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Standard Register multimillion dollar technology investment

The Standard Register company, a leading document services provider, announced it has completed a multi-million dollar investment in its SMARTworks technology platform which supports over 800,000 users.

SMARTworks is a Web-based technology that gives Standard Register customers the ability to source, manage and control business-critical documents, printing and inventoried items. It manages 80 percent of Standard Register's order volume, storing an estimated 15 terabytes of data and digital assets. Through its suite of marketing applications, SMARTworks also enables users to create and deliver personalized communications, sales and marketing collateral, while improving brand compliance.

"This investment enables us to continue to provide customers with the highest level of service, and meet the increasing security and regulatory demands of customers in our core markets, particularly healthcare and financial," said Joanne Cummins, chief information officer for Standard Register. "At the same time, our new, highly virtualized architecture gives us scalability, so we can keep pace with growing order volume and quickly respond to changing market requirements."

In conjunction with the technology upgrades, the SMARTworks platform was moved to a next-generation data center, one of the most advanced data centers in the world. According to Cummins, the move enables Standard Register to deliver the highest levels of stability, security and reliability available for Web-based technology.

"This technology investment further accelerates Standard Register's transformation. It provides the vital foundation for simplifying our organization and enhancing service excellence for our customers," said company President and CEO Joe Morgan. "It also gives us the agility that is necessary to succeed in a fast-paced, changing marketplace," he asserted.

10/18/10

SGIA presents Michel Caza with 2010 Parmele Award

SGIA announced the winner of the esteemed Howard A. Parmele Award yesterday evening during the Expo's Thursday Night Dinner Party in Las Vegas. Michel Caza, owner of Michel Caza Erul in France and an industry veteran of more than 50 years, was selected for his extensive contribution to screen printing and the SGIA community.

"This year's Parmele Award honoree entered the screen printing industry in 1954 and started his first company in 1963," said Joe Shondel, SGIA's immediate past chairman, who presented the award. "He is recognized as the European pioneer of UV inks for a wide range of graphic and industrial applications."

Caza has been a member of the Association for more than 25 years, and in addition to this year's Parmele Award, he was honored with the distinguished SGIA Swormstedt Award in 1981 for best published technical article. He also was inducted into the Academy of Screen Printing Technology by his peers in 1982 and served as ASPT Chairman in 2003.

He also has held various leadership positions within SGIA, and has served with many organizations around the world.

The Howard A. Parmele Award honors an individual for outstanding contributions to the specialty imaging industry over an extended length of time. This prestigious award does not reflect affiliation with any company or organization but is solely focused on the honoree's significant support and contributions to the SGIA community.

10/18/10

ACS, A Xerox Company, acquires TMS Health

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (ACS), A Xerox Company, today became one of the largest providers of customer care services to the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare industries with the acquisition of TMS Health from private equity firm Palm Beach Capital.

Through TMS Health, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based healthcare teleservices company, ACS will improve communication between pharmaceutical companies, physicians, consumers and pharmacists. By providing customer education, product sales and marketing, and clinical trial solutions, ACS builds on the IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) services it already delivers to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

"ACS is helping pharmaceutical companies make every customer interaction count in a market that spends up to $12 billion per year on marketing to its stakeholders," said Connie Harvey, group president, ACS Healthcare Payer and Insurance. "TMS brings strong communication capabilities to the deal. Together, we will save clients money and help them more effectively reach constituents."

Specific TMS offerings now available through ACS include:
- Physician Services: outbound calls to physicians to educate them with up–to–date information on pharmaceutical products and services.
- Direct to Consumer: fielding consumer inquiries resulting from pharmaceutical company sponsored print, Internet and television advertising. This division also handles customer support for medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
- Clinical Trials: recruiting and screening patients for enrollment in clinical trials.
- Pharmacy Services: contacting and educating pharmacists in retail pharmacies (52,000 in the TMS database) to provide up–to–date information on new and existing drugs, to collect stocking orders and manage rebate processing.

"By tapping into new BPO and IT services, and leveraging Xerox's investments in technology, innovation and in–document management, we will help clients communicate more frequently and effectively with the stakeholders who depend on up-to-date information to make real-time healthcare decisions," said Guy Amato, CEO, TMS Health.

Amato will remain with ACS, as will the more than 600 TMS Health employees. ACS will add TMS' customers, which include seven of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, to its list of healthcare clients and maintain all existing offices, with plans to expand in Indianapolis.

10/18/10

vjoon showcases the Unified Publishing Process at IFRA Expo

A new location and a new concept attracted more than 10,000 visitors to Hamburg's IFRA Expo, many of whom headed straight for vjoon's stand. The company's offering was a perfect fit for IFRA Expo's 40th anniversary show, where a host of innovations were on display. vjoon also featured a persuasive showcase of trailblazing innovations, as many publishing houses and media industry decision-makers will attest.

Most visitors were eager to learn more about the Unified Publishing Process, a novel publishing strategy recently unveiled by the company, and particularly how it relates to tablet publishing. Industry players were interested in finding out how efficiently tablet publishing can be integrated into real-world production processes; that is, how it works with other channels, different platforms, and under deadline pressure. vjoon answered these questions by showing its ability to control and manage the workflow, automated processes, and the entire production environment from front to end, from the inceptive design to final delivery.

Live demos at the stand afforded visitors the opportunity to experience the benefits of vjoon K4's integration with the Digital Magazine Solution from Adobe, for example, by sparing them time-consuming routine tasks. In addition, today K4 is already able to adapt digital editions' page formats automatically and flexibly to every tablet format, to include converting units of measure, styles, and much more. Many visitors were delighted with this streamlining capability, especially in light of emerging platforms' diversity. What's more, the process of bundling individual pages into the magazine issue is automated, freeing layout people and editors to devote their time and resources to creative tasks. All programming effort and manual labor falls by the wayside.

Another frequently asked - and easily answered - question was how editors supervise the production process: K4 Overview presents the layout and text variants of all print and tablet editions for review. Editors and project managers can then use digital sticky notes to post comments and revisions for authors, layout designers, and other editors. If necessary, all contributors can exchange messages via a live chat. This feature comes in particularly handy for productions where speed matters and deadlines loom large.

"There was tremendous interest in our innovations, as our tight schedule with a calendar chock-full of appointments attests," notes Andreas Schrader, CEO of vjoon. "The many light-bulb moments experienced by visitors during live demos also showed that we provide satisfying answers to many pressing questions, as well as inspire decision-makers. Of course, our success stories with projects for customers such as Red Bulletin and Credit Suisse also helped."

Future customers were especially pleased to learn that Version 6.3, as presented at the IFRA Expo, contains all the K4 features necessary for tablet publishing. These are standard, and come at no extra cost.

Another highlight at the vjoon stand was the live demo of the K4 Distributed Enterprise System (K4 DES). It affords users enormous time savings because entire layouts - including all pictures, graphics, video files, and articles - are opened from local data storages that have been synchronized worldwide. Using local data storages is far faster than retrieving a file from a remote central server, which is common practice with most publishing systems. Access times can easily be accelerated tenfold or more, depending on transmission capacity and system configuration. Here too, the K4 system puts on a thoroughly convincing performance that impressed visitors.

10/18/10

RPI wins American graphic design award for new personalized product for teens

RPI, leader in automated manufacturing and fulfillment for the consumer make-on-demand printed products market, today announced that it earned its first Certificate of Excellence in the 2010 American Graphic Design Awards competition. RPI's concept design for a hip, personalized book aimed at the Facebook crowd won the "Books" category in a year when more than 8,000 overall entries were received.

"During the past year, RPI has steadily expanded its creative design capabilities in order to offer customers unique, one-of-a-kind personalized products that meet the needs of their target consumers," said Traci Pichette, vice president of product management for RPI. "We're pleased that the editors at Graphic Design USA chose to recognize one of our product designs for an award – particularly a concept that was created to appeal to the Millennial Generation, traditionally a more difficult demographic to assess and understand."

This is the first time RPI has earned an accolade for its visual design studio. Its concept design for the award-winning fold stitched book features hip and trendy styles, colors and design templates that enable teens to unleash their creativity and publish their impressions of their fast-changing worlds.

For over 40 years, the American Graphic Design Award competition has honored graphic design firms, advertising agencies, in-house corporate and institutional designers, publishers and other media producers across the USA. This year there were 23 categories, ranging from print and packaging to internet and interactive design.

10/18/10

Japs-Olson orders first-of-its-kind Goss Sunday web press at Graph Expo

Japs-Olson Company placed an order at the Graph Expo Show today for a new eight-unit Goss Sunday 2000 web press that will be configured for highly automated direct-mail production.

The new gapless Sunday press will be equipped with the exclusive Goss Autoplate fully automatic plate changing and Automatic Transfer technologies, which will allow four-color job changes to be completed without stopping the press.

Installation will begin at the Japs-Olson facility in St. Louis Park, Minnesota in mid 2011. The new press will complement an eight-unit Sunday 2000 press with Automatic Transfer capabilities installed in 2007.

With eight Automatic Transfer printing units, operators are able to complete a makeready for a new job on four idle units and then bring those units on impression while simultaneously taking the four units printing the previous job off impression. Bypassing the AT feature allows printing of up to eight colors.

The new Sunday press at Japs-Olson will interface with an inline finishing system. Goss International will supply a Contiweb splicer, Ecocool dryer and its Goss Omnicon control system.

Japs-Olson was founded in 1907 and specializes in commercial printing and direct mail production. The company provides a complete range of prepress, digital printing, sheetfed printing, coldset and heatset web printing, and finishing capabilities as well as advanced data processing and mailing services.

10/12/10

Kodak agrees sponsorship deal for first dotgain.org conference

Kodak will sponsor the first annual dotgain.org conference, which will be held at the King's Fund, London on Tuesday 30th November 2010. As a founder member of dotgain.org and with a strong relationship with the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) and PODi in the U.S., Kodak regards the dotgain.org conference as a key initiative and an opportunity to network with marketing and data organisations, brand agencies and cross-media business service providers.

Pat Holloway, Kodak Marketing Manager says: "As inaugural members of this affiliate of PODi in the UK, Kodak is looking forward to participating and sponsoring the dotgain.org conference. PODi is a global organisation supporting digital printing initiatives. It has a wealth of knowledge and is a key source of ideas and information through its best practice case study database. We are delighted to sponsor this key event in the UK."

This one day event will feature speakers and sessions to bring printers up to speed on all aspects of the latest technologies impacting on and complementing the print business. By embracing these new technologies, they will be able to transform their business into a full communications services provider - with potentially huge earnings uplift.

Keynote speaker at the conference will be Richard Romano who will open the conference. His pivotal book, 'Disrupting the Future' confirms what dotgain.org is all about - the print world is changing. To evolve, printers must adopt the digital changes. These are not obstacles but opportunities for growth.

As an expert and acclaimed author, Richard will discuss why the old business advice and common wisdom that guided the industry for decades is now out of context. After years of study, he has developed a new set of guidelines, advice, and "uncommon wisdom."

The dotgain.org conference will focus on three themes: Innovation, Application and Harnessing New Media - across nine sessions and including an interactive panel forum on cross-media and it's impact on print: Innovation: Cross Media Marketing, Mobile to Print, Personalised Books Application: Web to Print, Data Management, New Media Harnessing New Media: Web, Email and Social Media.

10/12/10

Specialty Print Communications introduces tools to put postal logistics on the map

Specialty Print Communications (SPC) has developed two tools designed to help marketers visualize and better understand the world of Postal Logistics – a Zip Code Map poster, and a Postal Logistics brochure. Both tools are available at SPC Booth #1630 at DMA2010, or from the Resources page on SPC's website.

The U.S. Zip Code Map visually explains the meaning of the ZIP code digits, how they correlate geographically to a map of the U.S., and a quick overview of how mail actually moves through the USPS. The Postal Logistics brochure builds on the information presented in the map by explaining the different kinds of services marketers can use to help save money and gain greater control of delivery dates.

"With a more thorough understanding of postal logistics, clients can realize significant savings," said Dustin LeFebvre, Executive VP of Marketing. "We found there weren't many tools like these in the marketplace, and we felt it could be tremendously helpful for our clients and their customers."

SPC has created a three-minute video that demonstrates the process of complex inline manufacturing -- the marriage of web printing, variable imaging and inline finishing. It shows actual footage of a press run at SPC's headquarters in Niles, IL. The short video uses illustrative overlays to help educate viewers on the process of converting a roll of paper into a finished piece of direct mail, in a turnkey process which takes just 30 seconds.

"The video is a great way to show customers how direct mail formats are produced inline, and the different possibilities afforded by this unique manufacturing process," said LeFebvre. "Sometimes referred to as 'inline hybrid complex formats' SPC is one of only a small number of companies in the country to offer this capability, and we thought it would beneficial to customers if we broke down some of the complexities of the process in an informative and interesting way."

The video is supplemented by the recent publishing of Format Guide 3.0, SPC's third brochure in a series that highlights different format solutions and inline finishes. The Format Guide 3.0, Postal Logistics brochure, and Zip Code Map are also included in SPC's BlackBox, a marketing resource kit, which was recently released and can be seen with the video at SPC's Booth #1630 at DMA2010.

10/12/10

Ripon Printers improves air quality and reduces energy expenses

Ripon Printers, a leading printer of catalogs, publications, manuals and soft-cover educational products, was the subject of a corporate sustainability article appearing in Ripon Commonwealth Press. The article focused on how Ripon Printers' green manufacturing practices resulted in annual savings of $132,000 while also significantly reducing air emissions.

Strategies noted in the article, "Ripon Printers taking steps to improve air quality," included:

- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Reduction. The adoption of low- or no-VOC inks and fountain solution, along with reductions in cleanup solvent usage, help to reduce ozone creation.

- VOC Destruction. Collecting VOCs emitted during the ink drying process and then using them as a fuel source to destroy more than 99 percent of potentially harmful VOCs. Energy recovered in the destruction process is used to heat the press dryers.

- Energy Efficiency. A variety of steps improve the company's overall efficiency. These include high-efficiency lighting, occupancy sensors, high-efficiency motors, use of outside air for cooling, reclaiming heat from a compressor room to heat a work space and numerous other measures.

"Clean air and energy efficiency driven by a comprehensive sustainability program are high priorities for the entire Ripon Printers' team," says company President Andy Lyke. "In addition to management's commitment, there is a real grassroots effort among our employees. For example, they recently organized our second successful electronics recycling day, where people could responsibly dispose of old computers, TVs and many other electronic devices. We're all very proud of the positive impact this program has on our customers, our community and our company."

10/12/10

Preview of Market Expert 6.1 given at Valassis Emerging Marketing Technology Summit

Valassis, one of the nation's leading media and marketing services companies, gave summit attendees a sneak preview of the soon-to-be-available MarketExpert 6.1 release with its advanced analytics reporting. Currently used by 40 major retailers across the United States , Canada and Europe to help identify opportunities, optimize frequent shopper data and analyze the success of promotions, the latest version will be available in the first quarter of 2011.

AnalyticExpert, the new business intelligence module for the MarketExpert suite, was introduced at the Valassis Relationship Marketing Systems (VRMS) Emerging Marketing Technology Summit in Orlando , Florida . AnalyticExpert will allow for interactive analysis, published reporting, office suite integration and a personalized dashboard and scorecard. VRMS' software products are widely used retail customer relationship management (CRM) and targeting solutions, serving a wide range of retailers. VRMS is a Valassis company.

"We seek input from clients, take an in-depth look at the industry, and strive to make improvements that will provide retailers with a tool to best meet their marketing needs, and it's easy to use," said Steve Carrington, Valassis Vice President and Chief Information Officer. "These enhancements are smart, agile and aligned to help clients make better and actionable decisions."

MarketExpert 6.1 was just one of the emerging technologies and industry trends showcased at the conference. Industry leaders from CRM, social media, academia, media and information technology learned about:
- Media consumption today;
- Increased social media marketing;
- Trends in loyalty; and
- Consumer behavior after the economic storm.

Shareef Dajani of Yahoo! shared his insight on the future of targeting consumers. Drawing from his 18 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry, he addressed the changing media landscape, pointing out that the total hours consumed online from 2006 at 61% had increased to 73% in 2009 mainly as a result of the countless ways to consume media. In turn, consumers are looking for more localized experiences through digital channels, he said.

Stephanie Kovner-Bryant , Senior Manager, Digital Shopper Marketing at Unilever, s poke about social media as a vehicle for communication with the consumer. She also discussed how free geo-social mobile applications are allowing consumers to readily take advantage of and share local deals with friends. She encouraged the attendees to remain educated on all facets of the media landscape.

