UPFRONT
GCIU to Merge with Teamsters
WASHINGTON, DC—A majority of the Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU) voted to merge with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The GCIU became an autonomous conference of the IBT effective January 1. The Teamsters has 1.4 million members, according to GCIU President George Tedeschi, who believes the merger will "breathe new life" into the printing workers union.
New Headquarters for RRD
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley is preparing to relocate to its new worldwide corporate headquarters in an office tower at 111 South Wacker Drive in the heart of the Windy City. The company will occupy 110,000 square feet. Donnelley, which is currently located at 77 West Wacker Drive, expects to move into its next digs in the middle of 2005.
Lehigh Direct Installs Web Press
BROADVIEW, IL—Lehigh Press has installed a second Goss M-600 web press with a unique configuration that includes a custom in-line finishing system, along with Kodak Versamark ink-jet variable imaging and personalization capabilities. The web press package and in-line configuration reportedly carried a price tag in excess of $10 million.
Creo Vows to Fight Lawsuit
VANCOUVER, BC—Creo Inc. pledges to fight a patent infringement lawsuit filed against the company and 43 other defendants by Forgent Networks through its wholly owned subsidiary Compression Labs. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the eastern district of Texas, Marshall Division, alleges that the sale and use of JPEG technology infringes its patent by complying with the JPEG standard as defined by CCITT Recommendation T.81, titled, "Information Technology—Digital Compression and Coding of Continuous Tone Still Images—Requirements and Guidelines." Creo's stance is that it does not infringe upon the patent, and also feels the patent is invalid and unenforceable.
Indexx Bolsters Its Arsenal
GREENVILLE, SC—Indexx Inc. completed a package purchase valued at $1.2 million featuring a five-color, 29˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74 perfecting press with aqueous coater. Other investments include a Vijuk 1100c perfect binder and a Standard Horizon HT-70 three-knife trimmer. According to Indexx owner Jordan Finn, the company has another $245,000 worth of equipment on order, including folders, proofing equipment and a UV coater.
Kinko's Raises Recycled Content
DALLAS—FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Services, an operating company of FedEx Corp., has increased the recycled content of the paper used behind the counter at 1,100-plus office and print centers nationwide. By raising the level from 10 to 30 percent post-consumer recycled content, the company will conserve an estimated 18,850 tons of wood, enough to make copy paper for more than 400,000 people.
Type Case Closing Its Doors
FORTH WORTH, TX—Prepress services provider Type Case, citing the growth in computer technology and desktop publishing software, is closing its doors after 30 years in business, according to the Forth Worth Star-Telegram. Becky Couch, Type Case president, told the newspaper that, despite numerous equipment upgrades, the company had been unprofitable for the past two years.
East Park Opts for QM DI Pro
CLEMSON, SC—East Park Printing has installed a new Heidelberg QM DI 46-4 Pro press. The machine uses MetaDimension RIP technology along with Saphira Caleidoplate, an alternative plate material available exclusively for QM DI presses. The MetaDimension RIP is the one common front end on all Heidelberg CTP units and DI presses.
KBA Karats Acquired by Blanks
DALLAS—Commercial sheetfed printer Blanks Printing and Imaging has expanded into the short-run and specialty printing market with the installation of a KBA 74 Karat digital offset waterless press. It is the first 74 Karat installation in the state. Blanks Printing also plans to add a second 74 Karat, to be delivered in this spring.
Domtar Reducing Workforce
MONTREAL—Citing a weak U.S. dollar, Domtar Inc. announced it will reduce its workforce in Canada and the United States by 790. Of that total, 390 workers will be let go from the Cornwall, ON, facility, which will shut down its pulp mill, a paper machine and sheeter on March 8. This will reduce production by 150,000 pounds of pulp and 85,000 pounds of paper. Only paper manufacturing activities will continue there. The other 400 company-wide positions, including management and staff functions, will be eliminated by the end of this year.
Quantum Color Installs CD Press
CHICAGO—High-end commercial printer Quantum Color Graphics has installed an eight-color Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102 press with coater and extended delivery. The press replaces a six-color CD 102 that was purchased in 1994. Quantum Color Graphics is using the new press to produce commercial work on substrates ranging from paper and plastic to vinyl and foil.
Heidelberg Plans Site in China
HEIDELBERG, GERMANY—As part of its annual end-of-the-year international press conference, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Chairman Bernhard Schreier revealed his company's plans to start up a small production and assembly plant in China within the next 12 months. Sites under consideration include near Shanghai or Beijing. Initially employing 50 people, machines produced reportedly will include small-format Printmaster sheetfed presses, as well as postpress products for the Chinese domestic market. In addition, Jürgen Rautert addressed Heidelberg's efforts to manufacture custommade equipment to meet individual needs and Bernhard Steinel discussed some of the company's new "systemservice" offerings.
