BINDERY matters

Bindery Goes Large With New Diecutter

MOUNT VERNON, OH—Coyne Graphic Finishing, a full-service binding and finishing company, has installed a custom-manufactured Cauhe large-format diecutting machine to produce P-O-P displays and similar products. The Spanish-made Cauhe machine has a 65x120˝ cutting bed, making it among the largest of its kind in the United States. This machine is the company’s fourth large-format diecutter.

Growth From ESOP Results in Stitcher

BOISE, ID—Alexander Clark Printing, a full-service web and sheetfed shop, recently expanded capacity by purchasing a new Best Osako Estar saddlestitcher from distributor Best Graphics. The added capacity comes just two years after the printer adopted an ESOP plan, resulting in a revenue increase of 53 percent.

Marv Braun, production manager, notes that operators are pleased with the fast setup time and ease of use of the machine.

“One part of the stitcher that really contributes is the cover feeder,” Braun says. “Jobs that we used to have to run off-line, we now easily run in-line. It’s a tremendous time-saver.”

Braun also cites the machine’s tilt-back, tilt-forward feeder pockets, as a positive. The tilt pockets have proven to be an advantage in running envelopes, ad inserts and odd-shaped pieces because they allow efficient custom-feeding of signatures and the ability to make adjustments on-the-fly.

“We often do a lot of changeovers per shift,” Braun adds. “The machine is ideal for that kind of job mix. We’re practically at capacity again, running 20 to 24 hours a day.”

Bobst Group USA Gets New Leader

ROSELAND, NJ—Robert (Bob) Pordon has been named the new CEO of Bobst Group USA. The change comes as its Swiss-based parent company, Bobst Group SA, adds departing Bobst Group USA CEO Michael Fiaux to its Group Executive Committee.

An employee of Bobst Group USA for more than 25 years, Pordon joined the company in 1980 as a staff accountant with CPA certification. After quickly rising to manager of the accounting department, he later assumed the position of controller, then CFO. Most recently he served as executive vice president, overseeing all of the company’s U.S. operations.

Bobst Group USA business areas now under Pordon’s direction include Folding Carton, managed by Vice President Chris Raney; Corrugated Board, managed by Vice President Mike D’Angelo; and the Charlotte, NC-based Flexible Materials business area, managed by Vice President Alain Jendly.

“In recognizing the many accomplishments of my predecessors, I view it as my primary task to not only maintain our reputation, but to also seek new ways to expand the support we provide,” Pordon says. “The success we, as a company, have enjoyed has come entirely from our ability to serve the needs of our customers.”

Heidelberg Names VP of Postpress

KENNESAW, GA—Heidelberg USA has promoted Ralph Pasquariello to vice president of postpress product management.

Pasquariello replaces Larry Tanowitz, who held the position for more than 30 years before retiring earlier this year.

Heidelberg plans to launch several new products in the postpress sector this year, and Pasquariello reports that the company’s new offerings will be highly integrated and fully automated.

According to industry reports, 70 to 80 percent of existing bindery equipment in the average U.S. print shop is at least 10 years old. Pasquariello says that many shops will need to replace their outdated bindery equipment with automated machines in order to survive in today’s finishing market.

“Heidelberg has noted a significant increase in customer demand for automated finishing equipment for several years now,” he notes. “We will continue to meet this demand with innovative postpress solutions for our customers in every market segment.”

Pasquariello began his Heidelberg career as a full-line sales representative in the Northeast region. In 2005, he assumed the position of director of postpress, a position that he held until his recent promotion.
quick cuts

Midstates Printing, based in Aberdeen, SD, recently added a Stitchmaster ST 400 saddlestitcher from Heidelberg. The shop installed the new stitcher because of its automated makeready process, which significantly decreases production time. Midstates Printing is a family owned and operated general commercial printer housing 275 employees.

Gane Brothers & Lane in Elk Grove Village, IL, is celebrating 160 years in business. It was founded in 1846 by Henry Gane, a Boston bookbinder.

Stacy Stevenson has been promoted to mail services manager at Dallas-based Padgett Printing. She has 18 years of experience in the printing industry, and is a member of the DFW Mailers Association.

Nationwide Laminating, Lorton, VA, has updated its name and logo to Nationwide Laminating & Finishing. This change reflects the expanded postpress and finishing services the company now offers, including automated hole punching, mechanical binding, laminating and diecutting.

New York City-based Aladdin Finishing has purchased the assets of M&M Die Cutting and Executive Die Cutting in Clifton, NJ, which will now be known as Perfect Finishing.

Positive Press Printing, located in Fayetteville, GA, is now operating a high-speed Polar 78 X cutter from Heidelberg. The company is using it to cut a wide variety of materials, including postcards and business materials. Founded in 2000, Positive Press Printing is a general commercial printer.
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