"There were three great days of sharing minds, thoughts and experiences," said Anders Livchitz, Head of CRM Strategies & Analyses, who attended from ICA , a Sweden-based grocer.

10/12/10

Decision Points by George W. Bush Publishing Nov 9 With 1.5 Million Copy First Printing

Decision Points by George W. Bush will be published in North America on November 9, 2010, by Crown Publishers with a first printing of 1,500,000 copies. The book is a chronicle of the fourteen most critical and historic decisions in the life and public service of the 43rd President of the United States.

Decision Points will be released simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada as a standard e-book with the complete print edition text and photographs. Crown will also simultaneously publish a deluxe e-book edition. This edition will be interactive, allowing readers to click on text to view additional multimedia content, including:

- Videos from the defining moments of the Bush presidency, including President Bush's inspiring speech to 9/11 rescue workers, intimate Bush family movies, and a special introduction to the edition by the President himself
- Handwritten letters from President Bush's personal correspondence
- Full texts of President Bush's most important speeches, including his addresses to the nation about the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and his Second Inaugural
- More than 50 additional photographs not contained in the print edition
Decision Points will also be released as a Random House AudioBook, read by the author.

The audio and video features in the deluxe e-book edition will display on platforms and devices that support such media, including the Kindle app for iPhone and iPad.

In Decision Points, President Bush writes candidly about, among other topics, his decision to run for the presidency; how he chose his closest advisors, including Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, and Condoleezza Rice; the terrorist attacks of 9/11; the decisions to send American troops to Afghanistan and Iraq; the response to Hurricane Katrina; his commitment to fight AIDS around the world; the formation of his stem cell research policy; his relationships with his father, mother, siblings, and wife; his decision to quit drinking; and how he found faith.

Said Tina Constable, Senior Vice President, Publisher, "As readers will soon discover, Decision Points is a nontraditional presidential memoir that renders in vivid detail the circumstances in which President Bush made some of the most historically defining decisions of our era. It is exciting to be able to publish this news-making book across multiple platforms-print, audio, and digital-to bring history alive for readers."

10/11/10

Daniel Dreyer joins Linoprint management team

Linoprint has expanded its management team. Daniel Dreyer (37) took over as Head of Linoprint on September 1, 2010. Karl-Heinz Walther (56) is in charge of sales activities, while Hans-Jürgen Ratjen (53) is responsible for research and development. Linoprint is a business area of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and offers solutions for digital inkjet printing to manufacturers in the packaging market.

Daniel Dreyer joined Heidelberg in 1998 and has held a number of positions both inside and outside Germany. Starting out as an in-house consultant at corporate headquarters, he moved to Durham in the U.S. state of New Hampshire in 2001, where he assumed responsibility for project planning and management activities for rotary press development. In 2004, Dreyer switched to the Postpress division, where he was in charge of service operations. From 2007, he worked as an assistant to the Management Board Member for Markets and then to the CEO. Dreyer joined Linoprint on September 1, 2010. Having studied in both London and Reutlingen, he holds a B.A. (Hons.) in European Business Administration and a degree in business studies.

Karl-Heinz Walther joined Heidelberg in 2005 and founded Linoprint in 2007 as an innovation project involving the company's sites in Kiel and Heidelberg. He is also responsible for security printing at Heidelberg. Karl-Heinz Walther has more than 30 years' professional experience in the packaging industry, in particular at Metronic AG. Here, he was initially in charge of both the research and development department and sales. Subsequently he became a member of the Management Board with responsibility for sales and marketing.

Hans-Jürgen Ratjen has been in charge of the Heidelberg research and development section for imaging systems and the company's Kiel site since 2006. This section's remit includes computer-to-plate applications and inkjet systems. Prior to this, Ratjen spent nine years managing a number of computer-to-plate projects. In 1991, he assumed a management role in the research and development department for scanner systems at Linotype-Hell AG, which was taken over by Heidelberg in 1996. Ratjen graduated in electrical engineering at Hanover University.

10/11/10

MindFireInc demos latest technology in personalized cross-media marketing at DMA

MindFireInc, the leader of personalized cross-media marketing technology, is exhibiting at DMA 2010, the Direct Marketing Association's annual Conference and Exhibition, which is being held October 9-14 in San Francisco, CA. DMA 2010 will focus on the convergence of traditional and digital channels, helping attendees capitalize on the principles of data and direct marketing to maximize ROI.

For more than a decade, MindFireInc has helped hundreds of Agencies and Direct Marketers successfully build and grow their business. Leading marketers have realized that harnessing the power of integrated marketing solutions can significantly improve their marketing results and return on investment.

MindFireInc's web-based software automates and simplifies the creation of personalized cross-media marketing campaigns integrating direct mail, email, personalized URLs (pURLs), QR codes, SMS text messaging, social media and more.

"All of the recent study data (CMO Council) and industry educational forums (AMA) are clearly communicating that Cross Media Marketing is one of the key focus areas for leading marketers. In fact, the CMO of the AMA recently stated that this is no longer a "nice to have" but a "must have solution" for serious marketers focused on improved results." commented Joseph Manos, Executive Vice President of MindFireInc.

At booth #1522, the MindFireInc team is showcasing examples of real-life case studies of successful cross-media marketing campaigns that have driven improved results. Attendees can also see a live demonstration of LookWho'sClicking, MindFireInc's easy-to-use yet powerful application, to learn how they can grow their business by tapping new opportunities with personalized interactive marketing.

MindFireInc is offering a unique opportunity during this event for those who attend, or schedule an online 1:1 meeting to learn more about cross-media marketing.

10/11/10

InfoPrint Solutions’ inkjet, Precision Marketing and Workflow Portfolio at Graph Expo

InfoPrint Solutions Company, a Ricoh company, announced today an array of award-winning and industry-leading solutions and products that will be demonstrated at the Graph Expo 2010 conference. These customer and analyst-endorsed solutions will be accessible to all attendees seeking a wide variety of proven output technologies to improve their operations.

The company will showcase its Precision Marketing strategies, Workflow capabilities, and Print On-Demand (POD) applications on its market-leading inkjet platforms, the InfoPrint 5000 and InfoPrint 5000 MP. Also on display will be the compact InfoPrint 100 monochrome laser printer, the high speed InfoPrint Pro 1357 MICR cutsheet printer and the InfoPrint Pro C900 AFP color cutsheet printer. InfoPrint Solutions will be located at booth #2017 at McCormick Place South from October 3-6, 2010 with parent company, Ricoh.

InfoPrint Solutions will also make announcements regarding the InfoPrint 5000 family, InfoPrint ProcessDirector solution, a new cutsheet model and new business continuity and sustainability offerings.

“This show is particularly important to us, as it is the first time we will showcase our new branding as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh, as well as our latest inkjet solution, in North America,” said Lesley Wylie, Director of Global Marketing at InfoPrint Solutions. “We are thrilled to present so many of our top-notch solutions alongside Ricoh as we continue to show our customers a broad spectrum of the industry’s most efficient, flexible and cost saving solutions.”

At booth #2017 visitors will see:

- Precision Marketing– InfoPrint Solutions will share in-depth analysis findings from business and consumer surveys in a variety of industries revolving around the demand for print. They will discuss tactics that will increase the ROI companies can see by increasing customization and relevancy. Subject matter experts will also be available to discuss the importance of relevant marketing, data-driven messaging and ways to implement these key tactics without causing a disruption to a company’s current print processes.

- Workflow – From in-house shops to service bureaus, printers today are seeking ways to optimize and automate their print and mail operations while lowering costs. InfoPrint Solutions executives will be at the booth to discuss ways to uncover hidden cost savings and discover new ways to generate revenue and improve ROI by implementing such tools as InfoPrint TransPromo Whitespace Manager, InfoPrint ProcessDirector and more.

- InfoPrint 5000 – This industry-leading, flexible and high-speed printer will run a Print On-Demand book application at the show, which will highlight its impressive color quality and versatility. With built-in Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) color management architecture to provide accurate and consistent printing, this solution includes tools that produce quick and accurate ink estimates with ink management capabilities.

- InfoPrint 5000 MP – This smaller footprint member of the InfoPrint 5000 family complements and is compatible with existing full-color models in the family. This model provides customers with a new level of modularity, flexibility and investment protection. The design is specifically used for books and insurance statements, among other printing applications.

- InfoPrint 100 – As a high quality, low cost, compact continuous form laser printer, the InfoPrint 100 is a leading solution for documents that must remain in page sequence. Capabilities range from printing invoices, labels, picking slips and mailings. At the show, this solution will demonstrate its capabilities in label printing applications.

- InfoPrint Pro 1357 MICR – Working with Rosetta Technologies, the InfoPrint Pro 1357 MICR processes high volumes at high speeds. This design is a reliable cutsheet solution for mission-critical printing procedures. At the booth, applications such as Explanation of Benefits (EOB) documents, rebate checks and health insurance ID cards will be printed.

- InfoPrint Pro C900 AFP – This color printing system is a fast, reliable, easy-to-use, full-color IPDS, PostScript, PDF and PPML cutsheet solution. The printer provides flexible finishing options, including stapler, postfuse cover inserter, booklet maker, ring binder and perfect binder. The C900 is optimal for printing booklets, transaction statements, TransPromo statements, postcards, calendars, book covers and more.

In addition to these solutions, InfoPrint Solutions executives will present on two panels at Xplor.
- Carrie Murphy, Market Development Manager, EDP, will discuss “How to Improve Customer Engagement” at N426a on Tuesday, October 5 at 12:00 p.m.
- Lee Gallagher, Director of Precision Marketing Solutions, will present “Using Data to Communicate More Effectively to All Channels” at N426a on Wednesday, October 6 at 9:00 a.m.

09/30/10

Winkler+Dünnebier with its W+D 232 in the fast lane

With its new two-color offset printing machine W+D 232, Winkler+Dünnebier (W+D) once again is setting new standards in the printing of envelopes and pockets.

During the design and implementation of its new machine, W+D concentrated on the requirements of its customers. "Right from the start our intention was to develop a machine based on the rule of thumb: Top economy and faster return on investment. Our customers expect this of us – and rightly so", explains Dr. Achim Wapniewski, Sales Manager at W+D.

Everything about the W+D 232 is geared to flexibility, fast setup times and uncomplicated handling. This starts with the easily adjustable universal feeder and the aligner section for envelope formats from C7 to C4 – with or without windows – and continues with the extendable printing plate cylinders that facilitate the attachment of the printing plates.

Without having to change machine parts, the W+D 232 can print in 1-up operation (up to 42,000 units/h) or in 2-up operation (up to 72,000 units/h). Both printing units are equipped with automatic, dynamic-speed ink and dampening control and can be decoupled for single-color printing motifs. Large-volume precision ink fountains with slotted inking blades and lever-zone operation guarantee precise ink volume control and sufficient capacity for motifs with considerable ink consumption and long-running jobs.

1:1 ink form rollers and precise rolling between the plate and blanket cylinders ensure balanced coloring and texts with distinct contours and screens. Thanks to a 360° register raster adjustment system, several motifs can be placed on a single printing plate which, on the one hand, reduces printing plate consumption and, at the same time, reduces setup times.

A further advantage: Installation of the machine incorporated in the plant is virtually by means of plug & play. It is ready for production within the shortest of times. The new W+D 232 is thus not only one of the most productive and reliable 2-color offset printing machines for envelopes on the market but also a worthwhile investment, in particular, for producers of transactional, transpromo and direct mail orders.

09/30/10

Xerox debuts iGen4 EXP

Xerox Corporation has made the best digital color production press even better. Hundreds of successful customers and billions of profitable images after the company launched its breakthrough iGen4 press in 2008, the company has unveiled an even more productive version.

The iGen4 EXP – the latest model built on the award-winning iGen4 platform – gives users an immediate productivity spike with a host of new prepress and finishing capabilities and the industry's largest digital cut-sheet solution available today.

The new system offers nearly 50 percent more image area than competitive devices – translating to more sellable output and increased profits. Order taking for the Xerox iGen4 EXP begins immediately with fourth quarter installations, and beginning in 2011 users can easily convert traditional iGen4 presses to iGen4 EXP.

"The high-end capabilities of the iGen4 press have allowed print service providers to push the boundaries of digital print and spur growth in areas such as direct mail, sales collateral and photo publishing," said Eric Armour, president, Graphic Communications Business Group, Xerox Corporation. "iGen4 EXP puts even more power in the users' hands – set-up time is reduced, productivity is increased and new high-value applications can be created with 24/7 production."

Key iGen4 EXP capabilities include:

Largest sheet size (14.33" x 26") in class – produces multi-up jobs such as full-size tri-fold brochures, postcards and greeting cards, or extra large book covers and jackets on 14.33" x 26" sheet size. The larger sheet size prints 40 sheets per minute and essentially accelerates the iGen4 system's print speed to 120 8.5" x 11" (A4) impressions per minute, helping users push more jobs through the shop.

Stock can be fed from a modified paper tray or roll system. A Multigraf stacker collects the output of large sheets and stacks them in removable carts for easy delivery to cutting, coating and other finishing options.

Automated Web to Finish solution – makes touchless workflow achievable – from ordering to finished product with no manual setup or intervention. The solution leverages Xerox FreeFlow Digital Workflow Collection, along with software and finishing options from Xerox business partners, to streamline the production process as orders come in, quickly changing and synchronizing production instructions as needed.

Integration with Adobe PDF Print Engine – drives quick and reliable printing of native Adobe PDF files. Expanded prepress and make-ready productivity improves how users access and implement spot colors and transparencies – which means less proofing cycles.

The Xerox iGen4 EXP will be featured in Xerox booths No. 400 and 600 at Graph Expo 2010 in Chicago, Oct. 3 – 6.

Check with local Xerox sales representatives for more details regarding pricing and availability.

09/30/10

Brown Printing purchases industry's first 75-inch Goss Sunday 3000 Press

Brown Printing Company today announced the acquisition of the world's first Goss Sunday 3000 web press with an extended 75-inch web width. The purchase underscores Brown's commitment to building the most modern platform in the industry.

The 4-unit 32 page press will be capable of producing saddle stitched and perfect bound product up to 9" wide, a first for single-circumference web presses. Brown will equip the press with closed loop color, as well as automated register and ribbon controls that increase efficiency while maintaining the high level of quality Brown's customers have come to expect.

"Brown's facilities are among the most modern and efficient in the country. In fact, the last Sunday 3000 press installed in the U.S., back in 2008, was also purchased by Brown," explained Volker Petersen, president and CEO. "We continually look for ways to improve our productivity in order to better serve our customers. Brown's history of strong reinvestment puts the best equipment, service and technology at our customers' fingertips."

"Brown Printing has been a longstanding leader in bringing the advantages of the latest high-speed, wide-web technology to its catalog and publication customers," according to Jochen Meissner, Goss International president and CEO. "We are grateful for this opportunity to extend our relationship and work with the team at Brown on another groundbreaking project."

Installation of the new Goss Sunday press in Brown's Waseca, MN facility will begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by July 2011.

09/30/10

ECRM announces digitally modulated screening for superior printing At Graph Expo

ECRM today announced they will launch ECRM DM Screening at the upcoming Graph Expo 2010 show (Chicago, October 3-6). Available as an upgrade option for all ECRM RIP users, the new digitally modulated screening option gets its name from new patent-pending technology that enables it to digitally analyze each and every pixel it produces. The result with ECRM DM screening is more detail, smoother vignettes, and no moiré. ECRM will be exhibiting the new DM screening module in their Graph Expo booth (#444).

The benefits of ECRM DM Screening over conventional screening are:
- Significantly more detail in images, utilizing a dot equivalent to 350-400 lpi in conventional screening;
- Moiré is eliminated. No more screen moiré or subject / content moiré;
- Highlight and Shadow detail is greatly enhanced. Highlights down to 1% and shadows up to 99% on press resulting in increased shadow detail and contrast;
- Lower ink consumption, due to higher optical gain. In testing at newspapers, estimated ink saving of around 10-15% over a conventional 100 lpi screen was achieved.

The benefits of ECRM DM screening over FM screening are:
- Easier to calibrate (with the built in dot gain compensation technology); FM screens have a very high dot gain curve, which is hard to calibrate accurately and maintain press consistency;
- Easier to control on both plate and press; small variations in processing plates or ink densities on press don't suddenly fill-in the shadows or lose the highlights. FM screens usually have a very high dot gain curve, which is hard to control on both plate and press;
- Smooth flat tints, especially for Black; FM screens are notoriously noisy and grainy as well as often contain patterning artifacts;
- Highlights down to 1% and Shadows up to 99% results in increased shadow detail and contrast; FM screens often have problems holding their very fine highlight dots, and usually fill in their shadow dots.

