demonstrations showing off the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System at this year’s IPEX convention, this remarkable system for printing metallic will also be shown and demonstrated at Germany’s FESPA 2010 in Munich on the 22nd through the 26th of June. Already gaining mass popularity amongst lithographic printers, the Color-Logic system FESPA, will be demonstrating the production process of special metallic effects on inkjet printers. All the demonstrations will be featuring Eckart Jetfluid metallic ink.
The Color-Logic Metallic Color Processing System is a two part process which begins at the designing phase and that provides the color control needed through the whole printing process. From there, the designer chooses certain referencing colors from Color-Logic metallic color guides, which under standard printing conditions, are thoroughly prepared.
06/21/10
Mimeo.Com Announces New Production Facility in Hayward CA
Mimeo.com carried a press announcement today to declare the grand opening of a new 65,000 sq ft facility designed especially for print production and distribution which will be located in Hayward, Northern California. This facility is the proceeding establishment of a similar facility opening that took place in fall of 2008.
Mimeo CEO Adam Slutsky commented saying, "Our Hayward facility was opened in response to customer demand for a West Coast based location. Companies are discovering that it is more cost effective to forgo the development of their own platform in favor of Mimeo's technology and print production platform. This opening further strengthens our ability to serve all of our customers and partners, regardless of location."
Slutsky continued his commentary stating, "As the U.S. economy continues to recover, we anticipate growing demand for digital print production and distribution capacity. With the opening of this facility, we are ready to support new and existing customers, both domestically and in international markets."
Mimeo.com COO, John Delbridge also chimed in saying, "Our multi-location platform acts as one system that can be reached from anywhere by any customer. Recent changes to our platform architecture make it possible for us to quickly integrate new production capacity and new technologies. As facilities such as Hayward are added, we can immediately reduce required lead times and improve the efficiency of the entire platform."
06/21/10
The Courier Journal hits bump from printing press malfunctions
The Courier Journal is yet again reporting another problem that pertains to issues with their printing press. Saturday’s scheduled paper delivery was delayed for a few hours which then resolved itself later that same Saturday afternoon.
This will be the third time in a period of less than two months that their printing press has had problems printing. The day after the big Derby, The Courier Journal's press took an unfortunate turn when it broke down thus causing parts of that day’s paper to not be printed at all. Then another incident took place in late May, when the paper was again delayed due to the same printing press technicalities. There have been no comments yet on this matter and whether Saturday's problem is related to the same issues.
06/21/10
Prinova appoints Barrie Laver as new Chief Executive Officer
Considered a leader among all developing and delivering innovative software and services, Prinova Inc. has announced the choice to appoint Mr. Barrie Laver as the new Chief Executive Officer. With a steady and well proven employment record, Mr. Laver has played to his strengths which include being a Senior Business Executive with an emphasis in building and developing management teams and strengthening values. Carrying over to his new position at Prinova, Mr. Laver will be bringing over 20 years of executive management experience for the hospitality and asset management industries.
The President and co-founder of Prinova, Nick Romano spoke on this appointment saying, "We are very excited to welcome Barrie to our senior management team. His addition represents a major milestone in expanding our operational and organizational boundaries. I look forward to working with Barrie as we identify new opportunities for Prinova and our messagepoint software."
Before accepting his position at Prinova, Mr. Laver held the title of COO and CFO of a business called Geminare inc. where he had performed duties as Director, President, and CEO of the Lais Hotel Properties Ltd.
Mr. Laver when speaking of his new position with Prinova states that; "Prinova's messagepoint solution has seen rapid market acceptance and is delivering a compelling ROI to our customers. The messagepoint solution is complemented by Prinova's unparalleled services strength making this an exciting time to join Prinova's leadership team."
06/21/10
Komori Debuts New Website that Includes Print Industry Solutions.
The premier manufacturer of offset printing presses, Komori America Corporation, announced the debut of a brand new website that will be offering up-to-the minute packaging practices and solutions made specific to the printing industry. The site features all the printing companies that have braved the harsh and difficult packaging market victoriously. The website will offer various articles and how-to videos on utilizing package printing as a new form of revenue in this industrial platform of product printing and packaging. The website also includes an article entitled "How Sustainable Packaging is shaping the Future for Business."
Director of marketing for Komori America Corporation, Susan Baines says; "We launched this website as a part of our commitment to provide our customers with the latest information on how to add value to their businesses. Looking at the lucrative package printing market requires understanding how to leverage the equipment you have as well as how to offer eco-friendly processes to meet unique business needs. The website demonstrates Komori's continued dedication to engage in activities that are significant to our customers and deliver relevant content that positively supports the business issues and challenges they are facing."
06/17/10
Vibrant Graphics hires Jennifer Kreuser for marketing growth.
In hopes of maintaining or increasing the creative originality and excellent customer service that had been rightfully established these past few months, the digital printing company, Vibrant Graphics, has employed Jennifer Kreuser to steer the Marketing tactics to help the growth of the company.
After Sarah Emlund, the previous marketing specialist notified the company that she was moving on to Kansas City to engage in a new opportunity, the company didn’t hesitate to snag another skilled Public Relator to continue the marketing procedures. After a week of proper.
Before coming to Vibrant Graphics, Jennifer Kreuser was employed as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Marketing Coordinator. During her time at the University, Kreuser became fully active in promotional campaigning and production of television and freelance film. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with achieving a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
OnCourse company transitioning, Kreuser will take over officially starting this Friday. Information Services and Vibrant Graphics CEO, Mike Sewart further added; "We are excited to have Jennifer join us at Vibrant Graphics. She brings valuable new strengths to our team as we strive to improve the value we bring to our clients in the digital printing industry."
06/17/10
Steve Tily: New Eastern Regional Acct. Manager for JohnsByrne Company.
JohnsByrne Company, one of the top rated print and packaging solution providers for specialty market, has made an announcement declaring the appointment of Mr. Steve Tily as the Company’s new Vice President of East Coast Sales. Mr. Tily will be responsible for the management of a territory which includes multiple states and his managing will be set where he will forge to expand the company's world wide stance in the packaging market pertaining to cosmetics and personal care.
JohnsByrne's New Jersey office is the location that Mr. Tily will be based in where he will report directly to the President/CEO of JohnsByrne, Mr. Corey Gustafson, and Mr. Gustafson commented on Mr. Tilly saying; "We are thrilled to have Steve on board to further serve our customers in the east coast market. Steve's strong background in delivering creative solutions to the luxury packaging industry and his ability to provide long term, profitable growth through innovative client solutions in this vertical will be a critical requirement in his new position. Steve's insightful market knowledge and long-standing relationships within the luxury packaging marketplace will be most beneficial in growing his business."
Graduate of the University of Delaware and receiving numerous certificates including Sales Advantage at Dale Carnegie Training followed by a long 16 years of print packaging sales and project management experience with leading print packaging suppliers is just a small example of the highly qualified background that Mr. Tilly holds. He and his wife currently reside in Fairhaven, NJ and have two children.
06/16/10
GPA Announces their attainment of TEC PAPERS.
Leader in paper and specialty substrates for offset and digital print, Print Company GPA is happy to announce their acquirement of Wausau Coated Products Inc- TEC Papers USA. This attainment secures another GPA-operated facility making this one the fourth in the U.S. and immensely enlarges GPA’s service and product offerings for their existing customers, as well as those of TEC Papers. Being a long time competitor of GPA, TEC Papers is a worldwide dispenser of pressure sensitive sheetfed paper, film and digital in this large printing industry.
TEC Papers nestled in Atlanta, Georgia, hopes that its Southeastern existence will shift GPA’s service and distribution capability and ultimately make that region the strongest it has ever been. It also hopes to enhance the overall level of service for both companies. Customers of GPA will benefit from GPA’s newly dominant presence which provides an expansion in the selection of products immediately available to them. Customers of company TEC Papers are now able to utilize full access to GPA which includes permission to access worldwide supply base, application knowledge, sales and technical training and solutions.
GPA’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Bob Niesen further explains saying; "We are extremely excited about GPA’s acquisition of TEC Papers, which is important to GPA for several reasons. Similar to our investments in Hartford, CT and Los Angeles, CA, the addition of this facility will help accelerate our growth in an important region of the country for the Graphic Arts Industry. GPA will be afforded the opportunity to offer its broad array of products to TEC Papers' diverse customer base. Finally, TEC Papers brings with it a group of employees that has significant experience in the specialty substrate market. We are excited to add this group of talented individuals to our team.”
06/16/10
Torraspapel publishes its 2009 Environmental Progress Report
One of the guiding principles of the environmental policy at Torraspapel, part of the Lecta Group, is transparent and regular communication of its environmental practices has taken a 12% reduction in specific energy consumption in the last five years and securing of the most demanding environmental certifications are some of the advances reflected in the report.
Torraspapel, since the year 2005, has been publishing a biannual Environmental Report that breaks down advances made in sustainability, monitors progress toward acquired commitments and sets out new challenges for the future. The 2009 Report updates the information provided in the 2008 Environmental Report, tracking progress of key environmental indicators and noteworthy initiatives that, as a responsible company, are a sign of our firm commitment to a sustainable future. The 2009 progress report is available in three languages. The languages provided are; Spanish, English and French.
06/15/10
Flint Group: Issues Price Increases in the United States and Canada.
Popular raw material demands, with a shortage in supplies included, have dramatically heightened the pricing of resins, pigments, and other essential materials that are used in the production of both heatset and directory inks in North America.
Flint Group has announced price increases on heatset & directory products sold in the US and Canada. Prices will increase by 6% on inks and overprint varnishes, effective July 1, 2010, subject to existing contracts.
Michael Podd, Business Director of Heatset Inks in North America comments by saying; "Flint Group works very hard to shield customers from the impact of raw material trends, but the recent level of activity makes it impossible for us to absorb the effects completely."
06/14/10
GPA Appoints Tom Brooker as Their New President.
GPA is thrilled to announce their decision to appoint Tom Brooker as their new President and CEO, who will be joining GPA bringing along an extensive work history as a senior executive with an emphasis on sales and marketing. Tom will direct his focus on the broader side of leadership experience towards GPA's continuous growth and he will further work on heightening the reputation GPA holds as one of the leading companies in the market of specialty substrates.
Tom’s work experience includes receiving a degree in Business, with emphasis in Finance and Marketing from St. Mary's University in Minnesota. He then worked in the marketing and operational departments at Wallace Computer Services from 1981-2004. After leaving Wallace Computer Services which had later turned into RR Donnelley, Tom served as the President and CEO of Nashua Corporation until its sale in 2009. He then went on to become President and CEO at Teraco, a plastic card printer and converter up until the position for GPA’s CEO and President was offered to him.
06/14/10
Quad/Graphics’ Digital Platform Becomes Breakthrough for Mass Marketing.
Now available for publishing with the Apple iPad are; Magazines, catalogs and retail ads. This has been made able through the Quad/Graphics Digital Edition platform. This breakthrough allows Quad/Graphics’ clients the ability to spread content by means of print and mail, Digital Edition, and Apple applications.
Quad/Graphics equips workers who publish and catalogue with an iPad application designed to be client-branded. Created by ePublishing partner YUDU Media, the application focuses on generating top notch quality service for its customers. The Apple store online is where these apps are available at. Quad/Graphics clients can provide them for free or set their own sale price.
Just like Quad/Graphics’ current publishing offering, formatting a digital magazine or catalog is an extension of Quad/Graphics’ premedia services, this extension optimizes app files or PDFs for its main multi-media output. Quad/Graphics’ tech support staff processes and reformats the content given by both publishers and marketers of magazines in order to publish content to the application. When this is completed, it results in a dynamic layout view with vibrant media content as well as a customized “text version” feature which gives users the ability to view just text optimized for the electronic screen.
06/11/10
Staples Canada extends 3 years to Worldcolor’s Marketing Contract.
Montreal based, Worldcolor made a statement saying that it has signed a 3-year renewal contract with STAPLES Canada to further produce marketing flyers that will ultimately help to support store traffic and sales for a couple hundred locations.
Director of Advertising for STAPLES Canada, Sandy Salmon, admires Worldcolor’s partnership approach by saying. “With Worldcolor, it's not just about putting ink on paper. It's about the value-added services they bring to the table? As a true partner to the STAPLES marketing department, these services allow us, as a retailer, to remain competitive. We're happy to keep this partnership going."
