Upfront
RIT Shuts Down Web Press
ROCHESTER, NY—A Sunday 2000 web offset press consigned to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and its Printing Applications Lab (PAL) is being dismantled and sold after 10 years of service. The onset of the digital printing age reportedly played a role in the decision, and research clients that previously funded the Sunday’s operation have dwindled.
Worker Killed in Accident
PHILADELPHIA—A railroad employee was killed May 18 after being crushed by a 1,500-pound web of newsprint. Jefferson Troester, 43, of Claymont, DE, was struck by the paper after opening a box car that was transporting the paper rolls. A preliminary investigation showed the paper shifted in transit, causing it to fall out when the doors were opened. The paper delivery was ticketed for a plant that prints the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.
Pact for Premier, Vince’s
PORTLAND, OR—Premier Press and Vince’s Die-Cutting have forged a new partnership. With a combined 72 years of service in Portland’s printing industry, the union of the companies will increase quality and efficiency. Original staff from Vince’s will continue to serve trade business clients. Premier Press offers offset, digital and wide-format printing capabilities.
RRD Rolls Out ProteusJet
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley has announced the development and installation of its new proprietary ProteusJet Multiweb platform, which has been installed in two of the company’s direct response production facilities. The piezoelectric, four-color inkjet technology enables direct marketers to use 100-percent customized content and messaging to precisely target consumers for improved ROI.
Jostens Moving Production
MINNEAPOLIS—Jostens, known for its print production of annuals, including high school yearbooks, along with class rings and other related products, will relocate production from Topeka, KS, to Clarksville, TN, beginning in July. The move will impact 372 employees, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Intelligencer Hires New CEO
LANCASTER, PA—Intelligencer Printing has appointed Robert Mason as the company’s new CEO. Mason previously served as vice president, sales and print management, at Tidewater Direct. He’s a past president for the IMS Division of Protocol Global Solutions and also served in various positions with Harte-Hanks.
Vertis Boosts Commingling
BALTIMORE—Vertis Communications announced an extension of its postal optimization offerings with the addition of advanced commingling capabilities. In addition to offering co-palletization and drop shipping, Vertis’ commingling capability delivers lower postal rates with greater saturation.
New Digs for TigerPress
EAST LONGMEADOW, MA—TigerPress has taken the wraps off an $8 million, 100,000-square-foot facility here, a move that enabled it to consolidate operations in Deerfield and Northampton. In addition to producing package printing for the food and beverage markets, TigerPress also prints brochures, booklets and magazines for area colleges and universities.
Atkins Assets Are Acquired
WATERVILLE, ME—Atkins Printing Services, which closed in April, has reopened under new ownership with expanded services. Peter Schutte and Mike Whitman won’t keep the facility or equipment. The most valuable assets are the name, phone number, digital files and customer goodwill. PI