ECRM DM Screening users will also benefit from simple test sheet to select optimal highlight, mid-tone and shadow dots, which are unique to the individual platesetter, plates and press, as well as smoother vignettes of up to 50,000 gray levels. ECRM DM Screening can be integrated into all ECRM v8.3 RIPs (just announced) and higher.

"Traditional AM screens suffer from a loss of detail, especially in the highlight and shadow areas making higher screen rulings unobtainable," notes ECRM Director of Product Management, John Marzec. "Although FM screens often improve detail, they tend to suffer from dot wear in highlight areas, an inconsistent dot structure in mid-tone areas [resulting in noisy flat tints], and significant dot gain issues in the shadow regions. This often causes these areas to fill in and lose detail. In contrast, ECRM DM screening maintains a carefully controlled and consistent dot throughout the tone range which produces a reliable highlight dot, smooth flat tints in mid-tone areas, and shadow regions that are easily kept open and retain detail."

ECRM DM Screening module for either commercial printing or newspaper applications is now available to order through the ECRM worldwide distribution channels.

09/30/10

Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 demonstrated live for first time in North America at Graph Expo

FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced today that its ground-breaking, sheet-fed Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 can be seen live in action for the first time in North America at booth #627 at GRAPH EXPO 2010.

With the look and feel of an offset press and the versatility and job handling of a digital device, the Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 features a standard four-up offset sheet size with a paper delivery and exit like that of a traditional offset press. The press is particularly suitable for traditional commercial printers looking to improve competitiveness for short-run work and digital printers who are looking to offer a wider range of digital print services.

"The Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 is going to change the face of short run printing and offers benefits that cannot be found from any other digital printing device on the market today," said Sam Ota, division president, Graphic Systems Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "We look forward to demonstrating for our print partners how this device will change the way they do business through the J Press 720's progressive technological advances and unrivalled production capabilities that will save our customers time and money."

The J Press 720 uses Fujifilm Dimatix's SAMBA single pass piezo drop-on-demand inkjet head technology to achieve an impressive true 1,200dpi x 1,200dpi resolution with four-level gray scale (minimum size: two picolitres), a specification unobtainable from any other digital printing system. The press's four-level gray scale capability boasts color and quality never previously seen from a digital device. An integrated controller incorporates an advanced color management system and color calibration capabilities that maximize color consistency without requiring excessive intervention or expertise from the press operator.

The J Press 720 print speed is up to 2,700 29.5"x20.8" four-up size sheets per hour, or the equivalent of 10,800 8.5"x11" pages per hour, resulting in a product that offers offset quality and robustness plus the versatility to handle short press runs. The J Press 720 prints on coated offset stocks, allowing for printing on standard offset-sized sheets, a key advancement over most inkjet and digital presses which often require uncoated or pre-treated papers.

The Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 has an incorporated infrared drying system, which means no drying time is necessary after printing so sheets are ready for finishing. The range of finishing options available is also much wider than with many other digital print technologies. Once imaged, sheets can be treated like an offset sheet, dropping into existing finishing equipment.

Quality is enhanced through Fujifilm's unique "anti-curling" and "rapid coagulation ink" technologies, which deliver vibrant images and prevent paper curl and dot gain. The J Press 720 uses water-based, eco-friendly ink so there is no toner pile-up, resulting in an offset-like finish and quality. The water-based inks also mean the unit requires less cleaning and produces less waste. Outstanding quality is achieved sheet after sheet since the J Press 720 provides sustainable image quality with the use of a CCD sensor which scans every sheet and makes any necessary alteration in real time.

Finally, the Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 is capable of variable data printing, making it possible to fulfill custom, short-run orders.

"For the commercial printer looking to enter the digital print market, the Fujifilm Digital Inkjet J Press 720 fills the wide gap between toner-based digital and offset printing formats and is the true alternative to the short-run offset press," said John Kaufman, product marketing manager, Graphic Systems Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "It delivers the quality of an offset press, fits the format size needed for various post-printing processes while also giving users the capability of handling smaller run lengths, VDP applications, and quicker turnaround times."

09/29/10

Strine Printing expands again with a fifth Large Format Roland 900XXL

Strine Printing, the Largest Independent Large Format printer in North America adds its fifth manroland Large Format press. The fifth Large Format press for Strine, a ROLAND 906XXL size 7B (64") high speed offset press with coater will be installed early 2011.

This Pennsylvania print powerhouse continues to generate explosive growth since installing four ROLAND 900 Large Format presses and now plans on adding a ROLAND900XXL Large Format. Together with four conventional forty inch presses, three forty inch perfecting presses, three variable print digital presses and three ultra large flat bed digital printers, no job is too large or small.. Strine has the right press for every demand.

2009 marked the 10th anniversary of Strine Printing Company's York, PA packaging facility. The facility helped usher in a new era of explosive growth, which began in 2003 with the decision to purchase the firm's first Large Format press, a 55-inch 6-color ROLAND 900 XXL. The goal was to move beyond the saturated 40-inch market to deliver a wider range of folding carton, point-of-purchase and packaging work.

The point was, "To separate ourselves from competition." as Dave Kornbau, VP of Operations put it then.

A few short months later, VP Dave Kornbau reconfirms that decision, "We've promised our customers we'd provide the latest and the greatest and we have just reiterated that pledge with the addition of the last XXL."

The fifth press, a ROLAND 900 XXL large format offset printing press system is fully equipped and customized to Strine's specifications with InlineColorPilot, System Brunner okBalance for grey balance evaluation and control to insure world class color reproduction on the sixty four (64) inch wide stock, addressing the POP and POS markets.

Strine states "All in One Package" is their specialty, with the capacity and flexibility of five manroland large format presses Strine is in position to print anything, any size, any time. This is a major part of what sets Strine apart from their competition, as are the people at Strine, who really know their business, the art of print, and the way it all works together. If you thought that the future of print is in question, then you haven't talked to anyone from Strine Printing.

Michael Mugavero, VP Sales manroland stated, ''Strine Printing and manroland share a parallel view, that being; Performance Solutions are a component of Technology, Organization and People. By successfully bringing these key elements of our respective companies together, Strine's innovative vision for its company's growth and well being has been effectively realized.''

Strine VP, Dave Kornbau agrees, "The right people and the best equipment allow us to provide the most value that our customers deserve."

Strine extends its vision even further beyond new equipment, by keeping pace with technology changes on all equipment, the firm is upgrading two existing presses with state of the art ColorPilot ink controls from manroland. Networking with manroland's printnet Press Manager systems delivers complete off press makeready and automated machine presets which significantly reduce the time for job change over and makeready.

09/29/10

HP Powers Global Cloud Print Service for HubCast Inc.

HP is sponsoring a trial program from Wakefield, Mass.-based HubCast Inc. designed to expand enterprise businesses’ familiarity with the high-quality, fast-turnaround print-on-demand capabilities print service providers (PSPs) can offer when using HP Indigo digital color presses.

HubCast’s Cloud Print Service uses proprietary distribute-and-print technology to manage a global network of HP Indigo equipped PSPs that can offer quick turnaround times – often next-day delivery – for submitted jobs. Documents submitted to the service are routed to the Cloud Print Service PSP site nearest the final delivery point and printed on demand, minimizing costs associated with shipping, overruns and waste while significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with air freight.

The HP-sponsored Cloud Print Trial program is open to North American enterprises, which are invited to upload and print one of their documents for delivery anywhere in the HubCast coverage area. HP’s sponsorship will be used to cover printing costs for thousands of these sample prints.

“The industry-leading consistency, reliability and true offset quality of HP Indigo digital presses give global networks like HubCast the ability to offer high-value color documents that are consistent and correct no matter where they are printed,” said Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo division, HP.

HubCast’s PSP network can deliver printing in 135 of the world’s top markets; in 70 of those markets, HubCast network members offer next-day delivery.

Using HubCast to order approximately 8,000 pieces of printed collateral each month, San Jose, Calif.-based Cypress Semiconductor has eliminated $1,000 a month in warehousing costs, as well as the sizable shipping expenses and customs-related delays that once hampered its ability to support its 195 worldwide sales representatives.

HubCast’s emphasis on HP Indigo print-on-demand ensures that collateral meets Cypress’ brand requirements and allows Cypress to stop producing wasteful overruns of print collateral to meet the minimum run-length requirements of offset printers.

“We have made a 100 percent move to HubCast’s Cloud Print Service,” said Jon Atterbury, senior marketing communications manager, Cypress Semiconductor. “HubCast enables us to be more responsive to the needs of our sales force, ultimately saving us money.”

09/29/10

CIP4 announces new Board of Directors

The International Cooperation for the Integration of the Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization announced the results of its election for Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of the CEO and officers of the organization who are responsible for day-to-day oversight and management of the organization. All members of CIP4 are eligible to run for CIP4 officer positions and the CIP4 Advisory Board selects the officers from the pool of candidates who serve a two-year term. Officers may serve two terms (more if unopposed in subsequent terms).

This year's BOD elections mark some significant changes in CIP4 leadership. Margaret Motamed of EFI, served two terms as CEO, and with competition for the top slot, was not eligible for a third term. Long-time CIP4 member and active working group chair and Technical Steering Committee member, Henny van Esch, Director of Optimus Group, will take over today as CIP4's CEO.

"I look forward to, along with the rest of the board, leading CIP4 into the coming years, and bringing my years of experience in working in CIP4 work groups and the Technical Steering Committee to the organization," said van Esch. "Following in the footsteps of my illustrious predecessors Martin Bailey and Margaret Motamed, my aim will be to take CIP4 into the next phase of development and adoption of JDF, and to help improve the efficiency and profitability in our industry, still challenged by the current economy."

The other new CIP4 officers include:
- Education and Marketing Officer - Tim Daisy, QTMS Sales and Marketing Executive at Prism Group Holdings Ltd
- Financial Officer and Treasurer - Jay Farr, General Manager - EFI Pace at EFI
- Membership Officer - Mark Wilton, President of Wilton & Partners Consulting Inc.
- Technology Officer - Dr. Rainer Prosi, Senior Workflow Architect at Heidelberg

09/29/10

Steven Schnoll to offer a keynote presentation at Executive Outlook Conference

Steven Schnoll, managing director of Schnoll Media Consulting, will have a busy speaking schedule during Graph Expo, including an assignment as a keynote speaker during this year's EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference. Schnoll is a 40-plus year industry veteran with a reputation for thinking out of the box. He has concentrated much of his energy over the past few years on converging technologies where print providers can extend their expertise to new profit centers.

This year's EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference is focusing on 'The challenge of change in the new era of print'. The highly regarded pre-Graph Expo event will address the topics of changing customer requirements, the extent to which electronic alternatives impinge on print, and the printer's ability to co-mingle print with e-alternatives in a cross-media environment. Schnoll will present one of the two keynotes, focusing on 'Opportunity markets in the new era of print', explaining what is happening in the print marketplace and what printers must do to participate in an e-centric environment. Schnoll will identify vertical markets expected to offer the most likely growth opportunities and how printers can migrate their business models from traditional mass-produced paper-based products to an integrated multi-media series of enhanced communications with the most effective technology mix.

On Sunday morning, October 3, Schnoll will be advising Graph Expo conference attendees about 'Compelling computing: advancing the business of communications'. Dramatic changes in the graphic communications industry are forever altering the way business is done. The session will highlight the game-changing technologies and innovations to watch-data analytics, cloud computing/virtualization, e-book readers, content management, high capacity inkjet printers, QR codes, and much more. From the customers' point of view, print providers will learn how to develop a strategy that defines what these technologies can mean to them, and how to equip a printing company to gain a competitive and profitable advantage.

Companies of all sizes are focusing on how to best use cross media strategies to improve the bottom line. Many of these breakthrough technologies, like social media, data analytics and QR codes, have many integrated elements. On Tuesday, October 5, during the Graph Expo Print Buyer Forum, Schnoll will be instructing how enterprise buyers of content may best leverage cross-media at a breakfast session about 'Using cross media strategies to improve your firm's bottom line'. Understanding the information architecture and all the moving parts will help print buyers make better informed decisions that can deliver definable results.

Mr. Schnoll is assisting Printing Industries of America with its 2010 Converge Conference, held November 6-9, 2010 at the world famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis Tennessee. Schnoll will be participating in the Sales and Marketing Track as a presenter with a session, identifying 'Six Growth-Oriented Verticals that Should Be on Your Radar Screen'. The print community is a rapidly changing environment and the Converge Conference is one of the few programs that impartially educates practitioners to the changing industry paradigm. Visit www.printing.org/converge for more information.

"I am grateful that my experience practicing and offering strategic plans, highlighted by novel ideas - essential for business survival - has created a unique position for me in the industry. Schnoll Media Consulting clients come to us for that unique perspective," comments Steven Schnoll. "No longer is the status quo an option as a means to the end - and as, we all know, given the current state of printing, you have to think out of the box. I hope that those who are able to attend my three sessions during Graph Expo and the Converge Conference are able to more easily explore new business and service opportunities."

09/29/10

HP recognized as a leader in 2010 Managed Print Services

HP today announced industry analyst firm Gartner, Inc. has placed HP in the Leaders Quadrant in its 2010 Magic Quadrant for Managed Print Services (MPS) Worldwide.

In the Gartner Magic Quadrant report, HP was evaluated on its completeness of vision as well as its ability to execute.

Gartner classifies leaders as organizations that "provide MPS to a wide range of customers, including the largest and most geographically dispersed, so they must demonstrate a truly global reach. They must demonstrate not only the skills to deliver today's MPS, but also the understanding, initiative and resources to prepare for tomorrow's MPS. Leaders characteristically augment the full scope of MPS with a wide range of added-value services. As a result, they are frequently shortlisted by large and midsize customers."

In this year's analysis, Gartner noted, "Buyers should seek to benefit from their MPS providers' industry-specific expertise to incorporate their documents in electronic processes. By seeking to enlarge the scope of their MPS this way, organizations can maximize cost savings and process improvements."

HP MPS is a flexible, scalable offering that provides organizations a clear path for turning their print ing and imaging environments into vital, value-added assets that drive business growth. With one of the industry's broadest portfolio of products, solutions and services, HP helps customers improve workflow and maximize results so they can meet their business and environmental objectives.

"We believe today's industry analyst recognition further demonstrates the effectiveness of our MPS offering and highlights our commitment to helping customers succeed," said John Johasky, vice president and general manager, Managed Enterprise Solutions, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Whether organizations are seeking to enhance productivity, streamline complex processes or accelerate business results, HP MPS creates a strategic advantage for those who embrace it."

Customers in a range of industries – from financial, retail and manufacturing, to healthcare and the public sector – are using HP MPS to cost-effectively improve workflows.

PerkinElmer, a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and their environment, is experiencing significant gains from its HP MPS investment.

"HP MPS has completely changed the landscape. We've drastically reduced the number of devices, gained multifunction efficiencies and freed staff time," said Andrew Lancaster, manager, IT Support and Client Technology, PerkinElmer, Inc. "What's more, the solution brings visibility to usage patterns and costs that never were visible before."

09/27/10

Ultimate launches world's fastest imposition software at GraphExpo

Ultimate Technographics Inc. today announced the release of its 64-bit version of the world's fastest imposition solution at GraphExpo in Chicago. Impostrip OnDemand Scalable Server Edition released earlier this year was designed to bring more speed and efficiency in high volume printing. At GraphExpo, Ultimate will be showing its newest version leveraging the power of multiple core 64-bit computers to achieve even better results.

The prototype was first staged in Chicago last fall to bring home the 'Worth of Look' mention after being presented in HP's booth amongst the partner solutions adapted for the HP Inkjet T300 press. Since, Ultimate made successful installations in two areas, high volume/short run of books and very high volume transpromotional printing. With the new development, the Impostrip OnDemand Scalable server will be able to leverage the 64-bit computer capabilities and overcome some of the limitations inherent to the 32-bit computers.

"The Scalable Imposition Server Edition of Impostrip OnDemand leverages the power of today's multiple-core computers now including the 64-bit platform, says Joanne David, President and CEO of Ultimate. This exclusive solution is designed to integrate most PDF workflows in a very simple fashion; in addition, the Scalable Server Edition offers more automation regarding job variables for digital web printing, for book manufacturing and finishing, permitting the same workflow to process various job configurations on the fly."

