BINDERY matters
Conference Creates BIA ‘Resurgence’
SCHAUMBURG, IL—By all accounts, the BIA Mid Management Conference held here April 28-29 was an “overwhelming success,” according to the Binding Industries Association. The meeting, which was extolled as a “critical step in the resurgence of the association,” was attended by more than 117 people. Most of the guests participated in two days of sessions that covered topics ranging from lean operations to environmental requirements to selling fulfillment services—all issues posed to impact bindery operations in significant ways.
The conference was hailed as a definitive event for trade binderies, graphic finishers, looseleaf manufacturers and suppliers to those industries. “There just isn’t a better way to find out what’s new in the industry than by talking to industry colleagues,” claims Jeff Hunter, president of Federal Looseleaf.
For more information about the BIA—or the 2009 Mid Management Conference that will be held May 4-6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas—visit www.bindingindustries.com or call (412) 259-1806.
Guinness Record Broken at Drupa
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY—GBC Commercial Laminating Solutions Group achieved a new Guinness World Record at Drupa 2008 by setting the fastest time for laminating. This first-ever challenge involved laminating 334.6 square feet (102.2 square meters) of paper in just 40.53 seconds. The new GBC 8500HS Cyclone laminating system and GBC High Bonding Strength film both debuted at Drupa and were put to the test in front of a cheering crowd.
Only the portion of the paper surface actually covered by the laminating film was measured. Witnesses and the adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records verified that the sheets were properly laminated, without creases or air pockets, and that the total laminated surface was at least 334 square feet (100 square meters).
The 8500HS Cyclone is designed for single-sided lamination of high-volume print runs. Running at 500 fpm, its 44˝ width also lets users run prints landscape-wise to further increase productivity. A unique suction cup configuration allows its Mabeg feeder to feed at 18,000 sph.
GBC execs believe the Guinness Record milestone provided a convincing demonstration of how printers and binderies can finish their own output in record time.
Finishing Machine Gets Intech’s Stamp of Approval
NAPLES, FL—Intech Printing has acquired a new Kluge foil stamping and embossing machine from Brandtjen & Kluge to increase the visual interest and appeal of its customers’ printed products, especially packaging. Company execs wanted to expand into foil stamping and embossing because they wanted Intech to have a competitive edge in producing highly decorated and enhanced printed pieces.
The new Kluge will be used by Intech to foil stamp packaging, invitations, stationery, gift cards, brochures, folders, etc. The machine’s embossing capability transforms ordinary flat paper into two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional designs used for annual reports and other applications.
Findabindery.com Launched by BIA
SEWICKLEY, PA—A new service involving “directory assistance” is now available through the Binding Industries Association (BIA). The new directories—Findabindery.com and Bindingsuppliers.com—will serve as comprehensive and definitive listings of trade binderies, looseleaf manufacturers and suppliers by state and country.
“Companies on this site will have the distinction of being easily accessible to the graphic arts industry,” explains Justin Goldstein, BIA manager. For more information, contact him at jgoldstein@piagatf.org.
Quick Cuts
All-Heidelberg shop Snyder Printer in Troy, NY, has acquired a new Stitchmaster ST 350 saddlestitcher.
The Copy Factory in Palo Alto, CA, purchased an 18˝ Champion 990 system from Rollem.
After signing a one-year contract with a new direct mail customer, Guilford, CT-based Colonial Colour installed a new Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH 82 folder to join its three other Stahlfolders already in operation.
A new eight-pocket Muller Martini saddlestitcher with cover feeder was added at Feiereisen Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA.
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Fax to: (215) 238-5484 Or e-mail: mmichelson@napco.com