President of Worldcolor Canada, Philippe Cloutier, commented saying, “STAPLES Canada is at the forefront of office business supplies and equipment with a strong reputation for continuous innovation and remarkable commitment to their customers and employees. This agreement aligns us with an industry leader and will help us continue our tradition of print leadership in North America.”
06/11/10
Mimeo.com Changes Up Their Platform
Mimeo.com declared today that it will be opening a new 65,000 sq ft print production and distribution facility that is also Internet-enabled. This new facility will be located in Hayward, California.
Mimeo CEO, Adam Slutsky says, “Our Hayward facility was opened in response to customer demand for a West Coast based location. Companies are discovering that it is more cost effective to forgo the development of their own platform in favor of Mimeo's technology andprint production platform. This opening further strengthens our ability to serve all of our customers and partners, regardless of location."
Head of Mimeo’s website, John Delbridge adds commentary saying, “Our multi-location platform acts as one system that can be reached from anywhere by any customer," said. "Recent changes to our platform architecture make it possible for us to quickly integrate new production capacity and new technologies. As facilities such as Hayward are added, we can immediately reduce required lead times and improve the efficiency of the entire platform."
Hayward is located near the San Francisco shipping and distribution districts. This facility is built to hold the capacity to print several millions of pages, and fulfill tens of thousands of customer orders per day. The facility offers capabilities which are similar to the company's Newark, N.J. and Memphis, TN production centers.
Noting the company is experiencing record sales, Slutsky continued, "As the U.S. economy continues to recover, we anticipate growing demand for digital print production and distribution capacity. With the opening of this facility, we are ready to support new and existing customers, both in domestic and international markets."
06/10/10
Puritan Press Acquires the Firms; Major Mail, and American Printing
Puritan Press has gained possession of two printing firms. Those firms are American Printing located in Amherst, New Hampshire and Major Mail of Nashua, New Hampshire. Both Puritan Press and Major Mail are well known and highly respected in New England, and this attainment will hopefully deliver greater services for each print store’s clientele. Kurt Peterson, Puritan's CEO states "Major Mail has a long history providing excellent low-price mailing and marketing services to many clients throughout New England" says. "We'vebeen working closely with Major Mail for many years but together, our company is even better positioned to provide our customers with one-stop solutions for their communication needs; from design, layout and printing through digital and offset printing, mailing, and fulfillment." Larry Billingsley, founder of Major Mail along with equipment from Major Mail have officially moved into Puritan's facility since April.
American Printing, founded by Roger Martineau, is also going through the same situation as Major mail Puritan also recently acquired from. American Printing has a strong client base in Southern New Hampshire which complements Puritan's strength in the Boston academic marketplace
06/10/10
Strategic Print Alliance to Fund the Flesh Membership Award.
Graphic Packaging will be utilizing wastewater that has been recycled for a new project that will reduce the water use at the Sparta Aquifer in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, according to a report in the Monroe News-Star. This project is estimated to cost around 20 million dollars.
West Monroe, Louisiana, is developing a 45,000-square-foot water treating facility that will sit alongside the Ouachita River. The aquifer stores around 71 million gallons of water daily, though only 51 million gallons is being replaced. The project consists of recycling around 10 million gallons for usage during the Graphic Packaging's production process. Early next year is when construction is set to be completed.
06/09/10
Graphic Packaging Aids Louisiana by Recycling Wastewater.
Graphic Packaging will be utilizing wastewater that has been recycled for a new project that will reduce the water use at the Sparta Aquifer in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, according to a report in the Monroe News-Star. This project is estimated to cost around 20 million dollars.
West Monroe, Louisiana, is developing a 45,000-square-foot water treating facility that will sit alongside the Ouachita River. The aquifer stores around 71 million gallons of water daily, though only 51 million gallons is being replaced. The project consists of recycling around 10 million gallons for usage during the Graphic Packaging's production process. Early next year is when construction is set to be completed.
06/08/10
SGIA is Now Taking Applications for Product of The Year Award.
SGIA is officially taking applications to be placed as a runner in the great Product of the Year Competition, which acknowledges the field of specialty imaging and its use of digital equipment and supplies. Manufacturing companies are open to submit their entries from now through the deadline, September 24, 2010.
To qualify for the competition, all applicants must be SGIA members and the manufacturer’s product line must be currently accessible in the market. Each entry will be reviewed based on apparent value for the digital imaging field. The Judging will be held by a select group of experts in digital imagery. There are 5 awards presented during the competition and the categories are:
1.) Media for Digital Inkjet
2.)Inks
3.)Business or other Workflow Software
4.)Finishing (three sub-categories)
5.) Output Devices
SGIA's President and CEO Michael Robertson announced that "The Product of the Year competition recognizes the top equipment and supplies currently on the market that are advancing the specialty imaging industry. Winners represent the best consumables and output devices that offer faster, higher quality output for the wide-format digital market."
06/08/10
Postal Service Appoints Susan M. Plonkey as the New shipping President
Susan M. Plonkey, was announced as the new acting president of shipping and mailing services by Postmaster General John Potter. Susan Plonkey is replacing former president, Robert F. Bernstock, who, as of June 4th, will leave the Postal Service to work in other fields of interest.
As the new president, Plonkey is held accountable for all product management, product development, retail, commercial products and services, and last but not least, commercial sales. The division is responsible for more than $65 billion in annual revenue.
Plonkey, before being promoted, had served as vice president of Sales, where she was in charge of the merging of Postal sales and service organizations to help address commercial mailers needs. Beyond sales, Plonkey's extensive experience with the marketing stems from working the field as vice president, Business Customer Relations; district manager; plant manager; and postmaster provides her with invaluable perspective on operations and customer support.
06/07/10
IPC Media Extends Contract With Polestar.
IPC Media has renewed its contract arrangement with Polestar for the production of a number of titles across its three publishing divisions, IPC Inspire, IPC Connect and IPC Southbank. Existing contracts have been extended for two years for the following ten Inspire titles: weeklies, Country Life and Angler’s Mail, and monthlies, Cycle Sport, Golf Monthly, Horse, Mountain Bike Rider, Sporting Gun, VolksWorld, VW Camper & Bus and World Soccer, as well as IPC Southbank monthly Essentials.
Polestar has already secured printing and binding contracts for a further 11 titles published by IPC Inspire and IPC Connect. These are: Nuts, Chat, Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly, Now, Pick Me Up, What's on TV, TV Times, and TV Easy.
Jasper Scott, IPC Media’s Manufacturing Director says; "The expansion and extension of this contract clearly demonstrates IPC Media’s continued confidence in and commitment to Polestar as a key print supplier. Polestar’s sustained high levels of service and quality are such that this is the right decision for these famous brands."
James Povey, Polestar UK Print’s Marketing Director further adds that, “Polestar is proud to extend its relationship with IPC Media, which we will continue to work hard to maintain at all levels throughout the Group. The team is delighted that IPC Media has recognized this commitment and entrusted us with six additional magazine titles to what was already a substantial portfolio of leading brands."
06/07/10
Polestar Opens up Another Option for Digital Portals.
Polestar has decided to launch a service that will allow their customers to publish printed publications onto Apple’s iPad, iPhone and online.
Polestar Digital Editions, powered by award-winning YUDU technology , gives the clearance for files received by the company polestar to be used for purposes that involve print to be formatted for online publication.
Marketing Director for Polestar UK, James Povey, says: "Polestar is determined to continue to provide multiplatform channels for our clients so consumers can receive or access their publications traditionally through a printed version or online. It makes real sense for publishers, who are supplying data to us, to use this new service to access the very latest media, including iPad and iPhone, easily. We are very excited to be introducing Polestar Digital Editions to our customers and believe it in the way forward for those wishing to combine traditional print with new media. It is ideally suited to our clients because the high definition images and flexibility of the features reflect and complement the quality of the printed page and editorial content of the publications."
06/03/10
Two Companies Penalized for Witholding Employee Wages.
The state Labor Department is coming down hard on two individual commercial print firms for lack of compensation/ nonpayment for workers’ wages. The companies are Printing Methods Inc. And Albion Color which happen to be owned by Lanre Olotu.
The state’s regulatory agency issued an order to comply last week against targeting the two printing firms. Those totals come up to almost $102,957 in back wages for workers, not to mention more than $205,000 in civil penalties alone that would by mandate, go to the state.
The orders to comply came on in fines the Labor Department sent off on May 19th against the two companies for their late payments. “It’s an egregious situation,” Labor Department spokeswoman Karen Williamson said today.
Numerous workers from Printing Methods have said that they were let go last week. Company spokespeople did not return messages seeking comment. At Printing Methods, The front door had been locked today, though; a small number of vehicles were seen in the parking lot. A person who answered the door declined to give his name but said the company was operating.
06/03/10
HP Announces its Big Investment Plan to Reach Higher Plateau.
Today, HP announced that it would invest $1 billion in the next generation of its Enterprise Services business. The transformation, to be built on HP's market-leading technology and software, will benefit clients through new offerings and improved service delivery.
HP will invest in fully automated, standardized, state-of-the-art commercial data centers built on its Converged Infrastructure and operated by its industry-leading management software. Leveraging its experience from its own IT transformation, HP will enable clients to migrate their applications to these modernized infrastructure platforms, allowing them to run their businesses faster and more efficiently.
This initiative is designed to enhance the client experience and better position Enterprise Services for growth. HP will consolidate Enterprise Services' commercial data centers, management platforms, networks, tools and applications to create a more scalable, modernized and automated IT infrastructure that will better serve its clients' needs. As a result of productivity gains and automation, HP expects to eliminate roughly 9,000 positions over a multiyear period to reinvest for further growth and to increase shareholder value.
"Over the past 20 months, we focused on integrating EDS and improving profitability," said Tom Iannotti, senior vice president and general manager, HP Enterprise Services. "Now that the integration is largely complete, we have identified significant opportunities to grow and scale the business. These next-generation services will enable our clients to benefit from the combined technology and services leadership that only HP offers."
To fund this investment, HP will take a charge of approximately $1 billion over a multiyear period that will be included in its GAAP financial results. Once completed, this transformation is expected to generate annualized gross savings of approximately $1 billion and net savings after reinvestment in a range between $500 million and $700 million.
06/03/10
Polestar Opens up Another Option for Digital Portals.
Polestar has decided to launch a service that will allow their customers to publish printed publications onto Apple’s iPad, iPhone and online.
Polestar Digital Editions, powered by award-winning YUDU technology , gives the clearance for files received by the company polestar to be used for purposes that involve print to be formatted for online publication.
Marketing Director for Polestar UK, James Povey, says: "Polestar is determined to continue to provide multiplatform channels for our clients so consumers can receive or access their publications traditionally through a printed version or online. It makes real sense for publishers, who are supplying data to us, to use this new service to access the very latest media, including iPad and iPhone, easily. We are very excited to be introducing Polestar Digital Editions to our customers and believe it in the way forward for those wishing to combine traditional print with new media. It is ideally suited to our clients because the high definition images and flexibility of the features reflect and complement the quality of the printed page and editorial content of the publications."
06/02/10
Two Companies Penalized for Witholding Employee Wages.
The state Labor Department is coming down hard on two individual commercial print firms for lack of compensation/ nonpayment for workers’ wages. The companies are Printing Methods Inc. And Albion Color which happen to be owned by Lanre Olotu.
The state’s regulatory agency issued an order to comply last week against targeting the two printing firms. Those totals come up to almost $102,957 in back wages for workers, not to mention more than $205,000 in civil penalties alone that would by mandate, go to the state.
The orders to comply came on in fines the Labor Department sent off on May 19th against the two companies for their late payments. “It’s an egregious situation,” Labor Department spokeswoman Karen Williamson said today.
Numerous workers from Printing Methods have said that they were let go last week. Company spokespeople did not return messages seeking comment. At Printing Methods, The front door had been locked today, though; a small number of vehicles were seen in the parking lot. A person who answered the door declined to give his name but said the company was operating.
06/02/10
HP Announces its Big Investment Plan to Reach Higher Plateau
Today, HP announced that it would invest $1 billion in the next generation of its Enterprise Services business. The transformation, to be built on HP's market-leading technology and software, will benefit clients through new offerings and improved service delivery.
HP will invest in fully automated, standardized, state-of-the-art commercial data centers built on its Converged Infrastructure and operated by its industry-leading management software. Leveraging its experience from its own IT transformation, HP will enable clients to migrate their applications to these modernized infrastructure platforms, allowing them to run their businesses faster and more efficiently.