At GraphExpo 2010, Ultimate Technographics software solutions will be demonstrated on partner's stand: HP booth 1200, Ricoh-Infoprint 2017 and Xerox 400-600. Solutions include Impostrip OnDemand Scalable Server, Book Stacker, and Ultimate Bindery for finishing automation.

09/27/10

Color-Logic broadens offerings to include offset, flexo, inkjet, and digital at Graph Expo

In Booth 155 at Graph Expo 2010 in Chicago, Color-Logic has announced it will show samples of its Process Metallic Color System technology printed using every major printing process available today. Discussing the samples to be shown, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves said:

"In the few short months since its introduction, the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System has gained international recognition for the ability to effortlessly and reliably print metallics using offset lithography. At Graph Expo 2010, we will demonstrate our ability to produce the same striking metallics and special effects using flexography, wide-format inkjet printing, and both liquid and toner-based digital printing. Our ability to produce metallic effects using virtually any process-on substrates including paper, film, and foil-means that graphic designers and brand managers can confidently execute their designs across a broad array of media. Also at the show, Color-Logic will partner with several major equipment suppliers who will demonstrate the process live in their booths."

09/27/10

RISO to feature next generation of inkjet printing at Graph Expo

RISO, Inc. will feature the next generation of inkjet printing with three RISO ComColor models, the 9050, 7050 and 3050, at Booth 3111 during Graph Expo 2010 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, October 3-6.

"At speeds up to 150 pages-per-minute and full-color running costs as low as two cents per page, this range of high-speed, full-color inkjet printers is so fast, affordable and dependable, customers have found great cost savings in direct mail, transactional documents, and many other commercial applications," said Todd Deluca, president and chief operating officer of RISO, Inc.

The three ComColor models showcased at Graph Expo will be shown printing a unique transpromotional MICR application with embedded digital security pantographs, variable data envelopes, newsletters, booklets, and more. The combination of ComColor inkjet printing systems, production level accessories from Kirk-Rudy, and transpromotional applications from GMC Software Technology provide unique value-based applications to help commercial and transactional print service providers open unmatched areas of revenue growth and profitability in the industry. Customers stopping by Booth 3111 will also be registered to win an Apple iPad, with one iPad awarded following each show day.

The ComColor 9050 is the world's fastest full-color, sheet-fed inkjet printer. Engineered for commercial applications, the 9050 gives customers long-running reliability in mid- to high-volume printing environments with a realistic duty cycle of 500,000 prints per month.

The ComColor 7050 is a versatile solution for office or print shop. With intuitive controls and robust capabilities, it can add full color to everyday jobs and provides a scalable migration from basic black and white to color for any operation.

The ComColor 3050, for smaller work environments, is compact, fast, and easy to use. This full-color multi-function system gives customers a simple, intuitive user interface and a speedy 90-page-per-minute output.

09/27/10

CSAT America successfully introduces new ITS00 Digital Label Printer at Label Expo

CSAT America LlC introduced their Model ITS 600 Digital Label Printer to the North American market at Label Expo in Chicago. The model ITS 600 had been shown in Brussels at Label Expo Europe last fall. CSAT is a leading global manufacturer of digital printing systems for product identification and coding.

The ITS 600 label printer incorporates drop on demand technology providing fast, high quality on demand printing. The ITS 600 prints in full color at speeds up to 150 fpm, with true 600 dpi and 2 point fonts. Prints on paper, films and foils with superior ink adherence and durability. Economical and environmentally friendly, the LED UV curing results in low energy consumption. DOD technology maximizes ink use and minimizes wasted ink. Print accuracy with print to print registration of less than .001" and color registration of less than .005". CSAT's unique web retract reduces material waste and leaves no unprinted material. The revolutionary design gives the ITS 600 the most compact system available today.

"We are extremely pleased with the traffic and the comments from Label Expo" stated Natalie Gilbert Managing Director, CSAT America LLC. "This was our introduction to the North American market. We have been providing printers to the pharmaceutical market here for over 13 years. We have the experience in the technology and look forward to providing our technology to the labels printers."

09/27/10

Domtar unveils "Paper Because" campaign to promote the responsible use of paper

A sweeping campaign designed to highlight the importance of paper in our lives will debut Monday.

Domtar Corporation is launching its "Paper Because" campaign through advertisements that will appear in major U.S. and Canadian media outlets, including: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Globe & Mail, Fast Company, Audubon, National Geographic and other consumer and trade publications. The campaign will also feature online banner ads and a series of short videos that will appear in a variety of online media.

"There are times when no substitute for paper will suffice - it is how great ideas begin, how the world learns, how important news gets shared and how people meaningfully connect with each other," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer. "What has evolved over time is the continued improvement of our environmentally sound forestry practices and high levels of recycling that have made Domtar a leader in the effort to make paper sustainable and renewable."

Domtar has earned the support of recognized environmental organizations because of its investments to increase forest certification and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. More than three quarters of the energy used at Domtar mills, for example, comes from renewable sources. Domtar has also cut greenhouse gas emissions from continuing operations by 32 percent since 1990, far exceeding the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol.

"The Rainforest Alliance has been working with Domtar for more than a decade, and Domtar has raised the bar for the paper industry when it comes to increasing the supply of fiber from responsibly managed forests, certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council," said Rainforest Alliance President Tensie Whelan. "Domtar's commitment to FSC certification has made it possible for the Rainforest Alliance to work with forest managers to improve environmental and social conditions on ecologically important forestland and for consumers to easily find FSC certified paper products."

Domtar's "Paper Because" campaign will demonstrate that paper is sustainable, personal and purposeful:
- It's easier to learn on paper, because reading on paper is up to 30 percent faster than reading online.
- Nearly 60 percent of senior executives prefer print versus online information.
- Three out of four people have made a purchase as a result of direct mail.
- Paper is one of the most recycled products on the planet; more than 63 percent of the paper that's used gets recycled.
- Domtar collaborates with the Rainforest Alliance and other environmental organizations to encourage environmentally sound, sustainable forestry practices, high levels of recycling and the use of renewable energy at its manufacturing facilities.

"Domtar has been at the forefront of the responsible use of paper because the future of our business is linked to a healthy environment and the availability of both virgin and recycled fiber," said Mr. Williams. "We're not just a paper company. We're a sustainable paper company."

09/24/10

Konica Minolta launches perfect digital alternative for print professionals

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announces the availability of the bizhub PRESS C8000, the first system unveiled in Konica Minolta's bizhub PRESS production print product line. Featuring big-iron reliability, world-class color output, and market-leading innovation, the bizhub PRESS C8000 is the ideal alternative to offset presses in the digital era.

Combining output speeds of up to 80 pages per minute (ppm) and a 500,000-page monthly duty cycle with a variety of advanced finishing and media handling capabilities, the bizhub PRESS C8000 promises impressive overall productivity for commercial offset and high volume digital environments.

Among the bizhub PRESS C8000's enhanced features are true 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution; Konica Minolta's Simitri HD+ color polymerized toner for offset-like image quality; an Image Density Control (IDC) sensor for real-time color adjustments; a new Dual Fusing system to maintain productivity even when running heavy stocks; and a vacuum belt paper feeding system for reliable substrate handling. Additionally, powerful in-line options satisfy the most demanding production print jobs including saddle stitch booklet making, perfect binding, and multi-folding. Driving the bizhub PRESS C8000 is the powerful IC-306 image controller from EFI, featuring the Fiery System 9.

The bizhub PRESS C8000 has already been deemed an award-winner for its innovative technologies including a "Best of Show" Award at the 2010 ON DEMAND Conference and Exposition in the Color Digital Printing Equipment category.

"The bizhub PRESS C8000 was designed with the print professional in mind. It delivers market-leading innovation in the areas of reliability, quality, and productivity, and raises the bar in the production print industry," said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. "The bizhub PRESS C8000 continues Konica Minolta's long-standing position as a digital imaging innovator, and is further proof how our customers can continue to count on Konica Minolta for all of their printing needs." Witness firsthand the bizhub PRESS C8000 at GRAPH EXPO 2010 (October 3 through October 6) at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Illinois. Konica Minolta Booth #2244.

09/24/10

InfoTrends' Ultimate Guide Online compares leading cut-sheet printing devices

InfoTrends expanded its Ultimate Guide Online to include a guide for cut-sheet digital printing devices that details product specifications for over 160 cut-sheet devices. The Ultimate Guide Online, a series of databases for comparing hardware and software tools, offers free basic access to print and marketing service providers.

The Ultimate Guide Online enables side-by-side comparisons of device features that can be exported to a spreadsheet or for print out. Each guide includes information on products across all leading brands and offers an unbiased, third-party analysis from InfoTrends' analysts, with real-time updates as the market evolves. Using this tool can cut months of research time when evaluating equipment and software purchases.

Ultimate Guide users can choose from basic or premium access. Basic access is free and offers intelligence on technology type, resolution, speed, list price, and more. Premium access pumps up functionality to offer detailed information on paper handling, substrate support, print engine specifics, options, front ends, workflows, and more; this option also includes a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for each device.

"In the print industry, purchasing the right equipment is vital to the success of your business," commented Jim Hamilton, a Group Director at InfoTrends. "The Ultimate Guide Online provides all of the information you need to make the right decision, and it is presented in a way that makes it easy to evaluate a wide range of products."

Ultimate Guides are currently available for Cut-Sheet Devices, Enterprise TransPromo, Multi-Channel Communications, Variable Data Publishing, and Web-to-Print solutions. Ultimate Guides for roll-fed and wide format digital devices will be available later this year.

09/24/10

Technique accepted as one of the first MIS suppliers to PAGE cooperative

Technique Inc., is a leading provider of modular ERP / MIS software solutions to the printing industry, today announces that it has been accepted as a preferred supplier to the members of the PAGE Cooperative, a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative buying association with 570 daily newspapers and 1,100 non-daily publishing facilities in the U.S. New suppliers are accepted only when they can demonstrate both value to PAGE member companies and an understanding of the special requirements of newspaper printing and publishing. Applicants must complete a thorough evaluation process before presenting to the PAGE supplier evaluation committee, which meets twice a year.

Technique is celebrating its participation in the PAGE Cooperative by offering a comprehensive software package at a reduced price of $49,000, plus a bonus of $100,000 in free software, to the first six PAGE members to implement the MIS solution.

"Our members rely on us to select reputable vendors that can offer value for the money and a genuine business benefit. And we take our responsibility to them very serious," comments Steve Schroeder, General Manager of PAGE Cooperative. "Technique-MIS is clearly a great fit for newspaper printers and we felt that its solutions could help our members cut costs, effectively manage inventory and schedule production operations more efficiently."

Since its inception in 1984, PAGE Cooperative has become the largest purchasing entity in the United States newspaper industry, accounting for more than $250m in annual sales. Its members produce a combined daily circulation of over 10m papers.

For Technique, the endorsement of its MIS by PAGE Cooperative represents a huge opportunity to show how newspaper printers can better control their costs and increase profitability.

Scott Marienthal, Sales Manager for Technique Inc. explains, "We are honored to be associated with PAGE. Newspaper printers face many challenges, having been hit hardest by the recession and recovering more slowly than the printing industry as a whole. Technique MIS is an effective way to buck the trend and get back to profitability faster."

Technique expects its Inventory Management module to be especially well received. Marienthal continues, "Paper accounts for 50% or more of a printer's operating costs and using our software, they can expect to reduce overall paper consumption by 3%. It doesn't sound like much, but for a $10m shop, that equates to a saving of $150,000 every year."

09/24/10

Xerox positioned in Leaders Quadrant of 2010 Managed Print Services Report

Xerox Corporation, a leader in business process and document management, has been placed by Gartner, Inc. in the Leaders Quadrant of the 2010 Magic Quadrant for Managed Print Services (MPS) Worldwide.

The Magic Quadrant is a proprietary research tool developed by Gartner that offers visual snapshots of a market's direction, maturity and participants, and evaluates companies on completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Xerox's ongoing investment to support and expand the range of MPS offerings is evidenced by its Enterprise Print Services (EPS). Xerox EPS goes beyond traditional MPS offerings as the first service to help gain control of documents being printed, shared and stored across the entire enterprise – whether in the office, by mobile and virtual workers or in the print center.

As the market leader in MPS, Xerox's client list includes global leaders like The Dow Chemical Company, Fiat Group, Ingersoll Rand, and Procter & Gamble. Xerox also extends its offering to small and mid-sized businesses via the company's global network of channel partners, who can build their own branded MPS program for clients with Xerox support and training.

"Xerox pioneered the MPS strategy and we continue to set the bar for strategy and execution," said Stephen Cronin, president, Xerox Global Document Outsourcing. "Our approach goes beyond simply managing print – it's a joint venture with the client to create opportunities that align with their present and future business goals."

For example, the newest addition to Xerox's MPS suite – mobile print – was a result of the Xerox and P&G Innovation Council, created to explore future work and technology trends and design solutions that that will benefit the P&G business. Mobile print allows employees to print directly from smart phones.

09/24/10

HP introduces industry's fastest production photo printer at Photokina 2010

Today at Photokina 2010, HP announced the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer series with HP Vivid Photo Inks, delivering high-quality output and the highest speeds of large-format printers in its price class.

Designed for photo labs, digital print shops, advertising agencies, design firms and commercial printers, the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer series delivers photo-quality prints with a resolution of 2,400 dots per image (dpi) and versatility for indoor applications from line drawings to photographic output to signage. It is also 50 percent faster than its predecessor, the HP Designjet Z6100 Printer, with speeds up to 1,500 square feet per hour.

The new HP Vivid Photo Inks offer improved scratch resistance, gloss levels and gloss uniformity and a wider color gamut with deeper blacks than previous HP inks. The printer's 8-ink printing system also features HP Chromatic Red ink, which enables up to 88 percent PANTONE coverage, and greater ink efficiency with the ability to print the same output using up to 44 percent less ink than preceding HP technologies.

"HP's next-generation printing technology allows our customers to quickly evolve their businesses with new product and service offerings that scale alongside their clients' changing needs," said Santiago Morera, vice president and general manager, Designjet Large-format Printing Solutions, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "To meet those needs, the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer is a true workhorse, delivering high speed and productivity on every application, including those that demand the best quality."

Imagic, a beta customer for the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer, is a leader in the design, production and installation of fleet and transit graphics with headquarters in Burbank, Calif. Using the new device, Imagic recently produced a high-visibility exhibition of 65 unpublished photographs of aviator Amelia Earhart. The photos, which were recently discovered by an archivist at Matson Navigation Co., were taken of Earhart during a two-week vacation to Hawaii in 1934, after which she became the first person to fly solo back to California, and during her last trip to Hawaii in March 1937.

"The HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer was the perfect choice for the production of the Amelia Earhart exhibit because it allowed us to produce high-quality, neutral black-and-white and sepia prints with an exceptional grayscale and high speeds," said Paul Elmi, owner, Imagic. "We were pleased with the noticeable increase in productivity provided by the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer as well as the increased control over ink limiting and saturation, which is extremely useful when producing backlit displays or prints with skin tones and shadows, like the Earhart project."

The black-and-white and sepia-toned exhibition of prints up to 60 x 80 inches is currently on display at the historic Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. In addition to the large-format canvas prints, Imagic also produced eight 30 x 40-inch boards on photo gloss paper to create a timeline of Earhart's accomplishments.

HP will showcase the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer series at Photokina 2010, in Cologne, Germany, Sept. 21 - 26 in the HP stand in Hall 4.1. HP will also demonstrate the new Large Format Photo Negative application produced on the HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer and tagged with ARTtrust. The Large Format Photo Negative media profile is now available for download to the HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer here.

The HP stand will feature the HP Designjet Z5200 PostScript Printer, a simple, affordable device for copy shops, quick-printing firms and other small commercial print businesses interested in entering the large-format market. Also on display will be the HP Designjet L25500 Printer, featuring HP Latex Printing Technologies and delivering unrivaled versatility for a variety of outdoor and indoor large-format applications.

09/23/10

The Print Council announces annual meeting will be held at Graph Expo

The Print Council announced that its annual membership and general information meeting will be held on October 5th from 11:30 to 12:30 PM in Room S 502A at McCormick Place in conjunction with Graph Expo. All supporters of The Print Council and interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Among the issues to be discussed and presented at this annual meeting are; the current financial status of the Council as well as current and future programs.

Among the programs that will be featured are:

The Print Delivers seminar series which, in its first year, has been presented in six cities to more than 700 media and marketing specifiers.

An update on the status of Print in the Mix, the print market research clearinghouse on the value of print managed by the Printing Industry Center at RIT, and entirely supported with a grant from The Print Council.

