UPFRONT
Schmidt Acquires Rapid Reprint
BYRON, MN—Publishing industry solutions provider Schmidt announced that it has acquired Rapid Reprint, a quick turnaround article reprint production company based in White Bear Lake, MN. Schmidt, a web offset printer, specializes in the production of direct response vehicles such as magazine and direct mail inserts, as well as the production and distribution of card packs for the publishing industry.
Valassis Installs QTI Systems
DURHAM, NC—Valassis Communications has purchased a Ribbon Control System 4000 (RCS 4000) and a Register Guidance System V (RGS V) with ink guiding and phaser control for the second of its MAN Roland Lithoman presses. Both systems were purchased from QTI. It was the second time this year that Valassis had acquired both the RCS 4000 and RGS V controls.
Banta Corp., HP in Partnership
MENASHA, WI—Banta Corp. announced it has partnered with Hewlett-Packard Co., of Palo Alto, CA, to create a comprehensive enterprise publishing solution to help businesses streamline the capture, management, distribution and publishing of digital information. The venture sees Banta content management applications and print services married with HP's networking, consulting and digital printing technologies. The solution will reportedly allow companies to deliver accurately branded and up-to-date information on any device—local or remote—in the desired format.
ISO Certification for Omaha Print
OMAHA, NE—Omaha Print has been registered for ISO 9002 certification, which company officials say makes it the only printer in the state to receive the recognition. It is the fourth consecutive certification audit that Omaha Print has successfully completed since its original certification in 1996.
Concord Consolidates Facilities
CONCORD, NH—To reach its goal of increasing efficiency and moving to a 100 percent direct-to-plate workflow, Concord Litho Group announced it will consolidate its full-web Meriden, CT, facility and its Concord, NH, plant. The transfer of equipment from Meriden to Concord is expected by the spring of 2002.
Von Hoffmann Makes Investment
JEFFERSON CITY, MO—Von Hoffmann Press is committed to the GMI ColorQuick system from Graphics Microsystems. The book printer has ordered a dozen more of the on-web closed-loop color control systems after having installed 12 this past spring. The company now has a total of 26 GMI ColorQuick systems.
Fujifilm Gives $1 Million in Relief
ELMSFORD, NY—Fujifilm announced it is donating $1 million to a number of organizations established to aid the victims and relief efforts following the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Among the organizations Fujifilm is targeting include the American Red Cross and The September 11th Fund.
Jasinowski at Print Outlook 02
RESTON, VA—Jerry Jasinowski was chosen to keynote the annual Print Outlook 02 economic and marketing conference, December 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Jasinowski is president of the National Association of Manufacturers and a noted authority on political, economic and manufacturing trends. The event is sponsored by NPES, The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies.
Spiral Acquires Action Bindery
CLEVELAND—Trade bindery Spiral of Ohio has purchased Atlanta-based Action Bindery. Both companies specialize in perfect and mechanical binding, but Action Bindery will provide additional capabilities for Spiral of Ohio, including saddlestitching and folding services.
New Handbook Addresses Color
The Basic Requirements for International Design & Graphic Solutions (BRIDG'S) has released the "Handbook of Color for the Graphic Arts," aimed at helping those involved in color reproduction. The BRIDG'S Committee is an independent group of volunteers, including printers, graphic arts buyers, manufacturers, educators and consultants, formed to establish and publish guidelines for basic production requirements for the graphic arts.
Banta Delivers Milestone Book
HARRISONBURG, VA—The 10 millionth copy of "What to Expect When You're Expecting," the bible of how-to books for mothers-to-be, rolled off the presses at the Banta Book Group on August 28. The milestone book came during its 93rd print run. Banta claims it has printed enough pages of this book to circle the earth 2.6 million times.
XYAN Files for Bankruptcy
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA—On-demand digital printer XYAN has filed for Chapter 11 reorganizational bankruptcy. The move comes as a result of the inability to obtain additional financing for its continued operation, coupled with the unfavorable operating results due to the economic downturn in its market.
Casey Celebrates 100 Years
KING CITY, CA—Casey Printing celebrated its 100th year of business with an open house and party on October 19. Approximately 250 people attended the event, which featured food, drink and live Dixieland jazz music.
Anderberg-Lund Marks Milestone
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN—Anderberg-Lund Printing celebrated its 30th anniversary on September 13, welcoming 600 customers, vendors, employees and friends to an open house. The celebration featured a jungle theme, which included "big cats" from the Center for Endangered Cats. Gifts, food and children's games highlighted the event.
Print Veteran Newson Retires
MONTREAL—Transcontinental Group announced the retirement of Wayne Newson, president of Transcontinental Printing, effective January 1, 2002. Newson led the printing division for four years. No successor had been named as of press time.
