UPFRONT
Embezzler Faces Jail Time
SAN ANTONIO—The former chief financial officer of a printing company here could be facing hard time in jail for allegedly embezzling more than $70,000 from the firm, according to the San Antonio Express-News. David Lyle, 57, gave himself up to authorities in mid-February after an FBI investigation led to his indictment, the paper reported. Lyle is accused of misappropriating payroll funds in his capacity as CFO of publication printer Shweiki Media.
OSHA Levies PEP with Fines
WILTON, NH—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that PEP Direct has been cited for 17 "willful and serious" violations of workplace safety and health standards at its printing and distribution facility here. PEP Direct, a direct mail/marketing and printing business, faces a total of $170,000 in proposed fines.
Edward Hine Co. to Close
PEORIA, IL—Edward Hine Co., which specializes in sheetfed, direct imaging and stochastic printing, is permanently closing after more than 130 years in business, according to WMBD-TV 43. The printer had witnessed a decline in demand for traditional commercial printing, the station reported. No plant closure date was announced.
New iGen4 for IWCO Direct
CHANHASSEN, MN—IWCO Direct, a provider of direct marketing solutions, has bolstered its full-color, variable data digital printing capacity with the installation of a new Xerox iGen4 at its facility here. This installation continues to grow IWCO Direct's platform-wide digital print capability and capacity. With the installation of the new press, the firm moved an existing Xerox DocuColor 8000AP from Chanhassen to its Downey, CA, facility, expanding the digital color print capacity at that plant.
Muller Martini Closing Plants
NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Muller Martini has informed 160 employees of its two Oyster Point production plants that they will close by the end of January 2012, the Newport News Daily Press reported. Muller Martini attributed the move to a sharp decline in business, the newspaper said. The three-phased employee reductions will begin in July.
Standard Group Buys Whitmore
READING, PA—The Standard Group (TSG), based here, has acquired Whitmore Printing, of Lancaster, PA, in what the parties described as a tuck-in deal. The two companies have been serving the central Pennsylvania region for more than a century. The NAPL Mergers & Acquisition team conducted outreach services on behalf of The Standard Group.
Benson Young Acquires TriStar
LAFAYETTE, LA—Benson Young, a printing industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, has purchased TriStar Graphics Group in a private sale. The acquisition includes manufacturing operations here and in Monroe, LA, and also includes Monroe-based American Envelope. TriStar Graphics Group has 43 full-time employees and specializes in commercial offset, digital and envelope printing. Previous principals Mike Guidry and Bob Devinney will remain as executive management until their retirement from the 22-year-old company.
RRD, KBA Forge Agreement
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley and KBA AG, of Wuerzburg, Germany, announced an agreement to develop, manufacture and sell next-generation inkjet printing solutions for the packaging, securities, commercial and newspaper segments. Under the terms of the agreement, RR Donnelley will license its Apollo and other piezo- electric imaging technologies to KBA, which will incorporate them into its press offerings. KBA's new digital press is scheduled to be introduced in May 2012 at the Drupa international print show that's held in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Paper Outsources Its Printing
ERIE, PA—The Erie Times-News has decided to obtain its printing and packaging services from a third-party vendor and will shut down its in-house print shop as opposed to updating its presses, which are more than 40 years old. Rosanne Cheeseman, president and publisher of the family-owned daily newspaper, said the move was in the best long-term interests of the company.
Minuteman, OKI Data Partner
FARMINGDALE, NY—Printing and graphics franchiser Minuteman Press International has reached an agreement with OKI Data Americas to offer that company's pro900DP digital envelope press to Minuteman's new and existing franchises worldwide. The pro900DP is part of the OKI proColor series, a line of products suited for color applications in graphic arts and production environments. It offers the ability to produce variable data on a wide range of media, including full-color envelopes. PI