The Unisource $100,000 Challenge Grant to The Print Council. To date, the following companies have participated in the grant: NewPage, Hewlett Packard, Neenah Paper, PrintingforLess.com, MSP Digital Marketing LLC, Think Patented, CRW Graphics, PennLitho, Dome Printing, HBP Inc, Suttle-Straus Inc, Appleton Coated, Canvas Magazine, and AIPPM.

In addition, The Print Council will release its newest collateral, Yes Print! Each edition will highlight specific print-related topics with applicable research and case studies. Twelve topics will be covered, including Integrated Marketing; SMS; Measurement, ROI, and Accountability; Chain of Custody. Three flyers will be released during Graph Expo with additional flyers each quarter thereafter.

09/21/10

Kodak to unveil two newspaper plate systems at IFRA Expo

Newspaper print service providers can now reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance thanks to new chemistry for the KODAK VIOLETNEWS GOLD and THERMALNEWS GOLD Digital Plates from Kodak. The company will launch the KODAK 1090 Thermal Plate Developer, and KODAK 206 Violet Plate Developer and KODAK 206R Violet Plate Replenisher, at IFRA Expo 2010.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to discuss with Kodak experts the KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System and KODAK PROSPER S-Series Imprinting Systems, which are ideally suited for newspaper applications, in addition to other publishing and commercial applications. KODAK COLORFLOW Software with Ink Optimizing Solution and the KODAK NEWSMANAGER Workflow System will also be showcased.

The event is a major fixture in the newspaper and media calendar. This year's show takes place 4 – 6 October 2010 in Hamburg, Germany. Kodak can be found in Hall 4 - Stand 4.620

KODAK THERMALNEWS GOLD Plates deliver very low developer consumption compared with visible light newspaper technology systems (silver or photopolymer). With the launch of the KODAK 1090 Thermal Plate Developer system, Kodak has set the bar even higher. This developer delivers a minimum replenishment rate of 30 mL/m2 and processes up to 20 m2/litre of total chemistry volume (bath fill and top-up chemistry).

The combination of low replenishment rates and a bath life of up to 8 weeks – depending on processor and plate volumes – allow the KODAK 1090 Plate Developer and THERMALNEWS GOLD Plate combination to be exceptionally cost effective and reduce waste, subsequently lowering the impact on the environment.

And when this innovative plate system is coupled with Kodak's Thermal CTP Systems, users enjoy industry-leading process stability and consistency, high-resolution and accurate imaging, and easy process and developer control without needing to monitor developer activity (pH or conductivity). Plus, adapting hybrid or KODAK STACCATO Screening Technology (up to 36 micron) enables top-quality print jobs with fewer registration issues, as well as reduced ink usage on press.

The new KODAK 206 Developer and KODAK 206R Replenisher coupled with KODAK VIOLETNEWS GOLD Plates means printers can achieve comparable chemistry savings and in some cases better than the "simple process" violet options available today. This new developer system isn't reliant on high replenishment rates to maintain the pH balance, therefore users experience less processing variations and have a stable and consistent process platform.

Kodak will present its KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System through live discussions and success stories such as the Miller Malta and Rotocéans installations at the show. The VL4200 opens new opportunities such as timely remote publications and delivery with high-quality color pictures and advertisements; the capacity to profitably increase the number of titles available and provide a wider choice; content localization by cultural identity, postal code, or geographic area. The VL4200 allows you to capitalize on emerging market trends and open new revenue streams. With the KODAK PROSPER S-Series, Kodak will also be promoting its imprinting applications which provide the ability to add variable information on offset printed newspapers and magazines.

At IFRA Expo, the company is showcasing the COLORFLOW Software with Ink Optimizing Solution. It is the ideal solution for newspaper printers, as it reduces ink consumption while improving print quality through greater press stability. The COLORFLOW Software can be introduced virtually into any operation, providing printers with a complete color management solution.

The KODAK NEWSMANAGER Workflow System is a complete workflow management solution for newspaper production. The system automates and manages such tasks as page and plate manipulation, page pairing, proofing, annotation, job tracking, and plate making and centralizes the management of an entire print site, including both newspaper jobs, as well as any commercial work. New updates to the KODAK NEWSMANAGER Workflow System include improved distribution, which allows for management and transmission of multiple files and plans across multiple print sites. This is a key feature for national publications with more than one print site or where there are difficult geographies to overcome.

09/21/10

X-Rite ships new PrintCheck and PressOptimizer solutions

X-Rite, Incorporated leader in color management, measurement and communication technologies, has announced that its recently announced PrintCheck and PressOptimizer solutions are now available exclusively through X-Rite's worldwide network of sales partners.

Developed jointly with GMG, a developer and supplier of high-end color management and proofing solutions, the new line of X-Rite-branded automated print quality control and standardization solutions allow print buyers and pressroom operators to follow a job from contract to delivery, and ensure quality consistency and ISO standards compliance using the process control methodology of their choice (G7, PSO, Japan Color, etc.). The new solutions will be sold exclusively through X-Rite and its worldwide network of sales partners.

X-Rite's new PrintCheck and PressOptimizer solutions offer printers of all sizes an affordable and easy to implement path to standardization. The new solutions feature a very intuitive and simple to navigate wizard-driven interface, making it easy for users to streamline their workflow, reduce waste, decrease make-ready time and eliminate production errors, thereby increasing their profits. These solutions support all of X-Rite's prepress and printing instruments, and are available in four affordable, easy-to-use software packages:

PrintCheck Reader: targeted at print customers and print buyers, this is a free downloadable software that lets users easily import print quality data for further verification of the printing quality by enabling a streamlined communication throughout the printing supply chain. In addition to the ability to remotely "watch over" their print jobs, print buyers can also supply their key accounts with PrintCheck Reader software, for improved, open and seamless customer relations from contract to print.

PrintCheck Review: targeted at professional print buyers (brand owners, advertising agencies, publishing houses, packaging designers) who want to be able to check the quality of prints themselves, PrintCheck Review is designed to be used in combination with an i1Pro spectrophotometer. PrintCheck Review supports the international standards ISO 12647-2 and 12647-3 (G7, SWOP, PSO), Japan Color as well as individual in-house tolerance metrics.

PrintCheck is Designed to meet the quality-control needs of small to mid-size offset printing houses, PrintCheck is optimized to work with X-Rite's handheld spectrophotometers including 528, 530, SpectroEye and the EasyTrax and IntelliTrax scanning solutions. PrintCheck lets the printer know whether the press is operating within a defined standard.

Based on one single measuring procedure, the software supplies all the relevant information concerning any given print job including printing density and print contrast, tone value increase and spread, primary and secondary colors, gray balance, ink acceptance, and paper. PrintCheck also allows printers to compare various jobs, and run trends on job histories and press performance.

PressOptimizer: Ideal for mid size to large offset printing houses, PressOptimizer offers a very easy-to-use solution for effective process control and press standardization. PressOptimizer supports the ISO 12647-2, 12647-3 (G7, SWOP, PSO) and Japan Color international standards, as well as user-defined in-house tolerance metrics. Optimized to work with X-Rite's EasyTrax and IntelliTrax automated scanning systems, PressOptimizer can significantly increase print quality, even on older presses; it allows users to achieve the same colors on different presses, and lets them produce repeat jobs rapidly while cutting costs (by reducing paper waste and energy consumption). Thanks to a wizard-driven interface to guide them through the entire standardization and process control process, printers can easily determine the optimum printing density, analyze the gray balance, measure tone value increase and spread, check primary and secondary colors, generate CtP correction curves, control ink acceptance, determine the optimum print contrast, and measure control wedges for daily quality assurance with the PrintCheck portfolio.

"Whether you choose to print to international ISO Standards using industry specifications for process control like G7 or PSO, or if you're printing to your own set of tolerances -- PrintCheck and PressOptimizer can help simplify your workflow with intuitive, uncomplicated, and affordable software that's modular -- so you can choose only what you need," commented Felix Schmollgruber, Product Manager for X-Rite Solutions.

Another significant benefit for printers is the seamless integration with X-Rite Auto Scanning Solutions EasyTrax and IntelliTrax. Using these together with PrintCheck or PressOptimizer will give the pressman at-a-glance performance tracking and troubleshooting of the job on press, and with PressOptimizer, integrated ability to make key press calibrations quickly.

PrintCheck Review, PrintCheck and PressOptimizer will be offered as standalone software packages for existing owners of X-Rite instruments who wish to add the ability to track their print jobs, improve their reporting, and simplify their ability to print to ISO standards. All three software packages will also be offered as bundles with X-Rite award-winning i1 Solutions, color handheld densitometers and spectrophotometers, and auto scanning spectrophotometers. For more information on pricing, please contact your local X-Rite representative.

09/21/10

DG3 appoints John Tenwinkel to Vice President

Diversified Global Graphics Group (DG3), a worldwide leader in graphic and electronic communication solutions, announced today that it has appointed John Tenwinkel to the position of Vice President, Digital and Distribution Services for its North American business.

In his new role, John will lead DG3's fast-growing digital printing business, as well as its mailing and fulfillment operations. In addition, he will lead DG3's Green Team in maintaining the company's environmental leadership role and commitment to corporate social responsibility.

"John's appointment demonstrates DG3's continued commitment to delivering best-in-class digital and distribution services." said Thomas Saggiomo, President and Chief Executive Officer, DG3 Worldwide. "I am very proud that we have built a corporate culture that fosters talent and contributes to making DG3 a great place to learn and grow."

John graduated with distinction from New York University with an M.A. in Graphic Communications Management & Technology. In 2009, John appeared in Printing Impressions as one of the "Top 20 Under 40". In 2010, he was selected by NYU's Graphic Communications Management and Technology advisory board to receive the university's prestigious PRISM Alumni Award.

09/21/10

RIT publishes new book on modernist designer Alvin Lustig

People who judge a book by its cover would be impressed with the work of Alvin Lustig (1915-1955), who designed book jackets for notable works such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1945), D. H. Lawrence's The Man Who Died (1947), and Tennessee William's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955).

Authors Ned Drew and Paul Sternberger reflect on Lustig's fascinating life as a modernist designer in their new book, Purity of Aim: The Book Jacket Designs of Alvin Lustig, published by the Cary Graphic Arts Press at Rochester Institute of Technology.

According to Sternberger, associate professor of art history at Rutgers University-Newark: "Alvin Lustig lived design. The depth and breadth of his experimentation in book cover design is testimony to his desire to take design to new heights, to change not just the world of design, but the world itself."

Purity of Aim is the fourth book in the Cary Graphic Design Archive Chapbook Series-a colorful and well-researched representation of Lustig's book cover designs that were created primarily for New Directions Books and Noonday Press, among others.

The book also focuses on Lustig's artistry in creating bold graphic designs for book covers, enhanced by a lifelong collaboration with James Laughlin, founder and publisher of New Directions Books. In conjunction, the authors cite many passages from these letters of correspondence between Lustig and Laughlin from the early 1940s until Lustig's untimely death at age 40 in 1955.

Drew, who teaches at Rutgers University-Newark, says as a designer and educator, he was "amazed by how Alvin Lustig's work offers invaluable lessons about the past, while at the same time inspiring today's designer with concrete examples of rigorous and innovative problem-solving."

09/21/10

Postmaster General addresses need for fundamental change

Postmaster General John E. Potter in his annual state of the business address to the mailing industry today, stressed that long-term sustainability for the Postal Service will be achieved through fundamental change.

"The Postal Service must have the ability to manage its business, and to adapt quickly to the needs of our customers and the marketplace," said Potter. "And our business model must change to reflect the reality of a volatile economy and a communications marketplace that has been undergoing a transformation as profound as anything that has ever come before."

Despite cutting spending by $3 billion in 2010, the Postal Service continues to seek meaningful change for greater control over business decisions, including delivery frequency, pricing and products, public policy and workforce flexibility.

Potter's comments came during the National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day broadcast, an annual event that brings together mailers, industry partners and customers to recognize their contributions to the Postal Service and outline future plans and goals. PCCs are a network of community-based business mailers and representatives of the Postal Service, who meet regularly to share ideas and resources to create a closer working relationship.

In the midst of financial and regulatory challenges, the Postal Service achieved major milestones during fiscal year 2010, including:

- 17 percent reduction in work hours
- 20 percent increase in Total Factor Productivity
- The smallest career complement in 10 years - a reduction of 200,000 positions through attrition or retirement, 100,000 over the last three years.

The Postmaster General also looked forward, telling PCC members that new flat-rate products and a Priority Mail "Regional Rate Box" are being developed and will be available as of January 2011.

Other successful innovations in mail will return, including the Summer Sale, an expansion of the Saturation Mail Sale and a new incentive program included in the exigent price filing, "Reply Rides Free," that would allow mailers to use bill and statement mailings for advertising messages.

Potter stressed, even as the Postal Service focuses on new ways of doing business and changing its business model to address a constantly changing consumer and business environment, the Postal Service remains true to its mission of universal service.

"Service is still our priority, which we'll continue to improve as we work toward achieving long-term sustainability through fundamental change," he pledged.

09/17/10

Konica Minolta to sell offset printing plate business to Southern Lithoplate

Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. will sell its offset printing plate business, including subsidiary American Lithoplate, Inc., to Southern Lithoplate, Inc. The anticipated closing is scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2010. The decision to sell was based on the long term strategy of Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.

Kazuhiko Fukushima, President and CEO of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. said, "Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging has a long standing tradition and heritage in the prepress and printing supply business. We are honored by our loyal customer relationships over these many decades. We thank our customers for their belief and support which fueled our growth in the CTP and conventional plate business over the last three years.

We are very pleased to confirm Southern Lithoplate as our successor in the offset printing plate business. Southern Lithoplate has customer values very similar to ours which facilitated this sale. The continuity of customer supply, service and support is our primary objective during this transition process."

Edward A. "Trip" Casson, Chairman & CEO of Southern Lithoplate stated, "We are honored by the opportunity to support Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. in this transition. Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging and Southern Lithoplate have closely shared values for delivering the highest level of quality, response, guidance and support for our customers. These shared values were core to this transaction. Both companies are contacting customers and vendors alike to reassure them of our joint commitment to a smooth transition." Casson continued, "In addition to further positioning Southern Lithoplate as a premier & trusted supplier for the North American news and commercial print market, this will expand our growing commitment to our international markets including, but not limited to South America."

09/17/10

Pamco Label continues growth with HP Indigo WS6000 digital press purchase

Pamco Label Co. Inc., is based in Des Plaines, Ill., and has expanded its digital converting operations yesterday by purchasing an HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press during the Labelexpo Americas trade show.

The biennial trade show, held September 14-16 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., has proven to be an ideal selling event for HP Indigo, one of the top-selling label press brands in the converting industry. HP recorded several press sales – including two additional HP Indigo WS6000 deals announced this week – in the first two days of the show.

The new HP Indigo WS6000 will be Pamco's second HP Indigo digital press. The company bought an HP Indigo press ws4500 in 2007 to cost-effectively meet multiple-SKU demands from clients in the health and beauty, food and beverage, vitamin and neutraceutical, and general retail markets.

Pamco also discovered there is a great deal of interest in digital printing among private label manufacturers looking to improve their own manufacturing efficiencies and profit potential with short- and medium-run labels that enable them to offer a greater variety of branded products.

The installation of a new WS6000-model press will bring digital printing's inherent productivity, turn-around time and waste-reduction advantages to a greater portion of Pamco's work.

"Pamco's extraordinary growth over the last couple of years, coupled with the success we have had with our first Indigo press, were the driving factors for this expansion," said Danny Fishbein, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Pamco Label Co.

HP Indigo presses are the only digital label and packaging solutions that use true PANTONE-licensed spot-color inks or offer four-, six- and seven-color PANTONE-licensed spot color emulation, giving converters the ability to meet their customers' demanding brand color standards.

A high-volume device that can be more cost-effective than analog on up to 80 percent of label jobs converters produce, the HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press has become a preferred solution for streamlined production of labels and packaging. The press prints up to 98 feet per minute in four-color mode, and is compatible with a broad range of media – from thinner flexible packaging substrates, to label and shrink sleeve media, to folding carton material.

09/17/10

Aleyant Systems announces major upgrade to Pressero for same price

Aleyant Systems, is a leader in value-priced web-to-print solutions for the graphic communications industry, announces Pressero version 4, a major upgrade to its popular flagship product. Pressero is a turnkey, web-to-print solution that provides users with a powerful set of branded, online tools for placing and managing orders. The redesigned Pressero system uses a cloud-based XML open architecture, which provides customers and 3rd-party integrators with limitless birectional integration capabilities. The upgrade also features advanced search-engine optimization (SEO) to improve printers' online visibility. Additional product enhancements include new website skins for more design options, custom web addresses for customers' B2B storefronts, and full control over the website navigation menu for greater design flexibility.

