Upfront
RRD Rolls Out Electronics
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley announced the introduction of RFID and NFC production capabilities as part of its printed electronics initiative. These new capabilities enable the company to provide customers with printed NFC and RFID tags that can be embedded in an extensive range of products that RR Donnelley produces, including retail displays, product packaging, shipping labels, direct mail pieces, catalogs, magazines and more.
Schmidt Fire Gets Doused
BYRON, MN—The employees at Schmidt Printing were given a brief scare April 8 when they had to evacuate the building after a fire broke out at the plant, according to the Post Bulletin. No injuries were reported. The fire emanated from a paper grinder and spread to a paper baler, the newspaper said, citing a fire report.
Publisher Closes Print Shop
DALLAS—SuperMedia announced it is closing its Corporate Woods printing operation in Albany, NY, prompting the layoff of about 37 employees, the Times Union reported. SuperMedia publishes the SuperPages phone books and Website, plus provides marketing services for small businesses. A sales staff of about 20 people will remain in Albany, the newspaper said.
Standard Opens Center
DAYTON, OH—Standard Register has announced plans for a new national Center of Excellence for digital printing, kitting and distribution in Jeffersonville, IN, which is in the greater Louisville, KY, metropolitan area. This new, 335,000-square-foot center will reportedly provide Standard Register customers more flexible delivery options and improved speed-to-market for communications products, services and solutions.
Champion Defaults on Debt
HUNTINGTON, WV—Champion Industries has defaulted on its debt after failing to comply with a cash flow covenant, The Deal Pipeline reported. The company received a notice of default from its lenders, led by administrative agent Fifth Third Bank. The printer has since hired Timothy Boates of RAS Management Advisors as its chief restructuring officer. He will be responsible for managing Champion's day-to-day operations.
Domtar, Xerox Swing Deal
MONTREAL—Domtar Corp., one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of paper in North America, has signed—through its operating subsidiaries—an agreement to acquire Xerox's paper and print media products business in the United States and Canada. While Xerox does not manufacture paper, the company has long distributed through its brand name a broad range of coated and uncoated papers and specialty print media including business forms.
Deluxe Corp. Closing Plant
NEW ALBANY, IN—A printing facility here owned by Shoreview, MN-based Deluxe Corp. will be shutting its doors by the end of the year, leaving about 30 workers out of jobs, according to Business First. Work done here will be transferred to a new facility recently opened in Chicago. The closure was revealed to employees on March 1 to give them sufficient time to seek other employment, Deluxe Corp.'s Terri Shapiro told Business First.
Ace Litho Deals for Twill Inc.
EAST HANOVER, NJ—Ace Lithographers has acquired Twill Inc., located in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Twill's current location will become home to the combined entity, and Peter Twill and George Twill, shareholders of Twill, will become Ace employees, with a focus on business development.