This initiative is designed to enhance the client experience and better position Enterprise Services for growth. HP will consolidate Enterprise Services' commercial data centers, management platforms, networks, tools and applications to create a more scalable, modernized and automated IT infrastructure that will better serve its clients' needs. As a result of productivity gains and automation, HP expects to eliminate roughly 9,000 positions over a multiyear period to reinvest for further growth and to increase shareholder value.
"Over the past 20 months, we focused on integrating EDS and improving profitability," said Tom Iannotti, senior vice president and general manager, HP Enterprise Services. "Now that the integration is largely complete, we have identified significant opportunities to grow and scale the business. These next-generation services will enable our clients to benefit from the combined technology and services leadership that only HP offers."
To fund this investment, HP will take a charge of approximately $1 billion over a multiyear period that will be included in its GAAP financial results. Once completed, this transformation is expected to generate annualized gross savings of approximately $1 billion and net savings after reinvestment in a range between $500 million and $700 million.
06/02/10
Exposition Center Bill Veto Overturned
Illinois legislators overrode Governor Pat Quinn’s veto-ing to pass a bill that will bring major alterations for the Exposition Center. changes that the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) and other trade show producers had demanded in return for keeping their events in Chicago.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the Senate and the General Assembly easily blocked the governor’s attempt to modify the bill, passed by both houses earlier this month. Quinn had wanted changes that would have benefited the Teamsters and the carpenters’ unions at McCormick Place, and he also objected to an increase in a bus and taxi surcharge that is part of the bill.
In another apparent setback for the governor, the override confirms the appointment of Jim Reilly as interim trustee of McCormick Place. His role will be to transition the publicly owned facility to private management over an 18-month period.
By permitting exhibitors to do much of the set-up work on their own booths, the bill reduces their dependence on unionized labor at McCormick Place—a bone of contention for many years. Other provisions limit what they will have to pay for union overtime, and reductions in the cost of electrical contracting and food and beverage services are provided as well.
The changes and their implications for exhibitors are outlined in this announcement from the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
06/01/10
AG Insurance Recruits ISIS Papyrus for Platform Solutions
ISIS Papyrus announced that AG Insurance, a branch off company of Ageas , has officially chosen their company for growing case management to clarify Insurance services and tech support for several business lines. AG Insurance will be accessing the Papyrus Business Communications and Process Platform, starting the beginning of summer 2010. Best suited for implementing a merger solution for communications through both different platforms and systems is where the Papyrus Platform will help AG Insurance with excelling the most.
A spokesperson in charge of sponsorship at AG Insurance said, "The Papyrus approach to fully integrated customer communications aligns perfectly with our business and technology requirements. We look forward to rolling out an advanced case management solution that will meet our operational goals and lead to both enhanced performance and increased customer satisfaction."
CEO of ISIS Papyrus Software, Annemarie Pucher stated that "AG Insurance and its parent company Ageas are known for being progressive and innovative organizations in the financial sector that have achieved success by maintaining a focus on creating the best experience for their customers," she also says that "The Papyrus Platform offers a win-win for AG Insurance, ensuring that the Insurance staff and system can respond, react and adapt efficiently to meet the diverse and changing needs of customers without sacrificing on quality, speed or compliance."
06/01/10
Regional Print Competition Awards the Best Print Press
At the Association's 2010 Graphic Excellence Awards Gala which takes place in Dallas Texas, The Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica made an announcement that Best Press of Addison, Texas was recognized with the Division III – Silver Award in the Association's 21st Annual Graphic Excellence Awards Competition with over 200 industry professionals in attendance.
This year's competition attracted entries from many of the industry's top commercial printers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Western Missouri, and Texas. The winning entry, which was the 2009 Annual Report for Atmos Energy, competed against a variety of printed products created by some of the the largest and most equipped companies in the world. The panel of independent judges reviewed each entry based on technical difficulty, as well as the contestant’s attention to detail in meeting their customer's expectations.
06/01/10
Agfa Graphics Recruits a New District Sales Manager
Agfa Graphics delivered a press announcement earlier today in regards to appointing Lawrence Robinson as their District Business Manager. Lawrence Robinson will be accountable for all process and duties included in sales management through Agfa's traditional graphic solutions as well as the responsibilities of sales management for the industrial web press: Dotrix Modular.
Ruben Silva, managing director of Canada’s Agfa Graphics, chimed in saying, "Lawrence is an experienced sales leader who also has a wealth of practical industry experience," said. "His nearly 30 years of industry insight are valuable assets to Agfa, our customers and partners."
Robinson began his career through Web Offset Publications which is a publication printer and from there he moved onto a commercial printer in Toronto named Thorn Press Ltd. He has assisted with R&D projects with Rock-Tenn, RR Donnelley and Smurfit-Stone. Robinson has also held high level clearance at Heidelberg Canada and the most recent job title he held on his resume was vice president of sales and marketing for KBA North America Inc.
"I'm very excited to join the Agfa team. Agfa is an innovative company that has produced game-changing technology for the industry, from CtP, chemistry-free thermal plates and now with: Dotrix Modular, Agfa's industrial wide width web press. This unique technology will give packaging converters an advantage in the marketplace. I look forward to helping our customers address business concerns and grow their businesses," Robinson said.
06/01/10
Agfa Graphics Partners up with Nustream Graphic
Agfa Graphics announced today that Nustream Graphic, a company that leads in the field of full-service dealings, has forged a distribution agreement with Agfa's prepress solutions. Nustream Graphic is a diverse company that is comprised of knowledgeable industry professionals with hands-on technical and sales experience.
According to Guy Potvin, Executive Vice-President at Nustream Graphic, "We are very excited about working with Agfa. Today, cost-effective solutions that help printers reduce waste and improve efficiency while protecting margins are in high demand. Agfa's portfolio of products has been well-received in the industry and increasingly in Canada because they meet these requirements." Nustream has carefully and thoroughly selected one industry veteran, Jonathan Rogers, to manage Ontario-based accounts and Steve Daigle for Quebec-based accounts.
"Nustream's sales approach is exemplary. While distributing advanced technologies is a sweet spot, their main focus is helping small- to mid-sized printers identify the solutions that best fit their business environment. Ultimately, we believe this new partnership allows Agfa to expand our reach as we work to help more printers address their business challenges in this competitive market," said Agfa Inc’s Managing Director, Ruben Silva.
05/28/10
IPEX 2010 Declared a Success!
Now that the Ipex Convention has concluded, looking back on the event, Rainer Kuhn, Managing Director for PrintCity made a closing speech where she says, "Ipex has been an important event for our members ever since 2002, when the long term alliance was first promoted here. 2006 was a major stepping stone for us, and this year we have successfully launched our new concept for PrintCity international exhibitions here.”
"Our nine members Leonhard Kurz, manroland, MEGTEC, Merck, Océ, Sappi, Tolerans, UPM and Weilburger Graphics have made multiple customer contacts at Ipex 2010 under the shared three themes Print: Lean, mean, green. This has been done in a in a most efficient way, focused on our 'connection of competence' networking and knowledge sharing with all visitors.”
"Comments from these customers confirm that our Ipex show presence was very effective, including a central Value Added Printing & Packaging samples and case studies display – delivering a practical and flexible shared exhibition presence for everyone.
"We all have a very positive feeling about this year’s Ipex show, reflected also in the good show attendance data from the organizers."
05/28/10
Big Romanian Print Firm Obtains MGI’s Meteor DP60 Pro Press
At this year’s Ipex, a company called Eclipse s.r.l which is one of Romania’s top offset Printing Firms, agreed to acquiring one of MGI's Meteor DP60 Pro multi-substrate digital presses and a Jet varnish digital inkjet spot UV coater.
To address the obstacles regarding variety of the market available and the pressure of printing in high volumes, Eclipse has made the executive plan to purchase the Meteor DP60 Pro and Jet varnish combination piece from MGI.
"We chose MGI's digital solutions because they are the most flexible and innovative on the market," said Alexandru Anita, founder of Eclipse. "The Meteor DP60 Pro and Jet varnish will expand one of our highest-demand product ranges, offering customers both quality and economic advantages during a difficult time."
05/28/10
Employees at Ankeny Print expected to Lose Their Jobs Early July
Ankeny city officials said Wednesday that they were notified that a check printing facility that employs around 90 workers will be shutting down its doors.
City Officials state that Harland Clarke will proceed to shut down its Ankeny facility at beginning of July. Officials also said that they are working with both the company and the Iowa Workforce Development to help those workers that will need aiding once they have lost their jobs.
Steve Van Oort, Mayor of Ankeny issued a news release Wednesday saying “We understand what a difficult time this is for the employees of Harland Clarke and are committed to working with our partners to make the road easier for these workers.”
City officials said they intend to work with Harland Clarke representatives to attract another business to the area. Harland Clarke's facility has been open in Ankeny since 2003.
“We understand that businesses change over time and it sometimes involves job losses. That is why we work hard to help existing businesses grow in Ankeny and why we continue to attract new businesses to our community. We are confident that our work will result in new career opportunities for residents of Ankeny and Central Iowa.”
05/28/10
Kodak to Form Unified Workflow Solutions for Comm
KODAK, having a wide variety of graphic solutions for communications, has decided to merge all the solutions together to form KODAK Unified Workflow Solutions which will ultimately help their customers organized and allow them to manage their production processes to guarantee that they are using their equipment to its fullest potential.
If service providers are searching for one of a kind- personal assistance, Kodak is also debuting its Print Practice Consultancy. This brand new service will aid customers to pinpoint and apply fixes from the setbacks they might be receiving in their personal environments, deliver specific client solutions. Those making the transition from print service provider to marketing service provider, or looking to grow their client and revenue base, will benefit from the technical expertise and market knowledge Kodak offers. Within the Print Practice Consultancy, Kodak assesses a customer's needs and designs an optimized solution to achieve their individual business goals.
"From our unique, interactive booth space and the discussions taking place in the K-Zone to the revolutionary new products and the expertise of our dedicated staff, only Kodak provides such a unique combination of conventional and digital solutions in a unified workflow," concluded Perez.
KODAK Products are all supported by the KODAK Service and Support. The support service consists of more than 3,000 professional individuals performing service tasks in 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging, data storage and retail industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.
05/26/10
U.K. Opens Up New Print Shop: 1st in Many Years
After a long decade of the same routines, the same events occurring, the break off comes right now. For the first time, a new commercial printing facility will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. Grapho Media, an independent commercial web printer which will focus on commercial, press finished and sheeted jobs, and Q.I. Press Controls will be behind the new print shop and they are showing their support by installing their own sealed loop color control solution.
Grapho Media has been established by former Graphoprint personnel. The company has received backing from the Welsh Assembly Government. They hope to expand to 24 employees within a year. The production will start in June. All of Grapho Media's directors and the directors at QI and Gämmerler have considerable expertise in the printing industry. "We want to create a very lean business that is totally customer focused, bringing speed to the market for our customers," states Andy Edwards, Manufacturing Director of Grapho Media. "The solutions of Q.I. Press Controls will contribute in realizing our goals in terms of producing most effectively and efficiently with regard to costs and quality.
"It quite a venture to start a new commercial printing company at this time," states Erik van Holten. "We are pleased that we can support them by offering our extensive expertise in press automation. Our solutions will make sure their printing jobs will reach the best possible quality in a very short period of time at very low waste figures. This will fit Grapho Media's strategy to be lean and quick perfectly."
05/26/10
Genesis Press: Victorious Over False Accusations
Printing Company, Genesis Press, has been awarded $14.5 million settlement by a federal jury on Thursday. The Jury had found that The Hartford insurance company was completely in the wrong to deny the printing company's insurance claim and falsely accused the company's owners of conspiring to burn their own business in order to have a believable reason as to why they refused their claim.
Genesis Press was given 2 million dollars extra on top of what had initially been asked for and, ultimately, the Greenville-based printing company's attorney said "speaks volumes about the need for much better regulation in insurance companies' claims practices."
05/26/10
Turkish Print Company Snags KBA Press Displayed at Ipex
During the Ipex Showcase event, a giving out from a Turkish printer called Egesan seemed to have caused some confusion and shock at the KBA wing when it snatched up the Rapida 105 that was displayed on the stand. While both KBA and their Turkish sales agency, Dereli Graphic had been in touch back and forth on this matter for some time now prior to the show, Egesan's management staff aimed for this popular B1 (41in) monster only after researching, viewing, and inspecting a number of other presses displayed at Ipex.
