UPFRONT

Print Snafu ‘Teases’ Taxpayers

PLATTSBURGH, NY—Taxpayers here thought they were getting a major discount when their bills arrived, but a printing error isn’t letting anyone off the hook. According to the Plattsburgh (NY) Press Republican, bills arrived at taxpayer homes with the option of making four installment payments or one lump sum payout, accompanied by corresponding coupons. However, the full payment coupon shows the amount for a 25 percent payment. The paper noted that the full amount is listed on the bill, two inches above the coupons.

Cenveo Delays 10-K Reporting

STAMFORD, CT—An internal review delayed Cenveo’s Form 10-K annual report filing as the company investigates “unsupported accounting entries made by a former plant controller for two plants in the company’s envelope division.” In a release, Cenveo said it required additional time to allow for the completion of the internal review. Based on current information, the company believes it will meet the annual financial targets relating to 2007 that it affirmed last month.

Paper to Close a Printing Plant

NEWARK, NJ—Management for The Star-Ledger has informed employees that it plans to consolidate two printing plants, citing a need to cut costs in light of decreasing revenues. More than 350 of the 600 employees at the publication’s Piscataway and Montville (NJ) facilities could face layoffs, though everyone who received a notice may not actually be let go. The plant is to be closed in May, though it has not been decided which one is ticketed for shutdown.

Standard Lands Acorn Press

READING, PA—Standard Offset Printing has completed a deal to purchase Lancaster, PA-based Acorn Press. Acorn will retain its name and continue to operate at its present location. Acorn founder Donald Roseman will retire after 52 years, while President Scott Reighard will remain in his current role. Peter Schaefer, president of Compass Capital Partners in Exton, PA, represented Acorn Press in the transaction. It was Compass’ 142nd deal in the printing industry.

Kodak Expanding Plate Plant

COLUMBUS, GA—Kodak broke ground on a 16,000-square-foot expansion of its plate production facility here. Kodak will reportedly use this third production line to meet the digital plate supply needs of print service providers in a wide variety of markets. The roughly $15 million investment in the new production line will enable the company to more efficiently produce current and future generation digital plates.

GPO to Establish New Facility

WASHINGTON, DC—The Government Printing Office (GPO) has been given approval by Congress to establish a secure production facility on the grounds of the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. GPO employees will produce blank passport books at the new location, which will help meet rising passport demand.

BEP and Automatän Sign Pact

PLOVER, WI—The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the U.S. government’s security printer, has agreed to purchase seven jogger/aerators from Automatän. Four of the Model 6500GLs are ticketed for BEP’s Washington, DC, facility, while three are to be installed at its Fort Worth, TX, plant. In all, 11 machines will be installed by the end of 2008.

New Web Press for St Ives

HOLLYWOOD, FL—St Ives has installed a Komori System 38 web offset press at its facility here. St Ives Hollywood provides services, including creative, photography, premedia, web and sheetfed printing, digital printing, saddlestitching, perfect binding, mail, fulfillment and logistic services.

Fire Strikes Newspaper Facility

BRIDGEPORT, CT—A fire struck the Connecticut Post’s printing plant March 1, sending three workers to the hospital and damaging a press. According to a local fire department official, the fire broke out in the folder and conveyor areas. It was believed to have started when a spark ignited some paper fibers. One press operator was treated for smoke inhalation, the paper reported. It took firefighters 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

Valco Merges Hot Melt Duo

CINCINNATI—Valco Cincinnati announc-ed it will merge Shure-Glue Systems, its hot melt equipment company, with Melton S.L.U. of Navarra, Spain. Valco acquired Melton in 2006. In merging the two companies, Valco Cincinnati is streamlining the two hot melt brands into an improved solution for its customers.

Publishers Settle Lawsuit

NEW YORK—McGraw-Hill Education, Pearson Education, John Wiley & Sons, and Cengage Learning have settled a previously pending trademark and copyright infringement lawsuit against owners and operators of the online textbook marketplace, ValoreBooks.com. The suit had alleged Valore’s Website, www.valorebooks.com, repeatedly permitted and assisted sales by third-party sellers of pirated educational materials and foreign manufactured editions of textbooks not authorized for sale in North America.

Ken May Leaves FedEx Kinko’s

DALLAS—Ken May has resigned as president and CEO of FedEx Kinko’s, effective March 31. Brian Phillips, COO of FedEx Kinko’s, has become acting CEO. May, who spent 25 years with the firm, now plans to spend more time with his family.

Bielenberg Buys Gämmerler

PALMETTO, FL—Postpress equipment and systems supplier Gämmerler has been acquired by Bielenberg Beteiligungs. The new owners say they intend to leverage their knowledge of quality programs and cost leadership strategies to improve on Gämmerler’s current success and to enhance customer service after the sale. PI