UPFRONT
CGX Tabs Xerox for Digital Gear
HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics (CGX) announced it has selected Xerox to provide digital color printing technology to its 65 nationwide commercial printing locations. As part of the deal, CGX has installed six DocuColor iGen3 digital production presses and six DocuColor 6060 digital color presses. Xerox will also provide marketing and business development resources to assist CGX in introducing these solutions to current and prospective customers.
GPO Seeks $25M for Upgrades
WASHINGTON, DC—Telling the Committee on House Administration and the House Legislative Subcommittee that the Government Printing Office had the groundwork in place to move the agency's transformation to the "next level," Public Printer Bruce James is seeking $25 million to support the acquisition of digital equipment and systems to manage the life cycle of government information. For FY 2005, the GPO is seeking $88.8 million for the Congressional Printing and Binding Appropriation, down $1.8 million (or 2 percent) from FY 2004.
Trend Offset Picks Sunday Press
LOS ALAMITOS, CA—Trend Offset Printing is taking a Sunday drive this fall by installing its 11th new Heidelberg web press, an eight-unit, two-web Sunday 2000 gapless press. The addition includes Contiweb CS zero-speed splicers, Ecocool dryers with integrated chill rolls, a PFF-3 pinless folder and a Prinect Web Center package for automated control and workflow integration. Crews from Trend Offset will complete operator, mechanical and electrical training programs at the Heidelberg Customer Training Center in Dover, NH, prior to installation this fall.
Donnelley Nets Large Contracts
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley announced it has agreed to a $300 million, multi-year contract extension with JCPenney and a $100 million accord with IAC/InterActiveCorp. Donnelley manufactures catalogs and premedia-related services for JCPenney, as well as logistic services through RR Donnelley Logistics. Commercial printing, forms, labels, warehousing and distribution services will be provided via Moore Wallace, a Donnelley company. Donnelley will provide IAC companies with printing of magazines, catalogs, entertainment books and marketing collateral.
PCI Grows Postpress Capabilities
INDIANAPOLIS—A six-pocket Heidelberg ST 400 Stitchmaster stitcher/trimmer with cover feeder has been installed at Print Communications (PCI), based here. The unit joins a 10-pocket Heidelberg 855 saddle- stitcher/trimmer with in-line stacking and addressing. PCI provides commercial printing for markets including retail and real estate.
Sandy Alexander Gets Proofers
CLIFTON, NJ—A pair of Fujifilm FinalProof digital contract proofers have been installed at Sandy Alexander. Mike Graff, executive vice president of Sandy Alexander, said that FinalProof provides the accuracy and consistency he was seeking in a proofing solution.
Taylor Nets Executive Greetings
NORTH MANKATO, MN—Taylor Corp. has acquired the assets of Executive Greetings (EGI), based in New Hartford, CT, for more than $70 million at auction. The assets were sold as a going concern at a Section 363 auction held in March. EGI is involved in the direct marketing industry and manufactures products such as greeting cards and planners.
Instant Web Cos. Changes Name
CHANHASSEN, MN—In an effort to better reflect the company's dedication to the direct mail sector, The Instant Web Companies announced the launch of a new branding initiative with a new company name and corporate identity. The company's new name, IWCO Direct, is augmented by the tagline, "Direct Mail Like No One Else."
PIA Backs OT Regulation Reform
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Printing Industries of America (PIA) strongly supported the Department of Labor's updating of the white collar exemption regulations in the Fair Labor Standards Act. The outdated regulations, noted Wendy Lechner, PIA senior director of federal policy, led to lost work time, poor morale and expensive legal fees for printers. PIA says most employees will not be affected by the increased minimum and maximum salary thresholds in the new regulations.
Concord Litho Buys First Cutter
CONCORD, NH—With the acquisition of a Heidelberg Polar 155 XT cutter, Concord Litho Group completed the initial investment in the company's new in-house bindery, established in September of 2002. The company invested more than $1.6 million in the new operation, adding 30 new positions. The cutter was expected to be fully operational by June 1. Prior to adding the new capabilities, Concord Litho had outsourced its off-line bindery needs for 44 years.
GAA Gives Quadracci Top Honor
PEWAUKEE, WI—Tom Quadracci, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics, is being honored by the Gravure Association of America as one of its "Persons of the Year" for 2004. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the gravure industry. Two new 108˝ Cerutti gravure presses are scheduled to begin production at Quad's new Oklahoma City facility this fall.
CPI Acquires Assets of NCL
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL—Sheetfed printer Consolidated Press (CPI) has acquired the assets of NCL Graphics. The new division, which specializes in prepress, Web design and data archiving, has been renamed NCL Communications. CPI also operates Industrial Bindery and Variable Marketing Solutions, the latter of which produces digital printing.
Wilen Press Execs Issued Patent
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL—Richard Wilen, chairman of the Wilen Group, and Jeffrey Obermiller, vice president-manufacturing at Wilen Press, were issued a patent for an advanced method for printing metallic inks.