The Pressero upgrade will be unveiled at Graph Expo, Aleyant booth #341, Oct 2-6, 2010, at Chicago's McCormick Place.

"Pressero is fast becoming the primary choice companies seeking an affordable web-to-print system. The latest upgrade provides customers with some of the most powerful features in our price class," comments Greg Salzman, President of Aleyant Systems. "Our high retention rate signals to us that the feature set delivers what our clients need to succeed with their web-to-print endeavors."

Commercial print shops, brokers, copy shops, and in-plants use Pressero to generate and manage shopping cart-based, private-branded corporate (B2B) and retail (B2C) storefronts. Whether catalog- or item-based, storefronts include custom or stock ordering, interactive pricing, estimating, file transfer, proofing, inventory tracking, shipping, payment, order approval, JDF, and MIS integration among other advanced workflow capabilities. Local languages, taxes, and currency are also supported.

Pressero is delivered in a hosted model at an affordable price of $995 for the basic system, with an ongoing maintenance fee of $295 per month. A basic implementation includes full use of the robust Pressero system and eDocBuilder, an easy-to-use, template-based, variable data application. eDocBuilder allows customers to quickly and easily customize, proof, and approve variable data documents directly from a web browser, and the system automatically sends an imposed, press-ready PDF file to the print service provider when the order is placed. This minimizes manual intervention and speeds variable data jobs to production. The intuitive interface allows fast order entry and a robust scripting language enables a variety of intelligent responses based on user input.

09/17/10

Roland DGA wins label industry global award for new innovation

Roland DGA Corp. has earned the 2010 Label Industry Global Award for New Innovation. The award was given this week at Label Expo Americas in Chicago and reflects the innovative technology behind Roland's VersaUV wide-format UV-LED inkjet printer/cutter line. The recognition builds on a growing list of accolades for VersaUV, including past DPI and EDP awards.

"We are honored by this recognition and proud to provide label and packaging professionals with the most innovative inkjet printer in the industry," said Rick Scrimger, vice president/general manager for Roland DGA Corp. "VersaUV's ability to print on virtually any substrate, including clear media using White ink, simulate spot varnish, embossing and other textured effects, as well as cut complex shapes without setting up a die, makes it the ideal printer for short-run labels and packaging prototypes."

Offered in 54" and 30" models, VersaUV transforms the production process for labeling and packaging businesses, going beyond traditional CMYK and White inks to produce layers of Clear Coat as well for striking textures and effects. Low-heat LED lamps are compatible with substrates ranging from synthetic paper, polyester film and paper to vinyl, banner media, PET, leather, plastic, polycarbonates and paper boards. The LEC is designed for ease of use and efficiency, is Energy Star certified and features an advanced ink circulation system to minimize time and costs. In addition to contour cutting, VersaUV perforates and creases graphics for a complete production solution all in one device. VersaWorks RIP software is included and features the Roland Texture Library with more than 70 textures that can be applied easily to graphics.

09/17/10

Experts to speak on industry M&A trends at Print CEO Forum

Industry experts Peter J. Schaefer and Jeff Riback, Partners of New Direction Partners, will be presenting at the second annual Print CEO Forum scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd, 2010, in Chicago.

"While the number of mergers and acquisitions in the printing industry spiked in the late 1990s, we are still seeing in the range of 50 deals annually in a contracting industry, and the number appears to be on the rise again," said Schaefer. "Certainly, the size of many of the deals has increased and there is more focus on specialty companies."

Mr. Schaefer will address the following topics during the session:

* Current Trends in Printing M&A - EBITDA multiples, tuck-ins, cashless mergers
* What Determines Value?
* Consolidation - Why It Is Attractive to Buyers
* What's Attractive (and What's Not) to Buyers

In addition, Mr. Riback will share his experiences in owning and running a printing company. He will present, from an owners perspective, the process for acquiring or selling a company and what you need to focus on to have a successful transaction, including:

* Strategy for the transaction
* Identifying target companies
* Conducting a preliminary review
* Valuation
* Negotiation
* Due diligence
* Financing
* Go or no go decision making

09/16/10

interlinkONE CEO to be Inducted into the Walter E. Soderstrom Honor Society

interlinkONE, Inc., provider of web-based marketing software solutions, announced today that CEO John Foley, Jr. will be inducted into the National Association for Printing Leadership’s (NAPL) Walter E. Soderstrom Honor Society on Saturday, October 2, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Chicago. The event will be held prior to the opening of Graph Expo 2010 which runs October 3 through October 6 at McCormick Center. Named for the late Walter E. Soderstrom, one of the founders of NAPL, the Soderstrom Honor Society recognizes the contributions of industry leaders, including printing company owners, equipment manufacturers, educators, journalists, and consultants.

“The Soderstrom Society gives us a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have made important contributions to our industry,” said Joseph P. Truncale, NAPL president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to recognizing this year’s inductees on October 2.”

John Foley, Jr. is the founder of interlinkONE, and presently serves as the CEO of the company. He is responsible for the corporate vision, strategic alliances, and technical leadership for interlinkONE. Foley is widely recognized for his visionary approach in designing web-based software applications that meet the changing needs of dynamic print, mail, fulfillment and marketing service provider organizations.

“I am very proud to be included among this year’s inductees into the impressive Soderstrom Society,” said Foley. “Remaining actively involved within the industry and dedicated to the evolution of technologies and solutions to better the way we do business has always been a high priority for me. To be recognized by my peers and colleagues for contributing to the growth and innovation of the printing industry is truly an honor.”

We salute you John Foley, Jr!

09/09/10

MindFireInc Exhibits at New Dscoop Asia Conference

MindFireInc, the leading provider of cross-media marketing technology, announced today its participation in the Dscoop Asia Conference being held in Seoul, Korea, September 7-8, 2010. MindFireInc is a Platinum Level sponsor of the conference; a networking and educational forum for the independent community HP Graphic Arts press owners. Dscoop Asia is the first Dscoop event to be held in Asia and will focus on how international print providers can improve profitability and customer satisfaction through the use of the latest trends in cross-media communications technologies.

MindFireInc has global presence with clients in 19 countries worldwide and is a leader in bringing personalized cross-media marketing technologies to the global marketplace. Dscoop and MindFireInc have a shared vision to provide value to members and clients and MinfireInc is proud to announce its Platinum Level support of the international event; the maximum level of sponsorship available.

According to Moe Farsheed, MindFireInc CEO, the company’s support of Dscoop Asia is the latest step in an ongoing dedication to helping industry professionals around the world make the most of cross-media marketing opportunities and strategies. “Our main objective is to help our partners succeed and grow in the marketplace. HP and Dscoop have continuously demonstrated a similar commitment. For these reasons, we are proud to have been a founding partner of Dscoop North America six years ago and to join Dscoop Asia as a Platinum Partner today.”

09/09/10

KBA Technology Drives Record CRP Expansion

Europe’s leading independent print and packaging group, CRP Print & Packaging, has become the latest sector-leading operation to choose KBA RAPIDA print production technology to define its future success.

The six-color Large Format RAPIDA 162a with two coating units, UV dryer and extended delivery will be KBA (UK)’s biggest sheet fed press installation for several years and reflects the strength of CRP’s position within the buoyant packaging and display sectors.

One of the performance innovations that helped sway the decision to the RAPIDA was KBA’sunique VariDryBLUE system of IR/hot air dryers. Launched at Ipex, VariDryBLUE was specifically engineered to dry high-gloss coatings to a superior quality while reducing power consumption by as much as 50% – even at high production speeds.

CRP Sales and Marketing Director, Dev Brahmachari, explains: “Brands are in constant competition for retailer and consumer attention. Print is not just visual, it is also tactile, and the quality of the medium impacts on the message in the same way that body language influences conversation. Our experience and expertise means we can help brand owners make the right decisions about their print and packaging while the performance and integrity innovations of the RAPIDA will allow us to offer the ultimate in print quality in an ecologically responsible way. This latest investment demonstrates CRP’s commitment to offering leading brand owners a meaningful and exciting alternative to the conventional packaging groups.”

09/09/10

InfoTrends Releases Western Europe Production Printing and Copying Market Forecast

InfoTrends has announced the release of its annual Western Europe Production Printing & Copying Market Forecast. This document provides a forecast for single-function and multi-function devices for the Western Europe production printing and copying market between 2009 and 2014.

While the overall market has experienced declines, InfoTrends expects the color market to level out by 2013 at which point it will gain stability. Some of the declines of the black & white market can be attributed to a shift of black & white pages being printed on color devices. Nevertheless, some of the higher volume black & white segments will experience growth in placements and impressions.

Ralf Schlozer, a Director at InfoTrends, stated, “This market has taken a particularly hard hit in recent years, however, we do see some stabilization returning over the forecast period with better times ahead. Improvements in technology will encourage market growth, as evidenced by the shift that is occurring toward the use of high-speed continuous-feed color inkjet devices.”

09/09/10

Prisco Exhibits Sustainable Innovations at Graph Expo 2010

Prisco Printers’ Service is pleased to announce that printers can see complete solutions to reduce their environmental impact and the introduction of innovative new options for the recycling of fountain solutions and solvents at Graph Expo 2010, October 3 - 6, 2010, in Chicago.

Prisco has been the leader in providing affordable products and systems that have minimized the impact on the environment since the introduction of the first commercially successful alcohol-free fountain concentrates almost 35 years ago. Prisco innovations are always designed to provide the most cost effective, productive and practical answers for print production. Our “Go Green with Prisco” initiative encompasses all of Prisco’s sustainable technologies and over 100 years of Prisco pressroom expertise.

-REDUCE FOUNTAIN SOLUTION WASTE AND IMPROVE QUALITY
-REDUCE WATER CONSUMPTION
-REDUCE SOLVENT PURCHASES
-LOWER VOC LEVELS

All of these benefits are achieved while reducing their overall negative impact on the environment.

09/09/10

Two Washington institutions join forces to become major communications provider

Hagerstown, Maryland - HBP, Inc., a Maryland based communications and print provider announced that they have acquired Balmar Printing. Balmar will be a wholly owned subsidiary of HBP, Inc.

HBP, in business for over 100 years, provides communication tools through a wide array of integrated technology solutions, printing services and customized fulfillment operations. Balmar brings its 50 years of complimentary services, solutions and exemplary team to HBP. Both organizations realize customers need a wide variety of solutions and services.

John Snyder, President of HBP said "As the requirements of the marketplace evolve and change, our industry must continue to reinvent and reposition itself, you have to be nimble and ready to react swiftly. Both HBP and Balmar recognize that customers need completely customized and integrated solutions to help increase ROI, streamline processes and manage their data. Together, we are ready to support them."

HBP and Balmar's combined resources will help reinforce and manage their customer's brands through a robust product and service offering. This union will be one of the largest independently owned printers in the mid-Atlantic area.

09/08/10

BCT expands offset and digital print capabilities

Fort Lauderdale, FL - BCT, the largest wholesale only printer in North America, has added digital and offset print capabilities to its existing facilities in many major markets throughout the U.S. and Canada.

"Prior to this expansion BCT already had offset four-color capabilities in 25 major markets throughout the US and Canada, making our wholesale four-color footprint among the largest in North America" according to Peter Posk, President of BCT.

"Most recently BCT Houston has added a Sakurai six tower press with in-line aqueous coating. They have also added a Canon imagePRESS C7000," stated Ben Fretti, the company's Sr. Vice President.

In addition to their existing four-color offset capabilities, plants in Akron, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Dallas, Mobile, Indianapolis, Denver, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Columbia and Pittsburgh have all added digital full color using Canon imagePRESSES and Xerox high speed digital production printers.

Plants in DesMoines, Tempe, Chicago and San Antonio have all added ½ sheet presses and Canon or Xerox digital capabilities, to their existing four color offset capabilities.

09/08/10

Komori America Corporation partners with Diversified Graphic Machinery

Rolling Meadows, IL, - Komori America Corporation, a manufacturer of sheetfed and web offset printing presses, announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Diversified Graphic Machinery, a manufacturer of advanced technology and a provider of high-end packaging solutions for the printing industry.

The partnership will allow Komori customers operating Lithrone presses to benefit from a complete, streamlined solution for either entering into the packaging industry or expanding existing capabilities on packaging applications.

Integrating Diversified Graphic Machinery's advanced Cold Foil and Cast and Cure technology with the advanced technology of Komori's Lithrone line of presses will provide a wide range of possibilities for business profitability in the growing packaging industry. Utilizing environmentally-friendly UV Cast and Cure and Cold Foil technology, print providers can cost-effectively create eye-catching holographic effects on packages to achieve a higher visual impact.

"We are excited about the opportunities this agreement creates for our customers," said Paul Peyrebrune, vice president of sales for Komori's Western Region. "Diversified Graphic Machinery's technology is an excellent complement to our presses and sustainability initiatives. The company's innovative systems are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way for our customers to excel in the lucrative packaging market."

09/08/10

Canon Announces Oce’ Wide Format Printing Systems as a New Dealer for Award-Winning Large Format Printers

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, and has announced that the Océ North America Wide Format Printing Systems division has been named as a dealer of its award-winning imagePROGRAF large format printers. As an authorized Canon dealer, Océ Wide Format Printing Systems will begin offering Canon’s lineup of imagePROGRAF large format printers and supplies, including the five-color Technical Documents and General Use Series and eight-color imagePROGRAF iPF8000S/ iPF9000S models.

Later this year, Océ Wide Format Printing Systems will add the 12-color imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300, which have been recognized by BERTL, Inc. with their “BEST” designation as part of the industry analyst firm’s 15th Annual Awards.

Océ can offer its customers high-quality printers with a low acquisition cost printing applications in addition to our highly productive multifunction monochrome and color systems for more demanding applications.”

09/08/10

KBA Invites Graph Expo Attendees to Discuss Latest Technological Advancements in Printing Presses

KBA North America, a global press manufacturer based in Dallas, Texas, will be exhibiting at Graph Expo 2010 this fall with the largest booth of all printing press manufacturers and presenting profitable solutions with its full-line of presses for the commercial, packaging, newspaper, and specialty markets along with its wide array of unique printing techniques and substrates.

Graph Expo 2010 will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place South from Oct. 3-6, 2010. KBA North America will be exhibiting in Booth #1255.

“We are proud to maintain our long-time support of the graphic arts industry and show KBA’s continual financial and technical strength to the North American market with our complete line of presses and print solutions,” says Mark Hischar, president and CEO of KBA North America. “We invite attendees to join us to discuss their press needs with our knowledgeable sales and application staff, and examine our outstanding samples of printing techniques and substrates produced on our high-quality press line.”

09/08/10

R Booth ups digital capacity with Xerox 700

Cornwall, Penryn-based commercial printer R Booth has invested in a Xerox 700 press in order to meet customer demand.

The machine, which was supplied by Xerox reseller Portrayal, is already printing short-run books, business/greetings cards and marketing collateral for estate agents. The company also works closely with the University College of Falmouth.

"We're primarily litho but we know there's a growing market for digital," said reprographic manager Neil Richards. "In recent years, the demand for short-run digital printing has vastly increased. As a result, we looked to replace existing digital equipment with a machine that was robust enough to handle growing digital print volumes."

The production press replaces the 21-staff company's Toshiba machines and joins a five-colour Komori at the printer.

09/07/10

Komori is hosting its Technology 2010 Open House at its Utrecht European headquarters in November

The Japanese press manufacturer will showcase the likes of the new five-colour B2 Enthrone 29, the Lithrone SX640 and the Lithrone S840P with its H-UV drying system alongside equipment from a range of partners including Kodak, Horizon and PrintVis MIS.

The S840P was on show at Ipex turning out copies of the PrintWeek IpexDaily newspaper and the same model will be the centerpiece of its workflow demonstrations at the event which runs from 9 to 11 November.

European marketing manager Philip Dunn said: "At Ipex our H-UV system was the highlight of the Komori stand, delivering finishing-ready perfected sheets. For our November event ... we're running jobs on material notorious for its difficult drying, so that we really can prove the production and environmental benefits of the new drying system. These demonstrations ... will utilize Kodak's new Trillian plate."

Other partners at the event include Toyo Ink, Van Son Ink, Baldwin drying systems, technotrans control systems and UPM paper.

