UPFRONT
Akiyama Back in Business
TOKYO—Shanghai Electric Group (SEC) and Morningside Group (MS) jointly announced the companies have purchased the business rights of Akiyama Printing Machinery Manufacturing through each subsidiary companies in both groups.The new company will be called Akiyama International (AIC) and will succeed all business of Akiyama Printing Machinery. SEC manufactures heavy equipment while MS is a global investment company. The acquisition includes properties, buildings, facilities and patents. AIC commenced operation on January 28 after hiring back a large portion of the employees from the former company. AIC will promote and market the J Print perfector presses and the Bestech model presses.
Presses Highlight New Facility
HONOLULU—The Honolulu Advertiser is bolstering its new 147,000-square-foot production and distribution facility with the addition of two MAN Roland Regioman presses. The facility is scheduled to be completed in 2004. The Regioman can produce up to eight pages per web at speeds up to 70,000 copies per hour.
New Web Press for EU Services
ROCKVILLE, MD—An eight-color Didde 860 web press has been installed by EU Services at its facility here. The press has a 22˝ cutoff and is rated at speeds of 23,000 iph. The company will utilize the UV coating feature for applications including self-mailers that will receive double-sided laser-jet imaging for variable data applications.
Precision Acquires Mail Business
BRECKSVILLE, OH—Precision Printing has purchased the direct mail operations of John Klein & Associates, based in Cleveland. Precision Printing, a 54-year-old, full-service commercial printer, also has a manufacturing facility that is located in Westerville, OH.
Kelmscott Names McBride CEO
SAN FRANCISCO—James D. McBride has been named CEO of Kelmscott Communications, filling the role left open when Ron Jensen resigned in January. McBride formerly served as executive vice president and CFO at Kelmscott. Prior to joining Kelmscott, McBride served as CFO and advisor to International Asset System.
Von Hoffmann Names New Head
ST. LOUIS—Robert S. Mathews has been promoted to president and CEO of educational printing specialist Von Hoffmann. He spent the past two years as president of Von Hoffmann Graphics and previously held sales and manufacturing positions with Quebecor World and R.R. Donnelley & Sons. Mathews replaces Robert A. Uhlenhop, who was named chairman of Von Hoffmann Holdings.
Mail-Well Sells Subsidiary
ENGLEWOOD, CO—Mail-Well Inc. announced it has sold its Curtis 1000 subsidiary to a private group for $40 million, including the assumption of Curtis 1000's debt. Curtis 1000 was acquired by Mail-Well in February of 2000. According to Woody Davis, Mail-Well's senior vice president, it is being resold as part of the company's strategic plan to "narrow our lines of business and reduce our debt load—two of the key components we outlined in June of 2001."
Transcontinental Orders Press
WILLOW GROVE, PA—Transcontinental Printing USA has placed an order for an eight-color Quantum 1500XP web offset press from Sanden Machine. The variable-size press will be equipped with UV dryers, remote ink and register controls, fan-folder and a commercial high-pile sheeter.
CTP Solution for Small Printer
STOUGHTON, MA—National Graphics moved into the world of computer-to-plate with the acquisition of the Agfa Palladio, a four-up (B2) flatbed platesetter designed for small- to mid-sized printers.
Wayne/Wagoner Consolidates
PEORIA, IL—Wayne/Wagoner Printing has consolidated its Galesburg and Peoria, IL, operations as it awaits the completion of a new 37,000-square-foot facility in Kickapoo, IL. Additionally, the company has purchased a five-color, 40˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster press, along with a four-color Heidelberg Quickmaster DI digital press. An Agfa Galileo CTP system is also slated to be installed in the Kickapoo facility.
New Press, Expansion for PSI
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—PSI Printing & Design has installed a six-color, 40˝ Mitsubishi press to complement a 5,000-square-foot expansion. The press features in-line aqueous coating and a Tri-Service ColorCommand temperature control system. PSI has also acquired a large-format Kluge foil stamper and is planning to install a 45˝ Polar cutter and a Fuji computer-to-plate system.
Monroe Litho Goes Independent
ROCHESTER, NY—Monroe Litho is once again an independently owned print shop following a management-led buyout of the company. H. Christopher Pape, who was named Monroe Litho president in November 1998, headed the buyout and has added CEO to his title. Wallace obtained the company in October 1997.
Donnelley Expands into China
CHICAGO—R.R. Donnelley & Sons has reached an agreement with the Shanghai Press and Publications Administration of China that sees the printing giant constructing a $30 million print manufacturing facility in Shanghai. Donnelley will have operating control of the slated 300-employee firm. Construction is under way, with production slated for later this year.
Anderberg-Lund Buys Equipment
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN—Anderberg-Lund Printing has enhanced its service offerings with the acquisition of a new folder and cutter. The company added a 26x40˝ MBO Perfection folder, which has 10 total fold plates. Anderberg-Lund also picked up a 45˝ EMC programmable cutter with monitor.
