UPFRONT

Solar Closes, Sells Assets
NAPERVILLE, IL—Solar Communications is closing its doors after nearly 50 years in business due to economic conditions, President and CEO Frank Hudetz said in a statement. The company has sold its cooperative direct mail line of business, printed paper-poly technology and collating assets to the Taylor Corp. of North Mankato, MN. All activity associated with Solar’s card pack business will be handled out of Schmidt Printing, Taylor’s Byron, MN, facility.

Dynacolor, Franklin Merge

MIAMI—Dynacolor Graphics has merged with Franklin Communications, the two companies announced. Dyna-
color will operate as a division of Franklin, with Don Duncanson serving as division president. Most of Dynacolor’s workforce has been brought along into the new division. Franklin Communications will reportedly benefit from Dynacolor’s expertise in postcards, calendars and rack brochures.

Transcontinental Cuts Staff

MONTREAL—Transcontinental Inc. is laying off 250 workers above the 1,500 cuts announced earlier this year, according to The Canadian Press. The move comes on the heels of its C$144.3 million loss for the second quarter of 2009, compared to a net profit of C$36.9 million for the same period the previous year. The company expects to generate C$100 million in cost savings with the streamlining of 1,750 jobs, which represents about 13 percent of its workforce.

New Web Press at Angstrom

HOLLYWOOD, FL—Angstrom Graphics, the former St Ives U.S. division, has started up a second new Komori System 38S web offset press in its facility here. According to Wayne Angstrom, chairman and CEO of Angstrom Graphics, the installation and startup process “exceeded expectations by hitting all performance metrics within a four-week startup window.” Two additional web presses are slated within the next year.

FIP Joins Forces with Heeter

CANONSBURG, PA—First Impression Printing (FIP) of Pittsburgh has merged its sales and operations into Heeter Direct, based here. Gary Pandolfo, owner of FIP, and his wife, Ellen, will join Heeter Direct and be responsible for developing sales and supporting the new combined sales team. NAPL provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Heeter Direct.

Carlson Rationalizes Staff

NORTH MANKATO, MN—Carlson Craft, part of the Taylor Corp. chain, has trimmed its workforce by 114 positions in an effort to align business with economic conditions, the Mankato Free Press reported. Barb Kaus, general manager of Carlson Craft, said that consumer needs “have migrated to our solutions that are more technology-enabled,” according to the paper. The wholesale printing company provides
stationery products and personalized accessories.

DG3 Group Elevates Saggiomo

JERSEY CITY, NJ—The DG3 Group (DG3), a provider of global graphic communication solutions, has promoted Tom Saggiomo to worldwide president and COO. He also joins the firm’s board of directors. Saggiomo will continue to report directly to Dr. Michael Cunningham, who has assumed the position of chairman, and will continue as CEO of the company. Saggiomo joined DG3 in 2008 as president of North America, with overall responsibility for DG3’s North American division.

Jostens Closes Yearbook Plant

WINSTON-SALEM, NC—Jostens is closing its yearbook printing plant here over the coming months in an effort to consolidate operations, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. The move will result in the loss of 185 jobs. The work will be transitioned into other production facilities that have received technology upgrades. Minneapolis-based Jostens, a subsidiary of Visant Corp., has plants in California, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Mod-Pac Sheds Commercial

BUFFALO, NY—Mod-Pac Corp., which specializes in custom paper board packaging and personalized printed products, is rationalizing its product lines in order to focus on custom folding cartons. As a result, the company will exit the commercial printing business and about 23 staff positions will be eliminated.

New CEO for Outlook Group

NEENAH, WI—Outlook Group announced the appointment of Glen Yurjevich as CEO. He succeeds Cal Aurand, chairman of Outlook Group’s board of directors, who was serving as interim CEO. Aurand will continue in his role as chairman. Yurjevich most recently served as interim president of Whitefield Industrial Coatings, an industrial coating and paint company.

Fraser Files to Restructure

TORONTO—Specialty packaging and printing paper producer Fraser Papers has sought out bankruptcy protection in the United States and Canada. Fraser and its subsidiaries have initiated a court-supervised restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada and will seek similar relief under Chapter 15
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Fraser will continue its routine business operations.