Upfront
Quad Closing Two Plants
SUSSEX, WI—Quad/Graphics is in the process of integrating the property and personnel obtained in the Vertis Holdings acquisition, and is closing at least two of its facilities, the Associated Press reported. Plants in Marengo, IA, and Pomona, CA, are due to close by mid-year. The Marengo facility will be shuttered this month, with the Pomona operation slated to be taken out of service by June. In all, about 200 employees will be let go.
Transcontinental Sells Rastar
MONTREAL—TC Transcontinental Printing, a division of TC Transcontinental, announced that it is selling the assets of Rastar, a subsidiary based in Salt Lake City that specializes in personalized printed products. Rastar will be acquired by Digibell Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Litho.
Paper Mill Owner Sought
LAWRENCE, MA—The man who owns an abandoned paper mill destroyed in a fire is wanted on fraud charges, CBS Boston reported. Police here have issued a warrant for the arrest of David Padellaro on fraud charges resulting from an incident last year in which he bounced three checks worth more than $6,000. The checks were written to contractors hired to demolish the mill.
Konica Buys Stake in MGI
TOKYO—Konica Minolta and Paris-based MGI Digital Graphic Technology (MGI) announced that they have reached an agreement whereby Konica Minolta will acquire a 10 percent stake in MGI, valued at €13.7 million (about US$18.7 million), through a reserved capital increase. MGI will use the investment to drive future growth and is aimed at establishing a stronger presence in the professional digital printing market.
Snow Collapses Shop's Roof
CRAFTON, PA—Heavy snow caused a roof to collapse on Calabrese Printing Feb. 5, and the owner of the small commercial printing establishment says it could be months before the company will reopen, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. There were no injuries, and it appears to be a simple case of the roof giving way due to the weight of the snow.
Press Is Seized by Police
TROIS-RIVIERES, QUEBEC—Canadian police here seized a printing press on Jan. 29 capable of churning out counterfeit US$20 bills that weren't noticeable to the untrained eye. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the U.S. Secret Service combined on an investigation that netted the press and enough specially watermarked paper to create in excess of $200 million worth of counterfeit US$20s, the International Business Times reported.
Union Shops Join Forces
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA—Continuing the expansion of its commercial printing business, The Harman Press has acquired Fox Printing and its staff, effective Feb. 10. Both companies are family-owned and members of Teamsters Local 572. Founded in 1943, The Harman Press delivers digital, as well as lithographic printing services, for a wide range of commercial clients including major motion picture studios such as NBC Universal and 20th Century Fox.
Fire at Printer Is Ruled Arson
YAKIMA, WA—The fire that struck Abbott's Printing on Jan. 28 has been ruled arson, the Yakima Herald-Republic said, and may be connected to a similar fire that was set nearby earlier that night. The company estimates it lost about $25,000 worth of equipment, the newspaper reported. The cost to repair the damage to the structure was unknown.