09/07/10

Prism Demonstrates Mobile Management Information System for Label Printers at Labelexpo

Label printing jobs are becoming shorter and more complex. To manage these, senior mangement requires quick print management system access to real time, mobile management information via smart phones, Internet browsers, and VPNs to company networks. At Labelexpo Americas, from September 14-16 in Chicago, IL, at booth 6013, Prism will demonstrate its enabling technology, mobileMIS, which offers Key Performance Indicator dashboards, quotations, warehouse management, machine, jobs and performance monitoring from mobile phones and browsers.

This technology is an extension of Prism's management information system, Prism WIN, its MIS/ERP software suite tailored for the requirements of label printers, along with Prism QTMS, a lean production management system with machine monitoring modules, custom-developed sensors and plant-wide WIP tracking that automatically record and collate shop-floor information and statistics.

Prism mobileMIS is browser enabled and easy to use. There is no client software needed.

09/07/10

SGP and Canopy Alliance

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) and Canopy (formerly Markets Initiative) have formed an alliance to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

A free webinar on September 8,2010 entitled “Endangered Forests and the Lacey Act - What Printers Can Do to Minimize Risk.” SGP and Canopy will discuss the critical role printers have in protecting endangered forest lands and see what one printer has done to influence others. Other topics include the SGP- Canopy Alliance, the current state of global forest and paper issues, resources for finding eco-paper and forest conservation issues, the Lacey Act and its requirements, and the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement.

Canopy is an independent, non-profit organization that works to protect the world’s forests, species and climate by collaboratively engaging the business community and public to create a sustainable and innovative supply chain. Canopy is now working with printers throughout North America and having a policy with Canopy fulfills the ‘sustainability policy’ and exceeds the ‘responsible materials sourcing’ components of SGP’s Certification Criteria.

“Canopy is pleased to have formed this alliance with SGP because we provide the framework for leading paper purchasing policies that support endangered forest conservation and the development of the most environmentally friendly paper. We are happy to support printers throughout North America in implementing this vision,” stated Neva Murtha, 2nd Harvest/Printer/Magazine Campaigner for Canopy.

09/07/10

Neenah Paper Classic Columns Papers Are Now Entirely FSC Certified!

Neenah Paper adds another one of its premium brands to its FSC Certified papers portfolio. The complete selection of CLASSIC COLUMNS Papers, in all colors and finishes, are now FSC Certified. This is a brand known for its bold colors and unique textures: the traditional soft, watermarked linear finish and the embossed XL patterned with wider, more defined lines. It is an extraordinary communication medium that provides both visual and tactile appeal.

FSC Certified Papers ensures that papers meet the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) standards for responsible forest management and responsible use of forest resources. Along with being completely FSC Certified, CLASSIC COLUMNS Writing, Text, and Cover are made Carbon Neutral Plus, with CO2 emissions offset through retirement of CCX Carbon Financial Instruments and sequestration from Neenah’s rainforest reforestation project in Costa Rica. The color palette consists of 19 colors and 12 appealing duplex color combinations. The selection includes 13 recycled options that are Green Seal™ Certified, manufactured with a minimum of 30 percent post consumer fiber, two of which are 100 percent post consumer fiber.

All Neenah Paper Writing and Text weights are laser and inkjet guaranteed, and several colors are available with the Neenah Digital universal digital finish in digital sizes.

“CLASSIC COLUMNS has long been a favorite for both designers and printers, it can elevate the simplest design,” says Kathy Kemps, brand manager for Neenah Paper. “Now that all items are FSC certified, we’re giving our customers both a beautiful and responsible choice.”

09/07/10

Print Quest buys Star Proof to showcase Kodak plate-setter

Flexographic plate-making specialist Print Quest buys a Star Proof and Epson proofing system to showcase the quality of its Kodak NX plate-setter and its ability to hold a 0.4% dot on the plate.

Managing director David Jarvis said: "Our previous digital proofing solution had difficulties in replicating this level of quality and it didn't actually show the dot pattern, so we began investigating the proofing alternatives.

"In flexo, dot proofing is so important. Before committing to plate, the customer needs to see what the tonal effect will be as it has a major impact on the finished product. We needed to improve the quality of our proof offering. Matching colour on a proof nowadays should be a given, but we wanted to push the boundaries in terms of quality."

The system enables the company to easily produce proofs on paper, film, and metallic substrates as well as producing white ink. Improved proofing has brought in new customers and reduces rejections.

09/03/10

Georgia State University reaches football fans through print marketing materials

With football season on the horizon, Georgia State University is hoping to boost attendance with a marketing campaign involving print materials, reports Atlanta Business Journals.

The initiative extends across direct mail, billboards, social media, newspaper and radio ads. In particular, GSU is targeting alumni with print materials, which could include postcards and color brochures.

While GSU is using print materials to promote its sports teams, other colleges use items such as color brochures ad booklets to boost enrollment. A recent article from DMNews suggests that 16- to 18-year-olds are more receptive of print mail than other age groups, which allows universities to reach them more effectively.

09/03/10

Print marketing expected to hit $25 billion worldwide by 2015

Unlike other marketing channels, print materials, such as color brochures and postcards are tangible, lending further credibility to businesses that make use of them.

According to GIA, Global Industry Analysts, worldwide expenditures on print marketing are expected to grow, reaching a staggering $25 billion by 2015. This is largely due to unrivalled levels of personalization and focused targeting benefits.”

Consumers treat print materials with greater respect than digital marketing channels, enabling advertisers to deliver more personal and influential messages that consumers will hold on to.

If you want to stand out amongst the crowd creative packaging helps to separate you from the rest. As a result, demand is also rising for concept development services, which GIA expects to reach $201 million by 2012.

GIA's report echoes similar findings from Magna Global. The research firm expects direct mail to account for nearly $20 billion in global ad spend by the end of 2010, establishing it as the top direct marketing channel.

09/03/10

Here’s Johnny…Johnny Rockets Targets Customers with Print Marketing

National restaurant chain Johnny Rockets recent mailed coupon booklets to local consumers. The print marketing encouraged many consumers to visit their local restaurant.

The campaign was initially launched in 11 test markets throughout the nation, though 52 locations now use the discounts. Nearly one-quarter of recipients (24.5 percent) responded to the coupons, significantly more than the 3 percent redemption rate the chain's coupons normally receive.

Print materials were sent to consumers within walking distance of Johnny Rocket locations. The most popular promotion was the "buy one, get one free" coupon for the restaurant's signature hamburgers. Nearly half of respondents (44 percent) redeemed this coupon.

According to Johnny Rockets' director of field marketing, Lisa Bass, the coupon booklet campaign enabled participating restaurants to generate more exposure. "...we are able to effectively target a key group of people at the right time and place, while growing our presence in the community," she said.

Meanwhile, several other businesses are turning to coupons to bolster customer activity, reports Business Week. Marketing analyst Gordon Borrell attributes this "growing phenomenon" to the fact that coupon programs are easily tracked.

09/03/10

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

Komori Set to Debut New Innovative Pieces this October

Komori America Corporation, a first class producer of both sheetfed and web offset printing presses, is planning on showcasing two brand new developments they have been working hard on and they plan on revealing them at an open house on Saturday, October 2 at the Rolling Meadows facility. Marking an importance, October 2nd has importance due to it being the U.S. premiere of Komori's new KwikDri UV drying system and the Enthrone 29, a new half-size press. The open house event is set to begin at 4:00 pm and Komori America will be providing spectators with transportation to and from their hotels in Chicago to their facility in Rolling Meadows and even more for the lucky Komori guests! They will also be treated to dinner and live entertainment.

Sheetfed product manager for Komori America Corporation, Mr. Doug Schardt , says that "The KwikDri UV drying technology was first shown at IPEX 2010 and is an ideal drying system for two-sided printing-delivering mark-free, bindery ready sheets," said, "The Enthrone 29 is an economical half-size press that is perfect for short-run work because of its fast make-ready and outstanding print quality. Demonstrations of the presses will focus on press efficiency, reduced waste, and will highlight how Komori America's presses can get to stable color in just 20 sheets."

"Many of our customers will already be in Chicago at this time to attend Graph Expo. This event will give us an opportunity to showcase our latest developments and spend enjoyable time with our customers in the process," said Susan Baines, director of marketing for Komori America Corporation.

07/28/10

Xitron Unveils New Interface for Heidelberg Prosetter

Xitron, the industry's leading independent prepress developer for image processing, management, and workflow software announced earlier today that they are excited to bring forth the release of an interface to drive the Heidelberg Prosetter family.

From what we already know about Xitron's successful USB interface design, the new prosetter interface will support the P52, P74 and P102 models, providing the option of using both the single cassette loader and multi cassette loader. The interface is available for Xitron's entire family of image processors and workflow solutions.

Xitron's President and CEO, Mark Eisenschenk, comments saying, "For 33 years, Xitron has specialized in providing prepress solutions driving a wide array of output devices," stated. "Our dealers and end-user customers expressed strong interest in an interface for the popular Heidelberg Prosetter and we are pleased to announce this exciting development."

07/20/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graphicolor Printing Adopts Heildelberg’s Suprasetter A52

Graphicolor Printing, Inc. made an updated decision to obtain and use Heildelberg’s Suprasetter A52 CtP unit which would then replace the company’s current standard thermal platesetter . For nine years, Graphicolor Printing has been professionally serving mostly local clients which include nonprofit organizations, local schools, and freelance designers.

According to Graphicolor’s President, Mike Huebner, the company is notable from its shared advancement in customer service, not to mention its strong dependency on Heidelberg as their highly treasured business partner and company supplier.

“Heidelberg equipment absolutely does what Heidelberg says it will do,” says Mike Huebner, adding that “our old platesetter ran too slowly, diminishing our plate production capability.”

The newly upgraded piece of machinery, the Suprasetter A52, runs much cleaner and much cooler. It utilizes less electricity in comparison to the old platesetter, and due to an optional Automatic Top Loader that decreases physical labor while preparing plates, the unit can run unattended. Most certainly a proud moment for Graphicolor when Huebner issued a statement saying “Our print quality has improved. We now print at 200-line screen, up from the 175 lpi we achieved with our older equipment.”

This new machine does not even need a complete programming in order to sync with the rest of the company’s prepress workflow, because due to its smooth transitioning, the Suprasetter A52 has full compatibility with the older machinery.

04/27/10

Mutoh America Appoints Chris Prince as new Marketing Coordinator

Mutoh America Inc. , located in Phoenix Arizona, is proud to announce Chris Prince as Mutoh America’s new Marketing Coordinator. In a prepared statement, Chris Prince said,

“I am very excited to be joining the team here at Mutoh America. I want to thank everybody for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to a great future here at Mutoh America Inc."

Prior to his employment with Mutoh America, Chris worked as the Sales and Marketing Assistant at Moving Pictures film distribution, and also Moving Pictures Magazine. Chris gained plenty of experience in marketing with a strong focus on the entertainment industry, which, for his Marketing Coordinator role, will result in a leveled evolution.

Earlier before his work in the field of entertainment Chris had scooped up some experience in the Hospitality Industry. He was employed as the Banquet Manager at the Hilton Hotel located right next to the Los Angeles Airport; his responsibilities including throwing large high-end events like weddings and corporate meetings.

Chris graduated in May 2007 with a degree in Hospitality Management from Northern Arizona University.

Chris Prince’s responsibilities for his employment with Mutoh America Inc. will involve planning out future trade show events while providing assistance in marketing and promotion to Mutoh America's website. Chris will also oversee the delivery of professional company-issued press releases and aide the sales department by gathering sales leads.

All those job duties are in addition to personally responding to all customer concerns and customer support calls that have any relation to Mutoh America's products. Chris Prince will carry out these duties given to him for his employment under the guidance of the Director of Marketing Hiro Futsukaichi and Assistant Marketing Manager Crystal Baus.

04/27/10

Newpage Corp. and Spicers Paper Strike Agreement

Both NewPage Corporation and Spicers Paper made announcements today declaring that they have come to a mutual agreement in which NewPage Corp. will be supplying Spicers Paper with an exclusive line of coated paper named Discovery. Discovery is a well-known Paper brand used for Spicers that stands as the core of the company's exclusive assortment of coated paper products known as the Advantage Grade. Discovery, supplied by NewPage, proposes the option to enhance the value for customers who will be benefiting from a locally made product that can be found almost anywhere.

. The President of Spicers Paper, Charlie Whitaker, comments by saying,

"Spicers Paper is excited to partner with a leading United States fine paper manufacturer such as NewPage. The future of our coveted Discovery brand, a key component of our Advantage Grade portfolio of coated products, is in very capable hands. This change represents an enhanced value proposition to our customers on many fronts including Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification and a long-term sustainable source of supply for Discovery."

"We are very pleased to be teaming up with Spicers Paper to supply a domestically-produced and environmentally sound product to the print community," says Barry Nelson, the Senior Vice President of sales for NewPage corp. "Print will continue to play a vital role in our economy, and our relationship with Spicers Paper will help us achieve our growth objectives in the sheet segment while providing Spicers a continuing source of supply for this brand. We are excited about this opportunity to serve the North American paper market from North American paper mills."

The new accord that has been stricken between NewPage Corporation and Spicers Paper is underway and small moves are in the works towards paper line, the Discovery, to distribute it into Spicers Paper routing stops that run across the United States.

04/27/10

Shiraz Software Launches New Server Package for New HP Line

Well Known RIP manufacturer Shiraz Software has done some updating on its Server package to form compatibility with HP's Designjet L65500 and L25500 printers.

The founders of Shiraz programmed the software to work with this new ink type in particular as well as with the Print machinery from HP. This server packaging contains complete support for HP's media profiles and precise accuracy in color calibration, which is the antidote to latex technologies. For users who already own Shiraz RIP Server v6.6 or later, this new package is available as an upgrade which is compatible with the Windows 7 system and for Apple computers, the latest version of Mac OS X.

During a thorough judging and test examination, the new software was awarded positive scores in all categories of HP's Designjet RIP certification method, which is performed to guarantee stability testing areas such as printing performance, ink consumption vitality for numerous and large sized jobs, proper calibration. When tested in each individual category, Shiraz attained the highest scores possible.

Business development director for Shiraz Software, Ramin Shahbazi claims that "Existing users will benefit from this offering in being able to add HP's latex printing technologies to their equipment line-up straightaway,"

"For potential investors in this line of printers, the combination of a specific formulation for this new ink type and Shiraz's existing strengths – such as ease of use, streamlined workflow and support for the most recent Macintosh, Linux and Windows platforms – will prove an unmissable opportunity to get the most out of their RIP and hardware combination."

04/22/10

Greenleaf Book Group Spreading the Green Love

When it comes to providing the main materials used in industries like construction and Print, we really need to value the importance of trees and how much they provide and help us in our everyday lives. With the National Arbor Day around the corner, Greenleaf Book Group is in full effect educating businesses about what an impact they have on the environment and how going Green is the best thing for it.

With large amounts of trees being removed and the tree population rapidly decreasing every day, consumers are slowly begining to become aware of how much deforestation actually impacts us every day and are now making purchases depending on a corporation’s vow to go green and protect the environment.

Greenleaf Book Group adopted an agreement to balance out tree consumption by sponsoring the Tree Neutral initiative, which plants a tree every time one is torn down and used for paper. From the commencement of this agreement in 2007, over 14,000 trees have been planted as replacements as agreed upon through the partnership between Greenleaf and Tree Neutral. To take the program to greater heights the company's mass usage of paper in their offices will also be balanced with the planting of replacement trees.

04/22/10

Eforms from Xerox Take the Hassle Out of Manual Work Forms

Ever find filling out business paperwork to be a long and tedious process? Now with the help of Xerox we can eliminate manual work forms! Xerox Corporation's eForms software plans to take all those hard copied forms and replace them with digital ones. With the creation of digital files, companies that switch to eForms as part of the Platform called DocuShare Enterprise Content Management, can now safely obtain, review and organize information at a far more rapid pace than we ever have before.

Vice President of Xerox Corporation’s DocuShare Business Unit, David Smith states that

"Manually filling out, routing and filing hard copy forms are a drain on productivity, not to mention time-intensive and costly," He also adds that, "eForms are easier to use, yield greater data accuracy, and are more cost effective, allowing employees to focus less on administrative tasks and more on revenue generating projects."

The eForms can be stored on websites both secured and internal, or accessible to the public. Once you fill out and send the digital eForm, the information that is documented is then stored with DocuShare in formats such as PDF and XML.

04/22/10

New Estimating Software Announced by Company Estimator

With Offset and Wide-Format Printing showing growth in popularity, Estimator Corp, a top distributer of estimating and entry-work print managing software, is uniquely assembled to meet the market's demands as they are attuned with Windows XP and Mac.

