UPFRONT
Donnelley Lobbies Washington
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley plunked down $485,044 during 2007 to lobby the federal government on environmental policy issues, according to an Associated Press report. The information was posted online by the U.S. Senate’s public records office. Under federal law, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches.
Tech Valley Closes Its Doors
WATERVLIET, NY—Citing economic difficulties, Tech Valley Printing notified the New York State Department of Labor that it was laying off 50 workers, then closed its doors on February 8. According to the Schenectdady (NY) Daily Gazette, the printer had been active in the acquisition market, picking up Baronet Litho in Johnstown, NY, and Schenectdady-based State Color in 2005.
Ed Young Hired by Heidelberg
KENNESAW, GA—Heidelberg USA has named Ed Young as vice president, field sales. He has also been appointed to Heidelberg’s executive management team and now reports to Bob Boyer Sr., the company’s senior vice president of sales and service. Young, a 30-year printing industry veteran, joins Heidelberg from Goss International.
Presstek Sues Competitor
HUDSON, NH—Presstek Inc. has filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Israeli printing plate manufacturer VIM Technologies and its manufacturing partner, Hanita Coatings RCA. Presstek claims VIM’s Di-R waterless processless thermal plate rolls infringe on two of the company’s patents and its registered DI trademark. In addition, Presstek sued three U.S.-based distributors of VIM products—Guaranteed Service & Supplies, Ohio Graphco and Recognition Systems—along with Canadian distributor AteCe Canada.
Cherry Joins Cenveo Envelope
STAMFORD, CT—Dean Cherry has been hired as president of Cenveo’s envelope operations. He now reports directly to Bob Burton, chairman and CEO. Cherry recently held the position of group president, Integrated Print Communications and Global Solutions, at RR Donnelley in Chicago.
American Printing Adding Jobs
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—American Printing has plans to add 50 jobs over the next 18 months. The expansion is the result of aggressive growth that has led the company to purchase a second building to house its expanded divisions. The firm produces graphics for Fortune 500 companies.
Harland Relocates Operations
JEFFERSONVILLE, IN—Checks and financial printer Harland Clarke will relocate its Atlanta operations to its facility here, a move that will create about 50 jobs over the next two years. According to Business First of Louisville, Harland Clarke will invest more than $1.5 million in a 40,000-square-foot expansion.
Seiz Bought by Elanders
ACWORTH, GA—The Elanders Group of Mölnlycke, Sweden, has acquired sheetfed printer Seiz Printing, based here, for $3 million. The deal provides Elanders with North American production capacity. Former partners Charlie, Ed and Bill Seiz will remain with the company. Seiz Printing, which has 60 employees, generates annual revenue of $14 million.
Multi-Color Buys Collotype
SHARONVILLE, OH—Multi-Color Corp. has signed a binding agreement to obtain Collotype International Holdings for $175 million, plus an additional $10 million upon reaching certain financial goals. Collotype, with more than $130 million in annual sales, primarily manufactures pressure-sensitive wine and spirits labels.
Agfa Closing CTP Factory
WILMINGTON, MA—Agfa Graphics has opted to cease development and production of computer-to-plate equipment at its facility here. About 150 employees will be impacted. Other Agfa Graphics operations, such as service, IT, sales and marketing, will continue to operate in Wilmington.
Newspaper Orders Web Press
NEW YORK—The New York Daily News has placed an order for a 15-tower, triple-width KBA Commander CT press. Scheduled for startup in 2009, the web press will have three sections, each with five Pastomat reelstands, five towers and one KF 7 jaw folder. It will be fed by a Patras A automated reel-logistics system complete with storage and retrieval vehicles, splice preparation and on-demand reel loading.
Scientific Games Nets Deals
NEW YORK—Scientific Games has agreed to terms on a pair of accords to produce instant tickets. One of the deals is with China Sports Lottery Printing; the other is with La Francaise des Jeux, which operates the French National Lottery. Scientific Games will create an instant ticket manufacturing plant within one of China Sports’ existing production facilities.
Direct Group Gets Ink-Jet Press
PENNINGTON, NJ—Direct marketing solutions provider Direct Group will be the first company in the United States to install an Océ JetStream 2200 system. The 2200 is a high-speed, fully variable, color ink-jet continuous-feed press. The new system will allow Direct Group to support sophisticated direct marketing campaigns for its multi-channel clients.
Fraser Idles Two Machines
TORONTO—Fraser Papers plans to curtail production of commodity freesheet paper grades on paper machines 13 and 14 at its Gorham, NH, mill. The indefinite shutdown will begin April 13. Production on machine 12 was suspended in late 2007. Fraser will continue to operate two of its five machines in Gorham that produce specialty printing papers and industrial towels.