Egesan is a commercial printer with a total of eight small and medium format litho presses. The five-color Rapida 105 with will be this company's first KBA press. Special features on this press include, automatic plate changing, a board-printing capability, a nonstop facility at the delivery, DensiTronic color control and boost productivity. The press will plan on being shipped to Egesan directly from the show. This, and the high print quality it delivers, was what swung the decision in its favor.
05/26/10
Pyrisma: Interference Pigments Now Made for Printing Apps
In the following of its successful introduction in exterior applications in the coatings sector, the Pyrisma range now also includes interference pigments that Merck KGaA is offering for use in printing applications. The pigments pop out from extraordinary saturation in color, which takes the narrow corridor of design and stretches, is open to allow infinite possibilities. So far, the colorful Iriodin interference pigments have included colors such as green, blue, yellow, red and violet. This palette of colors has now been blended by three random yet useful colors: magenta, indigo and turquoise. As a result of intense research, Merck has succeeded in developing a special particle size distribution and coating technology that generate highly individual color chaos.
The Pyrisma product range has been developed in agreement with the Merck Color Space, which is based on complex color metric calculations. This allows the achievement of the optimum shade strictly in line with physical criteria. Natural mica coated with metal oxides serves as the basis for Pyrisma.
05/25/10
Flint Group Announces big changes ahead
The Flint Group made an announcement earlier that the following changes were to take effect on the organization: Thomas Telser, Currently the President of Flint Group Flexographic Products will be given the new title of Chairman of Packaging, effective July 1st 2010. In this fresh established role, he will be giving knowledgeable direction to the Flexographic Products and Global Packaging divisions.
Another change to take place will be Mr. Mario Busshoff will be named Vice President and General Manager for the Flexographic Products and will continue responsibility for operating the leadership of the Flint Group Flexographic Products division.
05/25/10
KURZ: New Innovative Stamping Foil to become a necessity
The newest development from the company Kurz is called Luxor/Alufin MP. According to Kurz, This stamping foil can be described as a universal troubleshooter and, has flooded in a new age in hot stamping.
Until now, it was a common necessity to check that the stamping foil utilized is evenly tailored to the substrate, ink and lacquer system, stamped motif, stamping die and stamping machine. Company Luxor/Alufin MP already holds the processor and it comes with a great deal more flexibility. Virtually for all surfaces in the graphics can this stamping foil be used. Even for very testy surfaces for stamping such as UV lacquers and inks. Luxor/Alufin MP complies nicely to a large variety. The stamped foil can go through processing at countless speeds, is highly preferred for the empty mass designs and embossed stampings, and can be overprinted without difficulty. Furthermore, the foil is easy to process on all commercially available stamping machine systems. The foil can be used in large variety of applications and delivers a high stamping quality in all cases: it achieves a very good gloss level, temperature-resistance, abrasion and scratch resistance, a high edge definition, and high coverage even on rough surfaces.
According to Kurz, Luxor/Alufin MP has fulfilled many a processor's dreams. This versatile stamping foil simplifies storage requirements and shortens delivery times. Processors who only use stamping foils in small quantities, or who accept orders with a very diverse range of requirements, will profit a great deal from this versatility. Luxor/Alufin MP is available in a wide selection of standard colors and can also be produced in many custom colors. For further information on this new hot stamping foil visit the Kurz booth D921 in hall 17 at Ipex 2010.
05/25/10
Turkish Print Company Snags KBA Press Displayed at Ipex
During the Ipex Showcase event, a giving out from a Turkish printer called Egesan seemed to have caused some confusion and shock at the KBA wing when it snatched up the Rapida 105 that was displayed on the stand. While both KBA and their Turkish sales agency, Dereli Graphic had been in touch back and forth on this matter for some time now prior to the show, Egesan's management staff aimed for this popular B1 (41in) monster only after researching, viewing, and inspecting a number of other presses displayed at Ipex.
Egesan is a commercial printer with a total of eight small and medium format litho presses. The five-color Rapida 105 with will be this company's first KBA press. Special features on this press include, automatic plate changing, a board-printing capability, a nonstop facility at the delivery, DensiTronic color control and boost productivity. The press will plan on being shipped to Egesan directly from the show. This, and the high print quality it delivers, was what swung the decision in its favor.
05/24/10
Genesis Press: Victorious Over False Accusations
Printing Company, Genesis Press, has been awarded $14.5 million settlement by a federal jury on Thursday. The Jury had found that The Hartford insurance company was completely in the wrong to deny the printing company's insurance claim and falsely accused the company's owners of conspiring to burn their own business in order to have a believable reason as to why they refused their claim.
Genesis Press was given 2 million dollars extra on top of what had initially been asked for and, ultimately, the Greenville-based printing company's attorney said "speaks volumes about the need for much better regulation in insurance companies' claims practices."
05/24/10
U.K. Opens Up New Print Shop: 1st in Many Years
After a long decade of the same routines, the same events occurring, the break off comes right now. For the first time, a new commercial printing facility will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. Grapho Media, an independent commercial web printer which will focus on commercial, press finished and sheeted jobs, and Q.I. Press Controls will be behind the new print shop and they are showing their support by installing their own sealed loop color control solution.
Grapho Media has been established by former Graphoprint personnel. The company has received backing from the Welsh Assembly Government. They hope to expand to 24 employees within a year. The production will start in June. All of Grapho Media's directors and the directors at QI and Gämmerler have considerable expertise in the printing industry. "We want to create a very lean business that is totally customer focused, bringing speed to the market for our customers," states Andy Edwards, Manufacturing Director of Grapho Media. "The solutions of Q.I. Press Controls will contribute in realizing our goals in terms of producing most effectively and efficiently with regard to costs and quality.
"It quite a venture to start a new commercial printing company at this time," states Erik van Holten. "We are pleased that we can support them by offering our extensive expertise in press automation. Our solutions will make sure their printing jobs will reach the best possible quality in a very short period of time at very low waste figures. This will fit Grapho Media's strategy to be lean and quick perfectly."
05/24/10
Kodak to Form Unified Workflow Solutions for Comm
KODAK, having a wide variety of graphic solutions for communications, has decided to merge all the solutions together to form KODAK Unified Workflow Solutions which will ultimately help their customers organized and allow them to manage their production processes to guarantee that they are using their equipment to its fullest potential.
If service providers are searching for one of a kind- personal assistance, Kodak is also debuting its Print Practice Consultancy. This brand new service will aid customers to pinpoint and apply fixes from the setbacks they might be receiving in their personal environments, deliver specific client solutions. Those making the transition from print service provider to marketing service provider, or looking to grow their client and revenue base, will benefit from the technical expertise and market knowledge Kodak offers. Within the Print Practice Consultancy, Kodak assesses a customer's needs and designs an optimized solution to achieve their individual business goals.
"From our unique, interactive booth space and the discussions taking place in the K-Zone to the revolutionary new products and the expertise of our dedicated staff, only Kodak provides such a unique combination of conventional and digital solutions in a unified workflow," concluded Perez.
KODAK Products are all supported by the KODAK Service and Support. The support service consists of more than 3,000 professional individuals performing service tasks in 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging, data storage and retail industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.
05/24/10
Mutoh America Recruits New Sales Manager
Mutoh America Inc. a worldwide manufacturer of large format commercial inkjet printers is proud to announce the addition of Todd R. Molzahn as Central Regional Sales Manager. Molzahn brings more than 25 years of sales experience to his new position at Mutoh. His prior position at Brother as the Sales and Training Manager for the GT product line coupled with his hands on experience should be a valuable asset to his new position. His addition adds to the growing list of Mutoh new hires within the last several months.
As Central Regional Sales Manager, Molzahn will be responsible for a sales territory consisting of 17 states throughout the Midwest and south. Working closely with new Director of Sales Gary Rudnick, Molzahn will work with the reseller partners within his territory as well as tap into new markets which would benefit from Mutoh's large format inkjet printers. Molzahn has attended over 60 industry shows throughout the country and is familiar with Mutoh's dealers and other markets in the large format printing industry. Molzahn will be based out of Mutoh America's central regional office in Schaumburg Illinois just outside of Chicago.
Molzahn will spend the next few months attending trade shows and meeting individually with Mutoh's dealers throughout his territory in an effort to establish and maintain Mutoh's long lasting and highly valued business relationships. Molzahn shared a few of his thoughts regarding his new position, "It's an honor to be chosen to be a part of the Mutoh family. Mutoh is a much respected company in this industry and I look forward to a successful career within Mutoh and meeting clients throughout my region."
05/21/10
The Jones Company for the Gold
The Jones Company, owned and operated by Nationwide Graphics, is the proud recipient of the "Sappi North American Printers of the Year" Gold Award. Along with 10 other companies, The Jones Company was selected from approximately a field of 3,000 entries as a gold winner.
Chosen for its printing excellence, relevance and design, the "Shaw Living Area Rug Catalogue 2009" is a great example of the type of quality The Jones Company continually produces. The judging was carried out by print professionals, and to qualify its significance, the judges came from all fields and facets of the communication world.
"Winning the gold award is an exemplary achievement for the Jones Company," said CEO Carl Norton. "It's imperative that we continue to be a forward-thinking company, and that our work is a reflection of our mantra."
05/21/10
Canflexographics Welcomes New Member Ron Schroder onto its Sales team
The National Sales Team at Canflexographics Limited welcomed Ron Schroder as their newest member to join the exclusive Canadian sales agent for global supplier Harper Corporation of America.
A long time player in this field having worked more than twenty years in the flexographic printing industry, Schroder will be responsible for coordinating clientele management and client services to both the Wide and Narrow Web flexographic market all over Ontario.
Schroder's impressive resume includes past positions in all fields and levels like sales, marketing, processing management, and technical services. A passionate crusader of the expansion towards flexo education, he has actively participated with the Flexographic Technological Association otherwise known as (FTA) for over 25 years. Earning the FTA's coveted "President's Award" in 2000 was all thanks to Schroder’s extensive work on the Flexsys Computer Simulator project.
Kelly Roberts, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canflexographics states, "Ron's in depth knowledge of the industry, dynamic presentation skills, commitment to representing superior products and expert client relation skills are in perfect alignment with the vision and corporate goals of Canflexographics Limited.”
05/21/10
Xerox Overall Software Partner of the Year Award Given To Rochester Software Assoc
Provider of software solutions for print workflow, Rochester Software Associates, has been given the title of 2009 Overall Software Partner of the Year by Xerox Corporation. This is the second consecutive year that the company has received this honor. Xerox's annual business partner conference is the event where the award was given.
Since 1995, Rochester Software Associates, under the Xerox Corporation, has won Software Partner of the Year 11 times total since then. Robert Baden, RSA Founder and President "This honor speaks to the value of the partnership we have with Xerox and we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions and outstanding customer support to our many joint customers.”
05/21/10
Xerox rewards app creation at IPEX 2010
At IPEX 2010 customers are buzzing about the benefits of Xerox's new digital printing applications.
"At Xerox, our strategy is always to make it easy for print service providers to drive revenue through the power of digital printing," said Tracy Yelencsics, vice president, Production Products and Programs, Xerox Corporation. "Our customers are using technology and software to transform their clients' challenges into opportunities that pay off – and that's a winning combination in today's marketplace."
Xerox's Best-of-the-Best contest was held to honor digital printing apps created by members of the Xerox Premier Partners Global Network. Apps from over 17 countries were judged on image quality, business results and the implication of Xerox technology in the following categories: books, collateral, digital and offset, direct marketing, photo publishing, and transpromo. Three winners were honored in each category.
05/20/10
Fiery technology drives Canon's new imagePRESS engines
EFI and Canon Europe today announced the next-generation Fiery platform, System 9 R2, is the power behind the new Canon imagePRESS C7010VP, C6010VP and C6010 color presses targeted at the high-end production market. The three Fiery servers combined with the new Canon machines, ensure that customers will have the highest productivity and most vivid color reproduction by utilizing the Adobe PDF Print Engine v2 .
"Our recently released Fiery technology was designed with today's demanding print provider requirements in mind, and we worked closely with Canon to make sure customers' needs were exceeded," stated John Henze, vice president of Fiery marketing, EFI. "Fiery servers ensure perfect color every time, fast document turnaround, and smooth, efficient workflows to help customers realize greater productivity and competitiveness."
