UPFRONT
Worker Dies in Baler Mishap
CAROL STREAM, IL—A worker was killed at the Berlin Industries printing plant here when his head and shoulders were trapped in a paper baler, according to the Daily Herald. The man was reportedly underneath a compacted load of paper weighing more 100 pounds. It took firefighters two hours to extricate the victim, the Herald noted.
CGX Acquires Hickory Assets
HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics (CGX) announced that Hickory Printing Solutions, a Consolidated Graphics company, has acquired certain assets of The Hickory Printing Group. Headquartered in Conover, NC, Hickory Printing was founded in 1917 and grew to be one of the largest commercial printers in the Southeast.
Printer Closing its PA Facility
OLYPHANT, PA—Herff Jones is shutting down its facility here by the end of September, the Associated Press reported. More than 100 workers will be laid off. The company is transferring work to facilities in Indianapolis and Iola, KS. The Indianapolis-based company specializes in yearbooks, diplomas and recognition-oriented materials.
Prosper Fleet for Japs-Olson
MINNEAPOLIS—To enhance the speed and quality of the in-line printing capabilities on its web offset presses, Japs-Olson Co. has ordered 24 Kodak Prosper S10 imprinting systems. The inkjet printheads will be used to produce high-volume direct mail and other variable data applications.
Allen Files Chapter 11
NASHVILLE, TN—Burdened by more than $1 million in liabilities, Allen Printing has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court, the Nashville Business Journal reported. Co-owner Paul Heffington told the paper he believes the "worst is behind us," and that the restructuring will put Allen's financial standing on firmer ground.
Sioux Printing Goes Under
SIOUX FALLS, SD—Sioux Printing, a general commercial printer with more than 50 years under its belt, closed down in July, the Argus Leader reported. The move cost 50 people their jobs.
Heidelberg, Unisource Deal
KENNESAW, GA—A partnership announced between Heidelberg USA and Unisource Worldwide combines Heidelberg's print media products, service and expertise with the paper and logistics knowledge of the Unisource organization for the benefit of U.S. printers. The new agreement will enable printers to buy Heidelberg's Saphira-branded consumables along with their paper through the Unisource national distribution network.
OSHA Cites S.G. Printing
WAYMART, PA—S.G. Printing has been cited for alleged repeated and serious workplace safety and health violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and faces fines in excess of $107,000, the Wayne Independent reported. Citations were issued on four repeat violations totaling just under $75,000 and nine "serious" violations that carry a penalty of $32,850.
xpedx Now Kodak's Reseller
ROCHESTER, NY—Eastman Kodak has named xpedx as the company's primary U.S. national authorized reseller for Kodak's commercial prepress products. In the process, Kodak notified the Pitman Co. that Kodak is terminating Pitman's right to distribute all Kodak products. This termination will take effect on Oct. 5.
Southwest Offset Relocates
SAN JOSE, CA—Southwest Offset Printing has signed a 10-year lease that will see it relocate from Redwood City, CA, to a 68,502-square-foot facility here, the San Jose Business Journal reported. Southwest Offset, which employs about 100 people, plans to add about 15 staff positions.
A.F.L.'s Dennis Forchic Resigns
VOORHEES, NJ—Dennis Forchic, CEO of A.F.L. Web Printing, resigned his post in July and was replaced by Robert Conway on an interim basis. Conway, a turnaround specialist, was selected to head the management team by Westbury Partners, which is now the largest shareholder of A.F.L.
InfoPrint Venture Concludes
BOULDER, CO—June 30 was an independence day of a sort for InfoPrint Solutions as the three-year joint venture between Ricoh and IBM's Printing Systems Div.reached its planned completion. InfoPrint Solutions Co. LLC is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh Co.
Buhrs Enters "Insolvency"
ZAANDAM, NETHERLANDS—As part of a technical financial restructuring process, Buhrs Mailing Solutions, Buhrs-ITM GmbH and Betron GmbH are in insolvency proceedings, according to the company. It says it is in discussions with private equity firms.
