UPFRONT
Hibner Named CFO at Banta
MENASHA, WI—Geoffrey J. Hibner has been hired as the new Banta Corp. CFO. Hibner, 53, was most recently with Bridge Associates, a New York City-based management consulting firm. He succeeds current executive vice president and CFO Gerald A. Henseler, who will retire in October after a 37-year career with Banta.
Quebecor Joins USPS Program
MIDLAND, MI—Quebecor World's Midland facility has been authorized by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to participate in the new Periodical Co-palletization Program. The Quebecor World Midland facility is the second Quebecor World facility to obtain authorization for this program. Additionally, this is said to be the first facility in the industry to gain authorization for a site that co-palletizes mail manufactured at that location. Participation in this program results in additional postage discounts depending on drop ship penetration.
Alaniz Buys 18 Digital Presses
MOUNT PLEASANT, IA—Heidelberg has sold 18 Digimaster 9150i print systems to Alaniz LLC, based here, marking Heidelberg's largest sale to date of its highest-speed black-and-white digital press. The sale will bring to 24 the number of Digimaster 9150i presses at Alaniz. The company creates a broad range of direct mail pieces distributed by non-profit organizations, from personalized address labels and cards to personalized letters and notepads. Alaniz reportedly purchased the print systems based on the performance of the six Digimaster 9150i presses it has been using since earlier this year.
Lastra Merges Business Units
DANBURY, CT—Lastra America has merged its Western Lithotech and Lastra America operations into a single business unit, Lastra America. Lastra America products are marketed around the world in concert with other Lastra Group companies and a wide network of graphic arts distributors. "Creating a single organization under one, internationally recognized name will help to define our corporate culture and increase awareness of our position as a global manufacturer and marketer of printing products," notes Tom Saggiomo, CEO of Lastra America.
Ohio Firm Buys Speedmaster
CLEVELAND—The Great Lakes Companies has installed a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 102 perfector press, which can print both sides of a piece in one pass, at speeds of 26,000 iph.
First Compacta 215 in U.S.
CARLSTADT, NJ—Unimac Graphics has purchased the first KBA Compacta 215 in the United States. Unimac Graphics, which boasts a staff of 230, produces flyers, direct mail, catalogs, brochures, point-of-purchase materials and financial research reports through to outdoor advertising or in-store signage. The new 16-page commercial web press is just the ticket for Unimac's low-volume, high-quality print runs.
Vijuk Equipment Founder Dies
ELMHURST, IL—Michael Vijuk, founder of Vijuk Equipment, passed away August 26, less than three months before his 90th birthday. As an entrepreneur, bookbinder and inventor for the pharmaceutical folding industry, he invented the outsert folding machine, an in-line web press folder for repetitive letters and clamps for three-knife trimmers, among others. Michael Vijuk was presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award from Printing Impressions in 1991.
Collins Lithographing Acquired
BALTIMORE—Uptown Press has acquired Collins Lithographing. Instead of being limited to the smaller, quick turnaround market, Uptown will now be able to meet the demands of many more customers. Uptown will expand its services to include: a complete mailing operation, full bindery and fulfillment capabilities, and on-demand and variable data printing. It will also add several new pieces of equipment including a six-color, 20x29˝ Heidelberg SM-74 DI with coater. Longer-range plans include digital asset management and storage, Web hosting and design services.
Jostens Invests in New Presses
MINNEAPOLIS—Jostens Inc.'s new equity partner, DLJ Merchant Banking, has approved a $6.7 million capital investment in color printing technology to meet the increasing customer demand for more color pages in elementary, high school and college yearbooks. New 10-color Komori perfecting presses, along with associated software, hardware and data storage systems, will be located in Jostens' Visalia, CA, and Topeka, KS, printing plants.
Muller Martini Added to PrintCity
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY—PrintCity, the strategic alliance of more than 40 printing industry suppliers, has announced that Muller Martini will play a major part in PrintCity's "Print Factory" project at Drupa 2004. Muller Martini will contribute saddle stitching systems and finishing skills to the Web Factory, which will be run by PrintCity's Web Systems Activity Group.
CA Printer Purchases Web Press
GARDENA, CA—Southwest Offset Printing will install a Heidelberg Mercury web press with 96 printing couples and two JF-35 folders in early 2004. The company will use the new press to print a regional edition of The New York Times, as well as other newspapers and semi-commercial products. The new Mercury press will include 12 four-high towers and 18 pasters.
Graphic Arts Magazine Launched
PHILADELPHIA—North American Publishing Co. has announced the fall 2003 launch of its new magazine, Graphic & Design Business. The premier issue of Graphic & Design Business will debut this month. It will be published as a quarterly in 2004. It's the first and only magazine written for owners of design firms and large creative department managers featuring coverage of the firms, people, products, technologies, services and business methods that comprise the graphic design industry.