Mark Lawn, European marketing manager of Canon Europe, also weighed in: "Canon's approach to establishing long-term relationships with our customers revolves around providing them with innovative technology and continuous support to help them meet the changing needs of their businesses and secure their long-term future. Our ongoing partnership with EFI is a key element of that approach and, by teaming our new flagship Canon imagePRESS presses with the Fiery System 9 R2, we are providing our customers with a production print solution that will extend their print-on-demand capabilities, give them the confidence to handle the most time-critical and premium-quality digital print jobs and enable them to pursue growth opportunities by making the leap into new areas of business."
The new Fiery technology produces documents faster than ever before for Canon customers, with a more than 30 percent increase in speed over the previous generation platforms, driven by new software and hardware innovations.
05/20/10
Hurst Graphics Debutes Clean Air Press Wash
Hurst Graphics has debuted the CLIMAX 495 CLEAN AIR PRESS WASH, a high performance, sustainable, biodegradable, deep cleaning blanket and roller wash. It utilizes CleanGredients, a formulated product that contains new generation solvents that help provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional solvents.
After a year of strict testing at the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly, CLIMAX 495 began testing the Clean Air Press Wash at various commercial printers.
Testing at Cal Poly was conducted on a Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74 press by Professor Xiaoying Rong, who said "The test results are encouraging and showed that good results can be achieved with an automatic wash-up system. Under our current press conditions, we setup the press with Hurst's CLIMAX 495 solution to wash the inking system first without water being involved. The wash-up tray blade was then engaged to remove dissolved ink. The water application was for rinsing after the dissolved ink had been removed. This setting utilized the full power of the Hurst solution, and reduced the total wash up time."
The president of Hurst Graphics, Joanne Hirsh, stated "We live in a complex and increasingly environmentally concerned world that calls for new and different approaches to a manufacturing process that is more than half a millennium old. The changes we have seen in the last decade dwarf the accumulated changes over the previous half-century. Enterprising commercial, small offset and quick printers realize that they need to employ a range of technologies to remain compliant and competitive in this rapidly changing world."
The Director of Sales and Technical Support, Ben Seas, said "For deep, thorough cleaning of ink rollers, Climax 495 works better than conventional solvents." The product meets the rigid California regulations for VOC emissions and flash point. There are no residues or oils that may contaminate ink-causing fluctuations in ink density and ink water balance. The formulation does not include esters that, after continued use, may cause swelling of blankets and rollers thereby reducing print quality. There are no hazardous air pollutants or other ingredients considered unacceptable by the EPA."
Independent tests performed by Kramer Ink in cooperation with the S.C.P.I.A, and SCAQMD. Kramer Ink Technical Director, Bob Chase, remarked at the ease and speed of the cleanup process, and noted the fact that there was no solvent retention on the machine rollers.
"There is no change in the run-up time for the ink to reach its initial tack on our tests" he said.
05/20/10
FedEx names Kim Dixon as their VP and Chief Operating Officer
FedEx Office, a branch off of FedEx Corporate., announced the decision to make Kim Dixon their new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The Effective date for the position is June 1, 2010. Dixon will be responsible for leading and overseeing all of the company's retail and printing operations world-wide.
President and chief executive officer at FedEx Office Brian D. Philips stated that, "Kim is a strategic and accomplished business professional who brings with her a wealth of experience including a solid multi-unit retail management background that easily translates to our organization," said. "I look forward to her joining our outstanding leadership team and believe Kim's fresh approach will build upon the great progress we've made towards delivering a more consistent customer experience and stronger business results."
Dixon will be joining the FedEx Office team after carrying out a 14-year term with Sprint Nextel Corporation, where she served most recently as the Senior Vice President of consumer sales. That position is where she gained thorough experience in fields like retail operations, marketing, and of course sales. As COO, she will lead a number of key divisions, including global retail operations and planning, retail and supply chain management, and real estate and development.
05/12/10
Baldwin Technology Co. Earns 1Million Dollars From Japanese Publisher
Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., top innovator of processing automation technology for the printing industry worldwide, has announced today that they were given orders for printing equipment during the month of March that totaled approximately $1.1 million dollars from Kobe Shimbun, which is a Japanese newspaper publisher.
The Order that they placed became so costly because of the work that was needed to be done for the Publisher. While deciding to keep their existing Mitsubishi printing press, Kobe Shimbun’s order entails key pieces like spray dampening systems and a water purifier to be installed at their Hanshin plant in June of this year. Kobe Shimbun Publishes a local newspaper that has a circulation of 570,000 readers on average on top of several other newspapers that they publish as well.
President of Baldwin Japan Ltd, Ichiei Imafuku, commented on the costly order saying, "There is continued demand for Baldwin's printing press equipment in the Japanese printing market. Japanese newspaper readership is strong, and the need to upgrade existing presses with Baldwin's advanced technologies is evidenced by the number of new printing press accessory orders we have received over the last several months from some of Japan's largest newspaper printers and publishers. In fact, this particular customer was so pleased with the results of the Baldwin spray dampening system installed at another facility two years ago, that it has now decided to replace a competitor's dampening system with superior Baldwin equipment in retrofitting its presses at the Hanshin facility. Kobe Shimbun also appreciates the proven results of Baldwin as a printing peripheral equipment supplier and decided to install the Baldwin water purifier, which will save costs and reduce waste," concluded Dr. Imafuku
05/13/10
Scodix and Dscoop Bond Through Their New Partnership
Scodix Ltd., One of the top developers of digitally enhancing print presses, declared earlier today that it has formed a partnership with Digital Solutions Cooperative, otherwise known as Dscoop.
Dscoop is a lively, group of HP Indigo press users and owners along with their sales, marketing and production staff members. Dscoop affiliates strive on aiding each other to collectively improve their printing businesses and to improve the foundation of HP Indigo's digital solutions.
"We are proud to be part of the Dscoop community", says Scodix VP Marketing and Business Development, Ziki Kuly. "The goal of Dscoop is a peer-to-peer resource for learning and sharing to spur continual growth in digital printing. Scodix takes the post-press into the digital age and the feedback we receive from the Dscoop community confirms the need for the next digital step in the printing world.”
05/13/10
Fujifilm Corporation Appoints New VP of Sales and Marketing
Fujifilm Corporation in North America appointed filled the position of Vice President for their marketing and sales to Todd Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman, being highly experienced graphics industry professional, started his career in August of 2006 with Fujifilm as their Vice President of National Accounts.
Zimmerman will now be responsible to oversee all sales and marketing done for equipment, technical services and support for the graphic communications industry in the United States. Before joining Fujifilm, Zimmerman spent 23 years at Kodak in multiple sales and sales management positions for graphic communications products in the United States and abroad.
"On behalf of the entire Fujifilm organization, I congratulate Todd on his new role," said Division President, Masahiro Ota of Fujifilm. "Todd's industry expertise and expansive career in the graphic arts industry continue to make him a valuable asset to the Fujifilm team."
05/12/10
Ginny’s Printing Gets State of the Art Bindery with Help of Th-82 Stahlfolder
Ginny's Printing in Austin, Texas, continued its transformation from quick print shop to full-service commercial printer with the installation of a Stahlfolder TH-82 folder from Heidelberg.
"As we branch out more fully into general commercial printing, we've been getting more and different kinds of work," said Johnny Weaver, plant manager. "In the bindery department, we wanted to have a machine that could handle 16-page signatures and complex folds more efficiently. Our operators love it."
In other areas of the rapidly evolving shop, Ginny's operates a Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 102 8-color perfector, a Speedmaster CD 102 6-color with coater, as well as a Speedmaster SM 52 5-color press and a Print master PM 52 4-color perfector. Post press improvements, including the new TH-82 Stahlfolder set the mark on efforts to bring Ginny's up to date and technologically advanced rather, with its Heidelberg-powered pressroom, Weaver said.
In business since 1971, Texas-based Ginny's Printing serves only those holding on to or belonging with corporate accounts. The $28 million dollar company employs around 200 people to maintain the flow of the shop at its 108,000sqft production facility.
05/12/10
ColorMetrix Technologies Receives Color-Logic Certification for Partnership
Color-Logic has issued a statement that ColorMetrix Technologies is now a Color-Logic Certified Partner meaning they are fully trained to aid printers in utilizing the Color-Logic Metallic Color Processing System for offset prints.
Mark Geeves, Color-Logic Sales and Marketing Director is the person responsible for issuing the announcement saying "Process control is very important to any printing process-even the simple and easy-to-use Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System for offset printing. ColorMetrix has an exceptional record in providing color assistance to printers, and we are pleased to certify them as the first Color-Logic Technology Partner. The process consistency provided by Color-Logic Certified Technology Partners ensures designers, brand managers, and agencies that special effects and specific metallic spot colors can be reproduced time and time again."
Jim Raffel, ColorMetrix CEO and Cofounder, added his statement saying, "I have been involved in controlling color for print for more than 25 years, and the special effects created with just one additional color using the Color-Logic system are incredible. In the tests we conducted, the solid ink density of the Color-Logic Silver Inks measured 0.30 to 0.35 Status T in the solid area-which means this ink mileage is much greater than metallic I have measured in the past."
05/12/10
Manroland: To Deliver Certification Audits
Just over a dozen technical trainers throughout 2010 are set to undergo auditing and certification through and by Manroland in Offenbach. Technical training as well as didactics instruction is what will be covered, so that the equipment transfer from manroland to its customers will work even more efficiently.
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Qualifications for obtaining certification include all the following steps: basic training seminar attendance, advanced trainer seminar attendance, Firsthand field experience as a trainer (signing off of at least six of their own training courses), feedback deliberations with the fields supervisor, and last but not least, extensive coaching and auditing by an external auditor. After one year at the earliest, is when after all requirements have been completed, the time when ones certification can be attained.
"The performance of our presses decisively depends on the qualification level of our customers' and our Market Organization's staff. To ensure a first class training level a first class training concept is vital. This is why we additionally certify our trainers," says Karl-Heinz Severin, Vice President Sheet fed Competence Center. Auditing is a recognized industry certification and is done by an association of several industrial companies.
Thanks to the rapid upward shaping of the training program, Manroland is able to document the quality of the currently active trainers and the courses. In particular, the trainers receive confirmation of their performance, which motivates them further, not only in terms of professional qualification but also with respect to methodology and didactics. This improves their ability to keep the customers' personnel and the colleagues in the Market Organization all over the world up-to-date on the latest technological developments.
05/10/10
KBA Introduces Rapida 105 Print Press Installed in Brand New Plant
KBA’s Rapida 105 medium-format press has been showing its stuff at Artotec; the Pakistani print venture. The six-color coater Rapida press was installed in a brand-new commercial printing plant which utilizes only cutting-edge technology from pre-press to the mailroom. Operators in charge of running the press, lead by Wahab Rehmani: Managing Director, have become rather large KBA fans. Just three weeks of complete back to back training was all it took for the Rapida 105 to fall into full-scale production.
New Rapida 105 displays an assortment of computerized options which utilize plate change and the washing for both blankets and ink rollers. One speed induced package cranks the press speed up to 16,500 sheets printed per hour, mostly on weighted stock of up to 600gsm (375lb Bristol), though 1.2mm (48pt) board can also be printed.
05/10/10
3D Print solutions from Polestar
Polestar Sheffield, working in partnership with packaging specialist Hovat, has developed an affordable and practical solution to deliver the viewing glasses required for 3D print. The development of a suitable 3D format offers the capability to be loose inserted, tipped on, bound in or onserted universally into any magazine or book, opening up new opportunities at a time when the movie industry has generated considerable public interest in 3D reality.
Explaining the challenge faced by Polestar Sheffield and Hovat, Polestar Account Director Jeff White said: "3D printing is not a new concept, but the problem for the magazine publisher and advertiser has always been that the high cost of application and manufacture of the 3D glasses has made widespread adoption impractical. Now the new Hovat 3D viewer system introduces a very simple format, allowing the reader to easily view 3D images either within content pages of the magazine or images attached to the viewer."
Thanks to this simple concept publishers and advertisers have a new creative opportunity to engage readers and increase the attention span of consumers. Managing Director of Hovat Bill Habergham sums up the innovation, saying, "the best ideas are the simplest. Our joint innovative incorporation of the 3D glasses into standard A5 or A4 size product with a simple tear off strip offers the advertiser or publisher exciting opportunities in a new market."
Early indications promise great success for the Hovat 3D viewer.