Estimator, with its one-of-a-kind aspects, brings convenience to your finger tips by providing the quickest, simplest single-screen error free print-estimating possible with setup and programming done in each clients own facility.

Estimator also presents Printers with a stand-by solution, delivering nineteen reports which include e-mail-able Quote, Order Confirmation, Job-Ticket, Stock & Services PO, Shipping Labels, Invoice and Job Scheduling & Tracking Reports and many more all in an error-free, single screen environment.

04/21/10

Mimeo to Open Print Production Platform for 3rd Party

Mimeo, a leader in online printing, has brought forth its plan to unveil a platform for print production that will be available to third parties. This new move made by Mimeo opens doors and possibilities for partners to influence Mimeo’s market leading front-end applications, production routine, printing and its availability for distribution.

After nearly two years worth of investments on the development of applications and its cloud-based communication, it is the reasoning behind Mimeo’s platform plan that makes it so strong. As a third party partner, one can now take up any part of the Mimeo web to print platform as if one owned it to begin with, having full freedom to do as one pleases.

The platform’s blueprint is designed in layers, in order to support different components: online applications, partner websites, enterprise integrations, and production services. A team assembled for business solutions has been placed to work with companies that are eager to utilize this new software technology and print resources. In the following weeks ahead, Mimeo will announce its first platform partners.

04/21/10

Manroland provides supporting Program for IPEX

Manroland, playing the role of supporting program for IPEX, is now offering new wave Technology discussion panels on a variety of different topics and is being held at the Print Technology Center. These discussion panels are designed to tie in with the focus on wise solution finds for printers worldwide.

The first chat forum is scheduled to be held one day prior to the opening of IPEX which is on the 17th of May. Manroland will demonstrate the different ways to boost your productivity and profit margins. A new development promised to be something quite extraordinary is planned for unveiling when Manroland demonstrates and discusses the practice of making standard prints into ravishing pieces. Using a cold foil technique, you can conjure numerous print products. Manroland knows no limits, from all sides of the size spectrum, whether it is large or small, Manroland has defined and displayed the technology and the resolution for all formats and every substrate.

On 20 May, Manroland is set to perform a forum about printing lightweight paper. On the 21st of May, forum is set for large-format printing with a special worldwide premiere of a giant sized format perfecting press. Many more forums and demonstrations have been set during this whole event with the ending day being the 26th of May; all attendees are predicted to have a wonderful time.

04/21/10

Printing Through Google Cloud

Internet super-power Google has issued plans to enable print through the Cloud using Google’s Chrome OS version. Printing is and always will be considered a task that remains dependent on print drivers, direct connections, or even targeted local network configurations.

“Developing and maintaining print subsystems for every combination of hardware and operating system– from desktops to netbooks to mobile devices — simply isn’t feasible.” Chrome OS developers have all said adding that, “Our goal is to build a printing experience that enables any app (web, desktop, or mobile) on any device to print to any printer anywhere in the world.”

Programs go ahead and submit their print jobs to this service from the standard web-based print dialog offered by the service. Google Cloud Print then steps in, transfers the printing job to the designated printer that the program user had originally signed up to the service with. Its truly amazing to see how far technology has taken us in print especially with a new class of cloud-aware printers connects directly to the service and offers the best user experience.

04/21/10

New Xerox Wide Format device offers high-speed precision printing

Rochester, N.Y. – During the printing process it's vital that accuracy doesn't come at the cost of extra time. Enter the new Xerox Wide Format 6622! It delivers crisp, precise detail printing at very rapid speeds.

The wide format black-and-white digital printer, copier and scanner is perfect for engineering, construction and architecture firms where technical drawings need to be readily available and duplicated quickly. For example, government offices can use the 6622 Solution to print surveying blueprints and construction plans, giving home owners and contractors fast access to vital information.

The Xerox Wide Format 6622 Solution prints 22 D/A1 (24" x 36") prints-per-minute and offers crisp 600 x 1800 dpi printing and 600 x 600 dpi scanning options. An on-board color scanner can repair copies of worn originals – automatic background suppression makes fingerprints and lines less noticeable and old documents readable again. Scans can be viewed on the color touch screen UI before being printed, which helps to confirm quality, avoid errors and save paper.

The 6622 device is powered by Xerox's FreeFlow Accxes Print Server and can easily be included into existing workflow patterns. FreeFlow Accxes offers color calibration with other network printers, enhanced management of the print queues to easily duplicate previous jobs and the power to effortlessly scan documents to a mailbox on the print server, network FTP location or remote network printer.

The FreeFlow Accxes Print Server unifies the print server software across the entire Xerox wide format monochrome portfolio, allowing customers to have a seamless workflow.

The Xerox Wide Format 6622 Solution adds to the company's robust line of wide format printers designed for technical printing, which includes the Xerox Wide Format 6604/6605 Solution and the Xerox 6279 Wide Format device.

04/14/10

Burnishine Products revives Aqua Blue

Lake Villa, Illinois - Burnishine Products revealed today that Aqua Blue plate cleaner is now available from graphic arts retailers worldwide. Commenting the new availability of the product, Burnishine Products President Roger Giza commented:

"The previous owner of Burnishine Products discontinued Aqua Blue, but consistent demand from printers has prompted us to return the product to the marketplace. Aqua Blue is an acidic cleaner, conditioner, and scratch remover for use on most aqueous metal plates such as those made by Fuji, Agfa, Lastra, and Kodak. Aqua Blue has an established reputation for extending the life of plates, and it may be applied to plates already on the press, in mid-run. Aqua Blue removes ink, scum, minor scratches, gum, and oxidation. It makes plates more receptive to ink and desensitizes plates for longer, higher quality runs, while producing sharper images."

Since 1887, Burnishine Products has manufactured a broad line of pressroom chemical products, including plate chemicals, blanket and roller cleaners, fountain solutions, and a line of related cleaning products. All Burnishine products are manufactured in the United States.

04/14/10

Polestar: Automation Plant Project Announced

Polestar is in works to computerize all their work-in-progress and completed material movement within their plant in Sheffield, stemming from the speculation of ten lasers guiding technologically advanced Automated Guided Vehicles otherwise known as AGV.

This recent venture backs Polestar's dedication towards state of the art technology as Polestar’s Managing Director Gravure, Andy Reynoldson explains:

"Automatic transport on this scale has been limited to date within the industry and this project reflects Polestar's forward thinking approach to maximize value for its customers. AGVs provide robotic, unmanned product movement and tracking, as products proceed through production. All our work-in-progress will be transported to and from each process on demand, including movement of consumables and inserts, without the need of manpower."

Reynoldson also mentions that

"This project is an innovative installation within the print sector. Only a small number of printers worldwide use this technology and it is generally limited to dispatch or paper reel handling only. At Sheffield, we intend to transport automatically multiple printed products from press to bindery then onto polywrapping and dispatch. Sheffield is perfectly suited to AGVs. We have high speed press and finishing technology which is now complemented with automated supply to each process. These vehicles are bespoke and are able to transport standard palletised and Ferag multi disc products."

04/14/10

Heidelberg USA Welcomes Clemson University Students

The Kennesaw, Georgia North American Print and Packaging Technology Center is where Heidelberg USA played host to 35 special students from Clemson University. The 35 chosen students are all members of Clemson University's Graphic Communications 440 class, which was designed to take a closer look at the general study of commercial printing with detailed emphasis on offset sheet-fed technology. Receiving special request from the Clemson University Graphic Communications Department was all it took to carry out the purpose of this event which was to hand students the chance to obtain knowledge of a live production setting, absolute incorporating workflow and of course the latest printing technological advancements.

An 8-page, 4-color book, a student assignment that is a major requirement of the 440 curriculum was designed by Clemson University and Heidelberg in order to make the experience for students unique. While getting a first-hand glimpse at the transformation from digital files to a finished book, students were ordered to follow a book project selected which ranged from prepress to bindery. By preflighting and printing, Heidelberg USA presented each individual student’s project as a book. Each book was made with the Speedmaster XL 75, folding performed on a Stahlfolder TH 82, and lastly, books were saddle-stitched on a Stitchmaster ST 450. Throughout the whole process, The students received knowledgeable advice and help from Heidelbergs’ pre-press, press and post-press experts.

Russ Barton, Director of Demo Operations for Heidelberg USA mentions that

"It was a great exposure for Clemson students to have the 'Heidelberg experience,' being able to see first-hand the cutting-edge technology that we have here in our Technology Center."r

The GC 440 instructor from Clemson University, Dr. Eric Weisenmiller couldn’t agree more, saying

"The field trip opened our students' eyes to the wonders of automation, the realities of real world production, and the numerous opportunities that await them in the field of graphic communications."

Turning out with such success, Dr. Eric Weisenmiller announced that Clemson University has plans underway to bring its summer GC 440 class through Heidelberg's Technology Center to encounter the same experience.

04/14/10

Midland Information Resources Opens New Chicago Based Office

World-Wide source of information distribution solutions, Midland Information Resources (MIR), made a statement announcing the opening of a new Chicago, Illinois based office.

While operations for the bulk of production will proceed at MIR's Iowa headquarters in Davenport, the new Illinois branch will be opening its doors with a core team of workers whose main focus revolves around establishing and locking in business relationships in the city of Chicago.

President of MIR, Tom Sheehan, stated,

"We are excited to be joining the Chicago business community. We feel that this office will allow our workforce in Chicago the additional office and meeting space we need to better serve our existing and future clients in the professional manner they have come to expect."

"Many of our customers and key technology partners are located here." said Matt Forcey, The new Chicago branches’ Business Development Manager.

"Expanding in Chicago is another step in providing exceptional service to our clients in all geographies and markets."

04/14/10

Burnishine Products revives Aqua Blue

When your children are sick you always seek the best medical care, no matter where the facility is located or how much the cost will be, which can sometimes throw excess weight onto families which can cause tension. The Ronald McDonald house is the answer for those hard times with volunteers working around the clock to make sure that you feel at home.

The Ronald McDonald House truly represents the hands that serve, filled the hearts that care. Near Loyola University Medical Center, the Ronald McDonald House opened its doors in July 1995. Serving over 8,200 families, Ronald McDonald House has the space to comfortably accommodate 18 families nightly. Dining room, a large kitchen, playrooms, and exercise facilities are only a few of the amenities that they have. Guests also enjoy the creativity put into the house; it even has a secret spiral staircase leading to a whimsical tree house.

Ronald McDonald House and its staff strongly believe that when families are together, they become stronger and they heal better. Maintaining that warm "home away from home" feel where families can rest, relax and eat hot-cooked meals, while meeting and supporting other families dealing with similar hardships is the main and most important goal for the Ronald McDonald House.

In December of 2009 the Manroland Company joined the team of caregivers at the house by serving as a sponsor of the Loyola location. Over the last few months Manroland’s volunteers openly lent a hand by delivering Christmas presents to the children, cooking dinners, and collecting pop-tops for extra funding to provide the guests with "wish list" items.

Director of Human Resources for Manroland, Lisa Manegold commented saying

"We chose to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House program because it was a way for manroland families to help other families in the community get through difficult times,"

04/14/10

Heidelberg Announces New White Paper Packaging

In addition to expanding their Georgia based Printing and Packaging center the well-known company Heidelberg has unveiled a brand new white paper that marks Heidelberg’s plan for packaging. The launch has been given the title "Packaging Printing: Complete Solutions from A Single Source", which addresses the current trends and open opportunities available in Packaging. Also included is Heidelberg's packaging record of all activity made by the company within the last two decades, which begins with first packaging and printing press, the Speedmaster CD 102 in 1987, as well as the 2003 growth development into postpress packaging which smoothly transitioned the launch of top performance die cutters and folding carton gluers. Heidelberg has earned and maintained its position as one of the finest broker of packaging equipment, as well as the sole manufacturing source for package printing.

Heidelberg’s new white paper defines how proper skills are applied in the packaging industry with sheetfed offset printing and even the production aspect. Using wise strategy like slicing makes time, and limiting waste production, while combining Heidelberg’s prepress, press and postpress packaging are the key concepts to providing the lowest possible cost per carton fold.

04/13/10

Papierfabrik Scheufelen to Raise Prices

Declared official as of June 1, 2010, Company Papierfabrik Scheufelen will be raising their prices for all coated woodfree paper range products with an increase of at least 10 percent. For example, this is equivalent to a minimum increase of EUR 80.00 per tonne for BVS, the coated woodfree sheets brand from Scheufelen. Prices of coated woodfree paper in reels as well as the ExclusiveLine and TrendLine brands will be adjusted in the same way.

Despite extensive cost reduction measures it has not been possible to compensate for the dramatic costs situation, particularly for pulp. Therefore a price increase is unavoidable. This measure applies to all countries.

04/13/10

GraphTec Earns Grand Q Award

Commercial printing company GraphTec, located in the town of Jessup, Maryland, has earned the 2010 Excellence in Print competition Grand Q award. Sponsored by the Printing & Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA), the highest level of achievement for the regional industry contest is The Grand Q. This contest has become somewhat a desirable goal for most print firms, serving as a golden marketing tool if attained. Presented at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland on March 24th, the Excellence in Print Awards Gala was where this coveted award was given to Graphtech.

The technologically advanced Komori Lithrone LS640 offset press is what was utilized when Graphtec’s prize piece was prepared for Dauses Press. They also became the winning recipients for the title of Best of Category in the field of Catalogs, and Company Capabilities. Independent judges were picked to perform the task of selecting the winner of the Best in Show, chosen by the Grand Q.

Serving as a secondary of Consolidated Graphics, Graphtec’s history in the print industry has shown to be highly successful, and has been an active member in PGAMA since 2007. The plant operates twenty-four hours a day, five days per week offering services such as pre-press, binding, digital printing, mailing and fulfillment, and more.

Membership in PGAMA, a non-profit trade organization, is open to printing and graphic communications firms and suppliers located in Maryland, Northern Virginia, D.C., and Southern Pennsylvania. The Association headquarters is located in Columbia, MD.

04/07/10

Chairman of Xerox announces Retirement

Xerox issued an official announcement this morning that Chairman and director of the board for Xerox, Anne M. Mulcahy will be stepping down from those positions. Xerox noted that this event will be official on the 20th of May which happens to also be the yearly shareholders meeting. Assuming the role of chairman will be Xerox CEO Ursula M. Burns.

"Leaving Xerox is not easy, but the time is right," said Mulcahy. “This decision is made infinitely easier by the knowledge that I turn the company over to a gifted leader at a point when our strategy is sound, our financial position is strong, and our opportunities for growth are considerable."

The 57 year old Chairman attained the position of chief executive officer for Xerox on Aug. 1, 2001, and the role of chairman on Jan. 1, 2002. Before taking those positions on, she was holding the title of President and Chief Operating Officer of the company from May 2000 through July 2001. She began her Xerox career as a sales representative in Boston in 1976. During her 34-year tenure with Xerox, Mulcahy has held senior management positions in sales, human resources and marketing, and led the Xerox business division that sells products for reseller and dealer channels.

"Anne leaves a rich legacy that is defined by her close connection to Xerox customers, her active engagement with Xerox people, and her steadfast commitment to the values of the company that are inherent in its culture and in her effective leadership," said N.J. Nicholas, Jr., lead independent director of Xerox's board of directors. "As important, she has worked closely with the board to ensure a seamless and well planned leadership succession. She has earned our tremendous respect and our deepest gratitude."

Last July Burns became CEO of Xerox. The board has elected Burns to succeed Mulcahy in the chairman role, effective May 20.

04/07/10

West Coast Printing Company becomes first to be SGP Certified

Greenerprinter, a printer located in Berkeley, California has attained its certification to become an SGP Printer by The Green Printing Partnership. With only a few establishments around that hold this certification, Greenerprinter has not only become the first west coast recipient, it has increased the number of certified facilities to 19.

With 22 years of printing solutions work experience behind them. Greenerprinter has grown recognition for their remarkably high environmental methods and standards while taking pride in their outstanding importance of being green.

To become eligible for certification with the SGP Partnership, all applying print facilities must be located in the United States or Canada. In addition to qualifications based on geographic location, facilities must exhibit uniformity with a universal approach to environmental aid will have to undergo and pass an onsite audit. To advertise SGP certified printers, each facility is given a certification number and logo for use on their prints to show proof.

Mario Assadi, proud CEO of Greenerprinter commented on this achievement by saying

"We are proud of our commitment to sustainable products and practices, and look forward to continuing our green journey. By embracing new technologies that enhance the effectiveness of print while reducing waste and increasing value, we are helping to make printing more efficient and sustainable by nature."

04/07/10

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

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