UPFRONT

New Name, Logo for PIA/GATF PITTSBURGH—The PIA/GATF is reverting back to its maiden name, so to speak. The nation’s largest graphic communications association will now be known as Printing Industries of America, with the tagline “Advancing Graphic Communications.” Its new logo is representative of the industry’s technology, artistry and dynamic growth, according to Michael Makin, president and CEO of the association.

Deal Struck in Upstate NY

SYRACUSE, NY—KinaneCo Printing Systems has acquired Finger Lakes Printing of Auburn, NY, according to the Auburn Citizen. Finger Lakes, which laid off 20 employees as part of the deal, will continue operating in its present facility under the name FLP Group.

Precision Offset Adds Presses

IRVINE, CA—In order to accommodate growing business, Precision Offset has acquired and installed a trio of presses: two Kodak Nexpress S2500 digital output devices and a six-color Komori LS 640 sheetfed press with coater. Both machines went live in early December.

SpringDot Acquires Division

CINCINNATI—SpringDot has struck a deal to take over the commercial printing and specialty finishing divisions of fellow Queen City printer Steinhauser. The two companies have competed with one another for more than 100 years, according to the Kentucky Post. Steinhauser will still continue to operate its Packaging Print Solutions division.

Mallard Press Obtains AGS

LOMBARD, IL—Mallard Press has purchased American Graphic Specialties (AGS), a long-time provider of specialty products and services based in Westmont, IL. Certain key personnel from AGS will be joining Mallard Press. AGS specializes in producing and finishing customized products such as presentation folders, point-of-purchase items, counter cards, folding cartons and laminated items.

Belcher Takes Executive Post

CHICAGO—InnerWorkings, a provider of managed print and promotional solutions to corporate clients, has named Eric Belcher to the position of CEO. Belcher, who took the helm January 1, succeeds Steven Zuccarini, who will remain on the board of directors and assume the role of vice chairman. Belcher joined InnerWorkings in June 2005 as executive vice president of operations.

Serigraph Announces Layoffs

WEST BEND, WI—Serigraph Inc. has laid off roughly 50 employees, with some being offered early retirements, according to the Business Journal of Milwaukee. Sean Torinus, CEO of Serigraph, told the paper that sales to automotive and appliance customers—impacted greatly by the recession—have suffered, and the company needed to get costs in line with reduced sales.

Saggiomo Joins DG3 Group

JERSEY CITY, NJ—The DG3 Group (DG3), a provider of global graphic communication solutions, has tabbed Tom Saggiomo for the role of president with the DG3 North American division, effective January 1. Saggiomo will report directly to Michael Cunningham, DG3’s CEO. Saggiomo previously served as president and CEO of the Agfa Graphics North American division, which hired Peter Wilkens as his replacement.

Quebecor World Boosts Co-Mail

MONTREAL—Quebecor World has installed a variable trim co-mail system that will increase its co-mail offering and generate increased postal savings for its catalog and periodical customers. The system enables Quebecor World to deliver multiple trim formats in-line, offering customers more opportunities to participate in co-mailing pools and reduce mailing costs.

Second Web Press for St Ives

HOLLYWOOD, FL—St Ives is preparing to install a second Komori System 38 web offset printing press at its facility here. The new Komori press is scheduled to be placed into full production in early March 2009. St Ives produces magazines, catalogs and annual reports. It provides sheetfed and web commercial printing, digital printing, perfect binding, direct mail and fulfillment services.

AbitibiBowater Drops Capacity

MONTREAL—AbitibiBowater Inc. is curtailing paper production capacity, predominantly newsprint, by one million metric tons in a move that will result in about 1,100 jobs being impacted in the United States and Canada. Some mills are being closed permanently, while others are being idled until further notice. The Covington, TN, paper converting facility is being closed for good, removing 70,000 metric tons of coated grades from the marketplace.

Tribune Co. Files Bankruptcy

WILMINGTON, DE—Tribune Co., the 161-year-old company that publishes the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times, has filed for reorganizational bankruptcy. According to Bloomberg, Tribune Co. listed assets of $7.6 billion and debts of $12.9 billion in its filing at Delaware U.S. Bankruptcy Court here. JP Morgan Chase is said to be the biggest debt holder at $1 billion.

Taxpayer Data Gets Exposed

BATON ROUGE, LA—An accidental printing job mailed out by the Louisiana Department of Revenue exposed the personal information of nearly 300 taxpayers to other people with tax debts, according to the Associated Press. The department said letters that were mailed to taxpayers who owed money included the name, address, social security number and debt amount for a different taxpayer on the other side of the document. Officials at the Department of Revenue stated that they have no reason to suspect the personal information has been misused.