05/10/10
Auditing solutions now available from Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology is currently at the primary stage of its plan to create and make process audits and certification services readily available for most if not all North American printers. They have presented an online based survey which they hope will determine the farthest extent where printers bend to clearly set printing standards. Many Industry leaders have pressed for RIT to in fact, become a official recognized body in the North American region because of the negated standards and regulations in the surrounding areas.
While providing a thorough analysis and break down, RIT will also offer constructive feedback to the survey taker which targets key areas such as value, aim point and tolerances. Once all the survey responses are entered and recorded, RIT will announce its closing conclusion to the partners of the Printing Industry Center at its annual November meeting.
RIT next step will enable partnership with IDEAlliance, RIT will then confer with auditing big wigs located in Europe where they will work with experts belonging to the ISO/TC130 committee to develop process audit and certification services protocols that reflect the best practice for all. RIT will also offer public seminars to train companies about the importance of printing standards, methods and tools that are needed to achieve conformance.
The Participants will partake in a few activities including filling out a survey, downloading test forms, and lastly undergoing a press run and later submitting print sheets for RIT to “check-up". The survey which is online only, is available until May 31. For the "check-up," deadline for entering is June 30.
05/10/10
Pantone releases PANTONE PLUS
Over the last 50 years, the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM has become the standard for worldwide color communication. As technology advances and working styles change, Pantone strives to evolve its color tools and technology to mirror today's workflow. Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color, announced today its new creation: PANTONE PLUS, the next generation of the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM.
"PANTONE PLUS takes what designers and printers know and love about the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM and supercharges it with a host of new features, colors and digital tools," said Ron Potesky, senior VP and general manager of Pantone. "The PLUS SERIES provides designers with greater freedom for selecting, specifying and matching color. And, since the PANTONE PLUS SERIES is based on the widely used PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM, there's no training or new equipment required to start pushing the boundaries of creativity."
"Adobe Creative Suite plays a central role in helping designers realize their artistic visions and Pantone is also crucial to this process, allowing creatives to make and implement critical color decisions," said Lea Hickman, senior director, design and web segment at Adobe. "PANTONE PLUS provides Adobe Creative Suite users with expanded color sets and more intuitive selection to help streamline the creative process."
05/10/10
NRI Selects Online Print Solutions as their new Partner
Web-to-Print & Cross Media marketing has officially been chosen by NRI, a primary member of the ReproMAX international network, as its choice partner that will deliver them with a storefront for Web-to- Print & multi-channel marketing solutions.
A speaker on behalf of NRI named Frank Plum announced that "after acquiring two Xerox iGens, we realized that we had additional markets we can support and expand our services. By utilizing the OPS platform, we can offer other ReproMAX members an opportunity to receive outstanding trade printing as well as offering 1:1 marketing and fully integrated Cross-Media campaigns. We have already targeted our existing customers and we are excited to expand our market offering to other vertical markets with additional services."
After searching high and low NRI chose Online Print Solutions as they were much more professional than any other technologically enhanced facility they had reviewed. NRI believes the OPS system should be the choice of software for other ReproMAX network members to enhance their existing businesses.
Online Print Solutions is the top trendsetter in web-to-printmedia solutions. Whether it comes from storefronts, web retail sites & online web design, to even cross-media solutions, Online Print Solutions provides the answers for everyone no matter the field, or how you interact with your clients.
05/07/10
Sappi Fine Paper Raises the Bar When Going Green
Sappi Fine Paper Company, which serves all of North America, has officially launched their “going green” promotional “EQ Tool” a virtual guide through on the website that provides the environmental qualifications of its paper in a virtual interactive and graphically enhancing format.
The web legend tool, like Apple computer widgets; presents facts and figures on environmentally conscious topics such as Renewable Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Managing Process to Minimize Waste, Carbon Offsets, Sustainably Harvested Wood, Initiatives for Sustainability and Recycled Fiber. It also includes a calculator that will generate a summary of the environmental benefits a custom order of Sappi papers.
05/07/10
Government Financial Websites Attacked by Hackers
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing from the The United States Treasury's has fallen victim of an attack by computer hackers. The minute they had realized that the websites were breached, they were immediately taken down.
The Bureau, along with three other official government web sites, were being targeted in an attack that redirected visitors to web sites enclosed with hateful material. The focused attack websites were BEP.treas.gov, BEP.gov, Moneyfactory.gov and lastly Moneyfactory.com.
According to security experts at anti-virus software maker AVG, the web sites were hacked using an iFrame application that injected malicious codes into the site. The malware to send data to computers from another disclosed location. VG Chief Research Officer, Roger Thompson, added that an initial study of the attack shows that there was an 80 per cent chance it was mounted from a third-party site visitor counter. If this was the case, he said, the problem might be difficult to fix.
Roger Thompson told tech blog V3.co.uk: “City and country-level sites get hacked all the time in the US and UK but it’s very unusual to see an attack like this.”
05/07/10
Financial Reports Completed for American Reprographics Co
American Reprographics Company, being the nation's foremost provider of reprographic services and machinery today reported its grossing results for their primary quarter which ended on March 31, 2010. The Company reaffirmed its forecast of annual earnings per share in 2010 to be in the range of $0.15 to $0.30 on a fully-diluted basis, and annual cash flow from operations in the range of $65 million to $80 million.
"As the commercial construction market struggles to find its feet, ARC continues to operate well," says Suriyakumar, The President and CEO. "While we expect to see signs of life in employment, vacancy rates and credit availability in 2010, such improvements in the general economy are likely to be in advance of any recovery in the AEC market. Thus we remain prepared for a challenging year, and confident in our ability to manage costs, generate cash, and explore new opportunities within our core competencies as we have done throughout the downturn."
The revenue for the company’s first quarter of 2010 was $112.2 million, and the company's gross was at 32.9% for a three month period ending March 31, 2010. The Net income also for this first quarter of 2010 was $717,000.
Chief Financial Officer, Jonathan Mather, said that "Revenue continues to be challenged by the softness in the U.S. AEC market, but we continue to implement incremental cost controls, produce healthy margins, and maintain a strong balance sheet."
05/06/10
Konica Minolta Develops New Revenue Boosting Program
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. presented a new business development program at the company's "The Power of Performance" Business Conference and Product Expo at the JW that took place today at the Marriott Hotel in L.A. Live. The program will focus on helping customers drive revenue growth in the production print marketplace.
This new promotion provides Konica Minolta customers with access to powerful educational tools including white papers, videos, webinars, and ROI calculators that will help them develop innovative digital business strategies, launch new digital applications, and learn from customer success stories.
Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. says "Customers can count on Konica Minolta to offer significant support to their efforts of exploring new sales opportunities, and take their business to the next level with this comprehensive business development offering."
As part of this program, customers have the opportunity to access a dedicated Web portal featuring a range of business development tools. Customers will also be invited to attend a series of educational Webinars that address strategies for growth. Konica Minolta is partnering with industry leaders in cross media communications, digital imaging and document solutions to combine independent, third-party perspectives with real-world Konica Minolta success stories. The first business development Webinar, entitled, Building a Digital Business, is scheduled for June 2010.
"With the changing dynamics surrounding the printing industry, creative strategies for building and transforming businesses have never been more important," said Barb Pellow, Group Director, InfoTrends.
05/06/10
Pitney Bowes victory in Contract with Department of Energy
Pitney Bowes- Government Solutions, Inc. abbreviated as PBGS, is a completely owned secondary branch of Pitney Bowes Inc. that was recognized and awarded a contract for the duration of five-years by the U.S. Department of Energy to which enables them to administer four print and reprographic shops from the Idaho National Labs.
Jon Love, whom is currently the PBGS President made sure to include as part of the contract PBGS has with the Government Printing Office is pre-selected, together with a host of competitors to bid on government printing contracts.
"We are honored to have been selected as part of the DOE team in Idaho and look forward to a successful relationship," says Jon Love.
Pitney Bowes- Government Solutions Inc. performs many jobs like designing, planning out and operating the solutions that will give both Federal and State government agencies with urgent documents, recorded materials and logistics services to fully meet component standards and to aid in the satisfaction of legislative mandates.
05/06/10
GMC and DirectSmile Announce Joint Partnership
Customary in modified communication, GMC Software Technology announced its joint recommended merging partnership deal with DirectSmile, a company which stands tall as one of the highly supreme dealers of software for image personalization and cross media marketing. This joint venture, hopes to bring mutual constructive advice in terms of discussions on how to deliver software solutions, enterprises, printing shops and direct mail companies the chance to create personalized images and output in one data stream.
Axel Marciniak, the Managing Director of DirectSmile said; "When it comes to transactional printing, GMC has always been the measure of all things. We are proud that now the market leaders in transactional output and image personalization are working together, our products are a great match and we share the same philosophy of selling best quality software solutions."
GMC’s technologically advanced software line enables the speedy creation, leadership,and production of composite personalized documents for direct marketing ,customer communication, transactional applications TransPromo, and on-demand publishing. International banks and financial institutions, insurance companies and print providers are just a few of GMC’s customers that spread worldwide. Besides the global financial deficit we are all feeling and being affected by, GMC has continuously shown proof towards their objective which is to thrive and flourish as an reputable head player in the field of personalized communications.
CMO at GMC Software Technology, Bill Parker mentioned that "The combination of DirectSmile and GMC will enable end-users to tap a highly-scalable solution that can be delivered via print, email, the Web and mobile phones. In addition, the partnership will expose image personalization to new markets including transactional and TransPromo, providing customers in those markets with an integrated solution for high-volume image personalization and multi-channel output.”
05/05/10
BCC Software Takes Technical Support to Another Level
Top developer of high-performance mailing technology BCC Software issued the press release to kick off the availability of a new maximum leveled support system for its customers, through software programs. With the launch a live support system formed to carry on after-hours technical assistance. For Premium 24/7 Support, BCC clients will now have to access the core or essential support that can help lock down continuous production and consistency.
BCC has been committed to providing superior customer service for over 30 years. A recent 2010 Customer Support survey showed that 97.4 percent of people who filled out the survey information marked that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" when it had asked about the quality of BCC's Customer Support performance. Taking that standard support satisfaction and lifting it one step further is the company Premium 24/7 Support by spreading the ability to receive aid for critical issues and rather than limiting support to business hours, the premium to after-hours, weekends and holidays.
BCC Executive Vice President, Chris Lien says; "We're delighted to offer this new Support service to our current and future customers. High-volume postal operations run around the clock, and technical issues don't observe a 9-to5 workday. This is another way to help ensure our customers have access to the support they need, when they need it."
BCC presents ground-breaking products and services for professional print shops and direct mail distributors of all sizes and specialties. The BCC mail prep. Software secures both mailing lists and checks that addresses are all current with the correct postal barcode to the maximum allowable automation discounts from the Postal Service.
05/05/10
Toryon Tech. Appointed Natl’ Distributor for Sun Chemical
A company called Sun Chemical appointed a company called Toryon Technologies as its national distributor for circuit product materials.
The new new joint relationship will push Sun Chemical to go North America beyond just reaching its print electronic clientele in faster and more effectively. Toryon Technologies will carry Sun Chemical's full line of materials for printed circuit boards, and jointly with Sun Chemical, will provide customers with technical and product support.
"We are pleased to have Toryon as a partner in the distribution and logistics of our printed circuit board product lines," said Stuart Down, Business Development Manager, Electronic Materials, Sun Chemical. "This agreement will help better meet the needs of all our customers and extend Sun Chemical's reach in the circuit boards marketplace while bringing efficiency in delivery and local service. Toryon has a tremendous reputation as a distributor in the printed circuit board technologies industry and we look forward to a successful partnership with them."
05/05/10
Williamson Printing Signs on as Partner with Stork Cellramic
The Canadian Flexographic supplier of materials and machinery has forged a written agreement with a highly advanced coating company in regards to the distribution of anilox rolls. That company, named Stork Cellramic, is thrilled to announce their new relationship with the other company, Williamson Printing Materials, Ltd. to dispense the Stork anilox rolls all over the Canadian market.
Stork Cellramic is one of industry’s top assemblers of anilox rolls, ink fountain rolls and water rolls which are used more than just frequently in the Print Industry. Experts at Stork Cellramic have also made anilox roll engravings available for our convenience which is formulated to forge through challenging obstacles it may face such as UV Flexo, for example, is a weighted adhesive function for both narrow and wide web sizes. Williamson Printing Materials is a company that specializes in supplying raised-image print materials as well as Flexographic materials and machinery. The Williamson Printing Materials firm, which since 1952 has been serving most of Canada, is stationed in Ontario with smaller branches in Montreal, Winnipeg, and Vancouver.
