UPFRONT

Bruno, 94, Lithographic Pioneer

CHICAGO—Mike Bruno, 94, whose research, knowledge and innovations proved to be a catalyst for the viability of lithographic printing, passed away in January. Mr. Bruno was involved with the Lithographic Technical Foundation (later the GATF) and joined International Paper in a senior capacity, where he edited the "Pocket Pal" printing educational resource. He also published a newsletter, "What New(s) in Graphic Communications," for 25 years. His autobiography, "Mike Bruno's History of Printing in the 20th Century," will be published in 2006.

Quad Bolstering Hartford Plant

HARTFORD, WI—Quad/Graphics is constructing a 161,416-square-foot addition to its plant here, a move that will provide 1.5 million square feet total. Two new MAN Roland 2x8 web presses are being installed and the company is adding 100 new positions, bringing the employee total here to 1,200.

Goss Consolidates Web Business

BOLINGBROOK, IL—Goss International will consolidate certain administrative and operational business activities here into its facilities in Dover and Durham, NH. As part of the move, approximately 100 positions will be eliminated throughout the United States over the next few months. The consolidation is part of the continuing integration of the web offset business acquired from Heidelberg. Goss will maintain sales, engineering, technical support and administrative functions in Bolingbrook.

Lehigh Direct Upgrades Software

BROADVIEW, IL—Lehigh Direct has upgraded its business management software to EFI Hagen OA version 8.02. Lisle, IL-based Goddard Professional Software and the Hagen OA support team assisted in the upgrade, which also featured the acquisition of new servers. After the servers were networked, development of a trial upgrade with customized programs and reports was accomplished. After the trial, Lehigh went live with the new system over a weekend. The upgrade has enabled Lehigh Direct to enjoy improved navigation and increased production.

Oak Lane Acquires Chapel 2000

PHILADELPHIA—Oak Lane Printing, based here, has completed the acquisition of Moorestown, NJ, competitor Chapel 2000 & Beyond Printing. The move will help bolster even further growth for Oak Lane, which more than doubled its revenues from $7 million in 2003 to $15 million in 2004.

Sunday Press Installed at E&D

CICERO, IL—E&D Web has installed its third Goss Sunday web press, a six-unit Sunday 2000 with a Goss Contiweb FDTM paster and an Ecocool dryer with integrated chill rolls. E&D also equipped the press with a perforator and sheeter. The company previously installed a Sunday 3000 press by then-Heidelberg in 1997 and a Sunday 2000 press in 2001. E&D Web specializes in magazine inserts, catalogs and direct mail printing.

Mohawk to Buy IP's Fine Papers

STAMFORD, CT—International Paper has signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell its fine papers business to Mohawk Paper Mills, of Cohoes, NY. The fine papers business, a small segment of International Paper's uncoated business, includes the writing, text and covers papers, as well as artist papers segment. Included in the sale are the Hamilton, OH, paper mill; the Saybrook, OH, converting center; and the Westfield, MA, artist papers converting operation. The brands included in the deal are Strathmore, Brite Hue, Via and Beckett.

Mosner Steps Down at Deluxe

ST. PAUL, MN—Checks and business forms manufacturer Deluxe Corp. announced that Lawrence Mosner, chairman and CEO, plans to retire in 2005. The board has retained Highland Partners to assist in the search for a successor. Mosner, who joined the company in 1995, played a major role in Deluxe Corp.'s acquisition of New England Business Service (NEBS) last summer.

Multi-Color Obtains NorthStar

CINCINNATI—Label manufacturing specialist Multi-Color Corp. has acquired NorthStar Print Group, the gravure and flexo label manufacturing subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Journal Communications. Printing industry financial advisors Compass Capital Partners represented Journal Communications in the transaction. In another deal, Compass Capital advised the owners of Fremont, CA-based Cellotape—Vestor Partners and Hunt Private Equity—in its sale to HT Capital Advisors.

Hilltop Orders Lithrone UV Press

INDIANAPOLIS—Hilltop Press, a division of National Graphics, placed an order for a six-color, 40˝ Komori Lithrone LS40 UV press. The new press will include an IST lamp system. The press was slated for installation last month. Hilltop specializes in printing on various substrates, including plastic, vinyl and lenticular.

Harris & Bruno, ESS Merge

Roseville, CA—Harris & Bruno acquired the assets and intellectual property of ESS Electro Spray Systems of Elk Grove Village, IL. Harris & Bruno will relocate all ESS business, including its product line of powder sprayer systems, infrared dryers and ink agitators to its headquarters here.

Complete Nets Speedmaster

MARIETTA, GA—Complete Printing Services has installed a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74 sheetfed perfector with coater and Axis Control closed-loop color control in order to meet increasing demand for process, plus additional PMS color and metallic, printing. The printer is using its new hardware to produce pocket and presentation folders, booklets and envelopes.

ABS Adds Perfecting Press

ADDISON, IL—As part of a multi-million dollar capital investment initiative, ABS Graphics has acquired a six-color Komori Lithrone LS640/C/P sheetfed perfecting press. The 640/C/P features a new ink roller temperature control system.