UPFRONT
Konica Eyes American Litho
GLEN COVE, NY—Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging USA has signed a letter of intent to acquire American Litho, based in Grand Rapids, MI. American Litho manufactures analog and digital offset printing plates for the newspaper and commercial printing markets. American Litho recently opened a new plate manufacturing facility that tripled the plant capacity. American Litho will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging USA.
Quebecor World Nets Extension
MONTREAL—Quebecor World has reached a $900 million deal with Yellow Book USA to produce said publisher's yellow pages directories through the year 2017. It will encompass the printing of more than a trillion pages on paper containing recycled content. The contract extends an existing pact, but Quebecor World will go from producing one-third of Yellow Book's volume to 100 percent of it by 2007.
Scrap Upgrade for Publishers
SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY—Publishers Printing is tapping the G.F. Puhl Co. to lead its paper recycling system upgrade and expansion at its Lebanon Junction, KY, facility. Puhl will build two dual paper handling cyclones and install them in a new baler room penthouse that is under construction.
SWOP, IDEAlliance Merge
ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Specifications for Web Offset Publications (SWOP) has merged with fellow association International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance). Working within the IDEAlliance infrastructure, SWOP plans to enhance its offerings for the publication printing industry through its training initiatives, technical specifications and SWOP certification programs.
Garvey Group Adds Presses
NILES, IL—The Garvey Group has purchased a trio of KBA presses slated to be installed at three facilities by year's end. A six-color, 56˝ Rapida 142 sheetfed press with tower coater is bound for the Niles, IL, facility. A 10-color, 40˝ Rapida 105 convertible perfector with roll-to-sheet feeder and hybrid UV capabilities is ticketed for the Sturtevant, WI, plant. The Milwaukee branch will be getting a six-color, 40˝ Rapida 105 sheetfed press.
MAN Roland's Asmann Killed
KEY WEST, FL—Bruno Asmann, 37, lead product manager for MAN Roland, was killed in a plane crash July 30. Mr. Asmann was traveling with four skydiving companions when the Cessna 172 went down shortly after takeoff from Key West International Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. A native of South Africa, he is survived by a wife and two children.
Whitmore, Reese Combine
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Whitmore Print & Imaging has acquired certain assets of Baltimore-based Reese Press. Whitmore Print & Imaging is a $10 million company with locations here and in Millersville, MD. Reese Press had attained $3.5 million in annual sales.
EGT Embarks on Expansion Plan
MADISON HEIGHTS, MI—A $4 million expansion initiative by The EGT Group will include a 7,200-square-foot building to house mailing and fulfillment operations. In addition, EGT has purchased a four-color, 40˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 102 with in-line aqueous coating and perfecting capabilities. Also included in the acquisitions are two Heidelberg Stahlfolders.
Superior Acquires Roland XXL
LOS ANGELES—Superior Lithographics chose not to wait for PRINT 05. MAN Roland's booth centerpiece, the 64˝, six-color Roland 900 XXL press with coater, has been purchased by Superior Lithographics, for installation this month. Superior has used wide-format Roland technology for 18 years. The printer provides, among other things, litho sheets for point-of-sale displays ranging from counter size to eight feet tall.
AMPRINT Joins Allied Printing
MANCHESTER, CT—Allied Printing Services signed a definitive agreement to acquire AMPRINT, located in Holliston, MA. According to John Sommers, president of Allied, the deal enables his company to better serve its Boston-area/New England customers with access to web and eight-color sheetfed presses.
Antique Presses to Be Auctioned
ELIZABETH, NJ—Printing presses, some dating before the Civil War era, are being offered by American Graphic Arts (AGA). Buyers can own a Hoe Washington for $7,500 or plunk down $35,000 for a Columbia. These presses are being initially offered at set prices, then any unsold items will be offered via eBay auctions beginning October 7. For detailed information and a full listing of smaller tabletop printing equipment, visit www.agamachinery.com/antiquepresses.
CAPS Deals for WI Technicolor
CHICAGO—Creative, premedia and production services provider The CAPS Group has acquired Wisconsin Technicolor, a premedia services business based in Pewaukee, WI. The deal enables CAPS to expand upon its publication and catalog offerings. Wisconsin Technicolor and its 30 employees will maintain the present Pewaukee facility.
Base-Line Agrees to Settlement
CHICAGO—Representatives of Daniel Russo revealed that the Northern District of Illinois has approved a settlement between Russo and Base-Line Inc. Russo had filed a claim of patent infringement against Base-Line for a pre-ruled vinyl printing masking sheet that is used to prepare printing plates. Base-Line has agreed to pay Russo for past damages and pay a royalty on future sales of pre-ruled vinyl masking sheets.
e-LYNXX Structures Business
CHAMBERSBURG, PA—In an effort to better serve clients and showcase its offerings, e-LYNXX Corp. has aligned into three distinct divisions. Those divisions are Patented Financial Controls, Government Printing Sales and Printing Industries Consulting.