General Manager of Stork Cellramic, Daniel Ruiter, said that
"We're delighted to work with Williamson, which has an excellent reputation in the Canadian printing community. We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with this great company and their staff, as well as with our many friends and customers in Canada."
05/03/10
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announces it will provide Hanley Wood
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it will be the provider of all of Hanley Wood's online magazine editions. The online editions, created in RR Donnelley's DigiMag format complement the printed magazines, books, direct mail, and commercial printing that the company produces for Hanley Wood. RR Donnelley's DigiMag editions feature a page-turning functionality that replicates a real paper document and offers readers the allowance to access advertiser web sites all from a single click.
Hanley Wood's more than 30 magazines with related web sites, e-newsletters, and conferences keep building industry professionals informed about the issues and products shaping construction.
"We use a variety of media to engage with our core audience of building industry professionals," said Nick Elsener, Hanley Wood's Vice President of Production. "RR Donnelley offers an integrated portfolio of communications services, including premedia, print and logistics capabilities. So they are an ideal provider as we continue to expand the range of editorial and advertising services that we deliver."
"We are delighted to have been selected to support the Hanley Wood brand in online publications. Our workflows are designed to help publishers bring their editorial, advertising and other communications to life in a variety of printed and virtual vehicles," stated John Paloian, RR Donnelley's Chief Operating Officer.
"With more than 1,000 digital printing units, an extensive set of web-enabled systems and the ability for users to reach many of our applications on mobile devices, RR Donnelley's platform extends across the breadth of digital communications options."
05/03/10
Contentment Found in a single Sytem Upgrade
Risa Blythe, founder of Seattle-based Girlie Press, Inc. explains that she had always been content with her company’s viable CtP system. Although she thought that she couldn’t get any happier with the equipment she had, she was wrong. When her company decided to install a few updates onto her system in January, the results blew her away. Installed on the system was a Heidelberg two-up Suprasetter A52 thermal platesetter with Prinect workflow from.
"We wanted not only to improve our workflow, but also to enhance our environmental profile by using fewer chemicals. We also wanted a higher level of service and support. Heidelberg has definitely enabled us to achieve all three of our goals", she said.
The new Suprasetter focuses on the production of plates for the three hardworking presses the company utilizes which include a 5-color Heidelberg Printmaster GTO. In the Upgrading process, the company also switched to Heidelberg’s Saphira Chemfree and cleaner-running plates. Risa Blythe states that “the Suprasetter spends significantly less time in maintenance mode, thanks to the automated top-loading feature, it also runs unattended, a must for the busy shop. Print quality has also improved” Blythe also added "We are holding a 1 percent dot with no problem, our mid-tones are sharper, and our plates are lasting longer."
05/03/10
Mutoh Awards the Director Of Sales Position to Gary Rudnick
The Director of Sales position at Mutoh America Inc. has been officially filled by Gary Rudnick’s promotion. Mutoh America Inc. is an international powerhouse and manufacturer of large format commercial inkjet printers. Employed by Mutoh for over 3 years already, Rudnick has worked as the Product Marketing Manager before his big promotion.
Tasks and duties that must be performed as the Director of Sales are; to oversee all sales targets in North America, to work closely with Brian Phipps, who is the General Manager, he will try to widen Mutoh's sales and invest them into newer-emerging markets as well as overseeing and constructing new business opportunities throughout the North American sales regions. Rudnick will use his past experience to support business operations while coordinating Mutoh's customer satisfaction strategy.
Before Mutoh, from 1991 to 2006, Rudnick held employment at Fuji which included Western Sales Manager and National Vertical Markets Manager where sales and management of a team of Regional Managers was his responsibility to look after. His experiences mixed and coupled with his successful resume should further increase the growth that Mutoh has been witnessing over the last several years.
05/03/10
UC Berkeley concludes a 139 year old operation
The University of California, Berkeley has decided to go ahead with plans on stopping its press but, as we all know very well, when technology advances and electronic methods of , business has suffered at printing plants at UC Berkeley and other universities.
Within a matter of weeks, the UC Berkeley grounds will be pulling the plug on their 136 year running printer, which, like many other printing businesses around the world, has fallen victim to the advancements of the world wide web and other more modern and inventive technologies that simply give manual old traditional printing a run for its money.
The printing house is responsible for many magazines, university projects and even the Human Resources pamphlets belonging to the genuinely original United Nations Charter which was printed in the year 1945. An estimated 40 employees will unfortunately lose their job positions they held at the printing plant by means of cities Emeryville, Oakland and Berkeley.
04/30/10
Innerworkings Inc and Junior Achievement announce joint venture
One of the top leading providers of managed print and promotional support, InnerWorkings Incorporated., announced earlier the development of a long ventured print management agreement a company called Junior Achievement which stands as the world's leading union that has dedicated their time and efforts towards inspiration and preparation for the eyes of the youth which they hope will allow them to succeed in a broadened economy.
Agreed upon by both parties, the contract states that InnerWorkings will be responsible to manage a wide variety of print fields for the other company, Junior Achievement; including all program materials. CEO of InnerWorkings, Eric Belcher, said,
"Junior Achievement does important work in helping today's youth and we are proud to be a significant new partner for them. Our solutions enable non-profit organizations like Junior Achievement to focus even more on their core mission and maximize the amount of time and funds they can commit to support their programs."
The print management solutions provided by InnerWorkings ultimately allows its clientele to consolidate and control their print spending from a single source provider with extensive knowledge in all categories of print.. With recognition as a print acquiring professional, InnerWorkings merges its leading marketable technology with data as well as with intricate domain expertise and tested methodology which all together presents an understandable resolution that drives process changes and valuable saving for many organizations right now that are all entering the danger zone in their financial spending because of how costly print is overall.
04/30/10
Cal Poly takes self-guided tour book to a whole other level
The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly has published a new book entitled, "75 SLO City Sites," ; an individual’s tour reference that pushes to motivate its readers to become educated about the history of San Luis Obispo and ultimately finish out the guide book with a much larger appreciation of all residents that lived here in the early ages.
The book saw its release earlier this month and was written by Patti Taylor and Suzette Lees . The literary work also contains an incredible amount of vintage photos that were gathered and put together by Verena von Engel; local photographer Patti Taylor said
"The book is more than a picture book," Taylor said. "It provides a healthy discussion of the architectural details and histories of building owners and their contributions to the community – and how their interrelationships can be relevant to the community's survival."
SLO Journal Plus magazine’s publisher, Steve Owens, mentioned that
“‘75 SLO City Sites' will give a greater appreciation of the early citizens inhabiting and developing San Luis Obispo. The book is a wonderful addition to anyone's library and would be a great resource for local citizens, visiting guests and our future generations."
Cal Poly's reference book has yet again impressed an example of how a "learn by doing" scholastic methods can benefit the community.
"While the book was published by the Graphic Communication Institute," Levenson said, "all files were prepared and the book was printed by Cal Poly's experiential, student-run, faculty advised, printing and publishing company, University Graphic Systems. UGS provides students with real world opportunities and provides a head start on developing career skills."
04/30/10
Xplore Scholarship Program Commences application screening
Florida based Corporation Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, made a press announcement which introduced a new member scholarship program during the March 17th Xplor Global Conference and Vendor Forum held in Tampa Bay. The Xplor Scholarship Program was established to recognize the new wave of future professionals in the electronic document and management industries specializing in customer communication.
With the aid of the association's Elite Sponsorship Program, the new scholarship program by Xplor has some large names backing it. Some of these power names include ; GMC Software Technology, Kodak, Hewlett-Packard Company ,Océ North America, InfoPrint Solutions Company, Pitney Bowes, and Xplor Canada to name just a few.
Scholarships are granted based on the application’s written essay, scholastic achievement with participation in extracurricular activities, aiding the community (community service), honors classes, and relationships established between student and organizations with educational objectives.
Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplore International made a commendable announcement in regards to the Scholarship Program saying
"We have worked hard to bring it to fruition and could not have done it without the support of Xplor's Elite Sponsors. All of us at Xplor are excited about this new member benefit"
Consideration and Eligibility for an Xplor scholarship mandates that students have the following:
*Applicant must be a Full-time student attending an accredited college or university as of fall 2010 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
* Applicants must be active members of Xplor International and/or must be immediate family to an Xplore member
* Desire in obtaining in a career within the customer communications management or Document Management industries.
03/30/10
Konica Minolta U.S.A announces Management Change
Leading advanced imaging and networking technologies provider Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc, announced changes in their senior management division today from
their headquarters in New Jersey.
The Current President and Chief Executive Officer Jun Haraguchi will be returning to Japan with the new title General Manager of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for the Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc. sector.
With this new position comes new responsibilities and Mr. Haraguchi is now responsible for marketing strategy and global sales operations. having spent 13 consecutive years in positions that held increasing responsibility within the superpower corporation Konica Minolta, Mr. Haraguchi has held the title of President and CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A for the last five years as During his term, he led the successful assimilation of Konica and Minolta, while improving market shares and the overall bases of operation performance. He will remain on the board of directors of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.
"It has been a privilege leading a dynamic organization such as Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.," said Haraguchi. "Despite the tough economy over the past two years, our corporation has been able to grow market share and improve operating performance. Ned will be assuming responsibility for a company that is led by a strong senior management team and is well positioned for future success. I want to thank the entire Konica Minolta family for their unwavering support and dedication during my time here, and I look forward to their future success - both individually and as a group."
Nobuo (Ned) Umehara has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. effective April 1, 2010. Mr. Umehara, who until recently served as General Manager of OEM Sales for Konica Minolta Business Technologies, has been with Konica Minolta for 33 years. He has considerable experience in the U.S. market having worked here on two separate assignments in the past, once in the printer division and once within the MFP sales operation. Mr. Umehara will be leading an organization with strong brand awareness, award-winning product lines, and a solid infrastructure in place.
"I am honored to take on this important role at this time in our company's history," said Umehara. "Leveraging the strength of the operation, I envision continuing our strategies to expand our presence in commercial print, managed print services, and the solutions business while gaining share in the core MFP business. One thing is certain, and that is our business partners and end users will not be affected during this transition. My number one goal is to ensure them they can continue to count on Konica Minolta for industry-leading technologies and superior service."
03/30/10
Veteran Printing Shop in Jacksonville has been sold
On Friday March 26th, a company called Production Press bought and took over veteran shop Krell’s Quick Print and Advertising Specialties. In 1976, The Krells settled in Jacksonville and shortly after they started Big Red Q Quick Print which turned into a franchise business. It wasn’t until 1984 that Big Red Q Quick Print had downsized and transformed into an independent printing shop called Krell’s Quick Print. Krell’s Advertising Specialties and Promotional Products was added to the title of the new shop in 1998.
Chuck Krell, owner of Krell’s Quick Print along with wife, Reva made an announcement saying
“We have been thinking about selling for the last couple of years and we wanted to find a company that would continue on with our customer service and printing quality. We thought Production Press fit that description.”
Production Press is a locally owned printing business that has been in operation also in Jacksonville since the early 1920’s. Production Press offers a variety of printing services, as well as specialty services in advertising, bindery, and mailing.
Production Press owner Joe Racey states that “Production Press and Krell’s have had a good working relationship for many years. With the downturn in the printing industry, it is a natural for Production Press to continue Krell’s fine history.”
Krell with continue to operate business for the next two weeks, at which time Production Press will start the transition by handling all of the printing and promotional services. To insure a smooth and organized ownership and shop transition, Krell will be continuing work for the next several months at the shop to provide ease and help for customers.
03/30/10
Harper Products Specialist Performs Anilox Roll Technology Seminar
Guests in attendance at a recent seminar for flexographic printing held in Charlotte, North Carolina got to engage in a two-hour conference led by Vice President of Sales at global Anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, Pete Hartman. The Conference focused on the key points of Anilox roll printing.
The seminar consisted of thorough classroom- type instruction mixed with hands on print press training. Titled "Mastering Flexographic Principles" the two day seminar was sponsored by Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo’s Printing Pilot Plant. More scheduled dates in 2010 are underway for the school.
The university's Printing Pilot Plant Director, John Meyer, noted that a vital part of Pete Hartman's presentation emphasized on the best techniques for care and maintenance of anilox rolls and service life preservation. Half of the seminar attendees were made up of printing industry managers.
"Often people in the industry don't fully understand the economics of the printing process,” John Meyer said. "Certainly, Harper products are among the finest anilox rolls produced anywhere. Yet 70 percent of the rolls are damaged before they ever wear out. Pete is most effective at outlining the best steps for preventing damage and maximizing roll life."
03/25/10
Do you know Your Financial Standing? Obtain Your Company Z Score!
This past year, many printing companies have felt the damage from a struggling economy. It is estimated that the print industry closed 2,844 firms in 2009. All Print shop Closures including company bankruptcies, foreclosures, and auctions have been marked and counted for by WhatTheyThink.com as well as other trade publications.
Complete understanding and statistics of your company’s financial standing is very important for the company’s security but it becomes a dire must when business turns difficult to maintain. And even though we wish that we could get a whole financial breakdown analysis, it is highly unlikely to obtain but there are smaller measuring systems options that still give you a good idea of where you stand. The Z score is one of the smaller systems yet its popularity runs high.
Developed by a financial economist and professor at NYU in 1968, Edward Altman created the Z score. Assessing credit worthiness was the main intent for this development. The Z score ever since then has conformed into a highly noted way of dissecting a company’s financial standing and measuring the risk of bankruptcy.
Initially tested with a 72% rate of accuracy, the rate increased to the 80%-90% range in predicting bankruptcy. The Z score consists of five common financial ratios. Each of these ratios is then multiplied with a weighting factor. The values produced are then combined together to determine your company’s Z score.
The exact ratios and weighting factors for confined industrialized firms is as follows:
• (Working Capital / Total Assets) X 0.717
• (Retained Earnings / Total Assets) X 0.847
• (EBIT / Total Assets) X 3.107
• (Book Value of Equity / Total Liabilities) X 0.420
• (Net Sales / Total Assets) X 0.998
Calculate on a quarterly basis as one part of your company’s financial review. Completing a quarterly follow up is highly recommended as part of your management duties. Receiving a Z score of above 2.90 determines that the likeliness of bankruptcy is slim to none. A score that is lower than 1.23 however, becomes a good indication that the possibility for bankruptcy is high.
03/25/10
Cataloger J. Crew Presents Multi-Year Renewal Contract To Quad/Graphics
Quad/Graphics, a Wisconsin based design company, has received an amazing renewed multi-year contract from well known and upscale apparel company J. Crew Group, Inc. The contract agreement ensures that Quad/Graphics will be responsible to prepare and print 40 million annual catalog issues and add the construction of J. Crew’s individual title for its successful crew cuts line of apparel for children’s.
Mike Braaten, Vice President of for J. Crew Print Production states that
“Over the past few years Quad/Graphics has proven their ability to consistently deliver what we need,” Mr. Braaten also mentions that “From a quality and service standpoint, Quad has been exceptional. The partnership we’ve formed with Quad/Graphics is important to us because print is a vital component of our marketing mix it gets our image out there and adds to the success of our brand.”
President and CEO of Quad/Graphics, Joel Quadracci made a statement saying, “It’s gratifying to know that J. Crew, one of America’s best known catalog brands, sees print’s continued value as a sales- and brand-building tool. The Company’s trust in us as a partner in building its business is also gratifying. Our approach has been to continually invest in our manufacturing platform and our capabilities so we’re able to help clients like J. Crew grow their top line sales and their businesses.”
There were many factors that affected J. Crew’s contract renewal decision. According to Mr. Braaten, the most important key factors was the printer’s manufacturing platform flexibility and its New York City Premedia Solutions Center is in close distance to J. Crew’s headquarters located in midtown Manhattan.
03/25/10
Finalists Announced in Staples and RIT’s Green Office Product Challenge
The world's largest office products company, Staples Inc. is taking their support of going green and spreading it around the world. Staples Inc. has created the Global EcoEasy Challenge and out of 60 submissions from all over the globe, the finalist concepts have been declared. The challenge consisted of submitting descriptions of original concepts for an environmentally suitable product for a business or home office. The finalist teams from five countries are competing for the grand prize on April 20thin New York City.
Developing partnership with Staples is The Rochester Institute of Technology's Golisano Institute for Sustainability. Top technology institutions around the world were notified of the contest. Teams consist of five students from the universities . This contest challenges students to produce a brand new design from an existing product that delivers greater environmental precision, and one that is made up of an eco-modern material. Each group will unveil their design concepts to a panel of qualified judges at the New York Academy of Sciences for the grand-prize of $25,000; first and second place teams will each receive $5,000.
Director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Nabil Nasr,states that "With conservation and sustainability such a vital part of our curriculum, RIT was thrilled to work with Staples to bring the Global EcoEasy Challenge to life. We issued this challenge to the next generation of environmental and engineering leaders and the intellectual capital returned combines innovation and environmental awareness."
The finalists are:
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (India) (Three Teams)
University of California, Berkeley (United States
Engineering of Piracicaba (Brazil)
Technical University of Berlin (Germany)
University of New South Wales (Australia)
03/25/10
Himmer AG Debuts The Roland 900 XXL Printing Press
Augsburg, Germany is the location where a format 8 sheetfed offset press, first of its kind in fact, is about to begin churning perfect print production at Himmer AG. Himmer AG, being one of the top Printers for book printing has always carried high expectations of their finished products and the equipment they use and with this new piece of machinery they have obtained for production, those expectations keep getting higher. At its new home location, all machinery must undergo a series of press acceptance tests which the ROLAND 900; XXL breezed through with flying colors.
The key to this remarkable machine is its perfecting system. The ROLAND 900, XXL with 1310 x 1870 mm maximum sheet size redefines sheet fed offset printing: new effective benchmarks are able to be stored and set for production and successive finishing. Printing 64 A4 pages in one pass is just one of the special abilities this perfecting press has. For trouble-free finishing, the ROLAND InlineSlitter creates two straight-edged stacks by dividing the sheets neatly which then can be easily processed in standard folding machines.
The special perks perfecting offers its customers are conveniently available in format 8: save valuable time by allowing double sided printing in one run without needing the two make ready and wash-up processes and without the necessity of de-powdering. Format 8 also creates space saving when no partially finished jobs are waiting for their second side to print. Organizational advantages occur when scheduling separate printing of the second side is not an issue with the ROLAND 900, XXL.
You never have to compromise the quality of your prints with the ROLAND 900, XXL perfecting press and its debut looks highly promising. Himmer AG is extremely satisfied with the results of a test run when they printed a catalog on matted paper.
03/25/10
“Print Grows Trees” Campaign Launched
A consumer education campaign In Washington D.C known as “Print Grows Trees" is now in affect with hopes of clearing the false understanding that when we use minimal print on paper, we help to save trees. The truth of the matter is facts show supporting print on paper provides individuals that own land the right financial motivation necessary to preserve American Woodland’s safety development for the contribution towards a positive and clean ecosystem with factors including wildlife, fresh water and carbon appropriation.
"Print Grows Trees", Sponsored by the Education Fund of Printing & Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA), draws a connection between land owners who have close to 60 percent ownership of the Woodlands in America. Key issues such as financial pressures, age, and demographics are the cause driving landowners to sell or transfer land at an intensely high rate, averaging 4,000 acres of forest which is being converted into expansion every day.
J. Albert Maddox, Jr, The Chairman of PGAMA speaks further on paper usage and tree growth stating that
"This is a pro-print message that helps consumers appreciate the renewable nature of paper from a new perspective," he also states that "The realization that the wood-for-paper equation actually allows landowners to grow more trees, and to manage woodlands in a more sustainable manner, is contrary to popular thinking, but it's an important realization. When these woodlands start to vanish, they take with them all of the ecological benefits we're basically getting for free. We have to support the landowners to continue to get those benefits."
"In a world bombarded by electronic images and media," says Maddox, "many forget the value of print to our society. It contributes in economic, social and environmental ways that have not been clearly represented to the public. 'Print Grows Trees' concentrates on the environmental, because the misconception that if we stop using print we'll save trees, has had a critical impact on not only the print industry, but also on the private landowners who are the keepers of America's trees. We just want people to make their communications' decisions based on facts."
03/24/10
Herald Printing Co. Goes Bankrupt
Herald Printing, The 129-year-old company, hit financial turbulence and shortly thereafter, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the Canton Bankruptcy Court in the United States. They filed with the intention to revamp their business strategy and reform long-term debt. The Herald is being represented in bankruptcy court by Anthony De Girolamo and the case is being heard by Judge Russ Kendig.
The company, owned by Dave Stump, is struggling to stay afloat in the hopes of maintaining its market share in a receding industry and overall a spiraling economy. Stump commented on this situation stating that the company has not relied on its past performances as a factor in staying around as long as it has. He said the company will be targeting certain areas to rethink their strategy but only where it sees the printing industry’s capability to grow. Some of those growth areas are seen in branches of, one-to-one marketing, digital packaging, and online Web-to-print services.
03/24/10
Agfa Graphics Releases Apogee Media 6
Early Tuesday morning, Agfa Graphics, one of the biggest printing and graphics corporations made a press statement announcing the release of Apogee Media 6. Included in this new and improved Apogee Media is an interactive plan that gives users the ability to drag and drop pages and one click access through to other sections of the workflow, allowing users complete control of their work publication and layout with just the click of a mouse.
Apogee Media known for its combination of digital asset management (DAM) and the elastic XML-driven editorial workflow platform has been uniquely prepared for users such as content creators who occupy the fields of print or web-based media. In this new version 6.0 Agfa Graphics provides a new graphical window with open access towards digital assets, page annotation, reservation areas, article editing, image cropping, ad placement, InDesign layout, preflight, soft proofing, print section management, and many more features.
This all-inclusive media interface was created to ultimately reduce the creator’s publication time due to the convenient and simultaneous access and immediate feedback on their work. Chief Editors or outside shareholders can now keep track of the progress at a glance and help direct content creators on the right path by delivering projects on time and on budget. This new release of Apogee Media includes other improvements and novelties for example interface with InDesign CS4 through plug-ins has been updated and lastly combining the underlying prepress technology for preflighting and proofing is extended.
Olivier Van der Stede, the Operations Manager at Decom states that "Apogee Media brings editorial teams and external stakeholders together in a seamless environment giving users complete control of publication content and execution." He also mentions that “The ability to so easily move content and layout and interact with other applications is unlike any other flat plan system on the market."
03/24/10
Gietz AG Debut’s Hot Foil Stamping Machine
Gietz AG, a Swiss developer, manufacturer and distributer of foil stamping machines worldwide has made an official announcement of an improved and technologically updated FSA 1060 Foil Commander hot foil stamping machine. Gietz developed the FSA 1060 Foil Commander ECO especially for workplaces and companies that utilize smaller print runs and multiple change-over jobs. This particular machine model removes the patented foil transportation system known as "Vacufoil" and loads it up with predictable foil unwinds with automatic aerial foil tension control.
The FSA 1060 Foil Commander ECO allows consumers to save while maintaining the Gietz high pressure features with the addition of settle time on impression. The Gietz Foil Commander is fully capable to reach up to 8,000 IPH and offers a productivity of 50% to 100% higher than other competitive models while also maintaining outstanding quality, and lastly it offers 350 metric tons of pressure at full production speed. Something else that comes standard on the press is a sitting time that is 25% longer than that of competators. This can be ultimately stretched out to a maximum of 2.5 seconds for large in depth foiling and embossing surface areas. Gietz machines are undeniably able to show their work performance for the security industry in the form of single picture holograms and strips (optical variable devices).
03/24/10
Nutis Press Co. Employee Faces Theft Charge
Joy M. Nutt, employed as a bookkeeper for printing company Nutis Press Co. is now facing accusations of theft with a total amount of $597,000 over a three year span.
Residing in the city of Lancaster, the 41 year old former bookkeeper was indicted Friday with one theft felony count. April 2 is the date set for her arraignment in Common Pleas Court. Nutt was terminated from employment last year from Nutis Press Co. where her duties included handling business checking accounts. Nutis is a 60-year-old printing company with a wing that incorporates a real-estate business.
When an audit discovered a large sum of money missing, an investigation led by Columbus police revealed checks from 2006 to 2009 that had been signed by Nutt to herself, to others and to cash. If convicted, Joy M. Nutt could be facing up to eight years in prison, a $15,000 fine and a court order to pay restitution.
03/24/10
