UPFRONT
S. Rosenthal Closes Doors
CINCINNATI—S. Rosenthal & Co., a publication and catalog printer that dated back to 1868, perished in April with the demise of its Portland, TN, facility, Heritage Graphics. About 300 people lost their jobs. The company, ranked 117th on the 2005 PI 400 with $47 million in annual sales, never recovered from the loss of its TV Guide printing account.
Weyerhaeuser Mulls Move
FEDERAL WAY, WA—Weyerhaeuser Co. is considering alternatives for its fine paper business, including a possible sale. The company did confirm it is “in active discussion with several parties,” though it would not guarantee a sale of the fine paper business.
Unique Press for Japs-Olson
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN—The world’s first Goss Sunday 2000 web press equipped to complete four-color job changes without stopping for a makeready is being installed by Japs-Olson. The 24-page, single-web press will include eight Goss automatic transfer (AT) printing units, providing on-the-fly print transfer. With the press printing, operators will be able to complete a makeready for a new job on four idle units, then bring those units on impression while simultaneously taking the four units printing the previous job off impression.
EarthColor Closes Plant
HORSEHEADS, NY—The former Elmira Litho, acquired by EarthColor last November, has been shuttered by its new owner, according to the Elmira Star-Gazette. The move left 53 workers without jobs. The Elmira plant operated three shifts five days per week, providing web printing and digital asset management (DAM), among other products and services. EarthColor has facilities in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Arizona, as well as Toronto.
Senate Health Week a Bust
WASHINGTON, DC—The so-called ‘Health Week’ came and went without the Senate passing any bills. Mike Enzi (R-WY) had sponsored a small business health insurance bill that would have allowed small companies to band, across multiple states, and vie for better health insurance rates—which would greatly benefit the commercial printing industry. Democrats rejected it, according to the Associated Press, because it exempted the small business plans from many state-mandated health benefits.
Quebecor World Elevates Lucas
MONTREAL—Embattled printing giant Quebecor World has named new president and CEO Wes Lucas to its board of directors, less than a week after taking the helm of the company. Prior to his May 11 appointment, Lucas served as chairman, president and CEO of Sun Chemical, a leading producer of printing industry inks and pigments. The announcement comes on the heels of the news that Quebecor World will cut a total of 756 jobs in 2006 because of poor results from its commercial printing operations.
Brower Acquires Marcom
MINNETONKA, MN—J.D. Brower In-vestment Group, which owns The PGI Companies, has acquired a majority interest in Marcom Services, or MarcomNordic. The deal creates a company with printing, packaging, direct mail and fulfillment capabilities. The companies will operate separately.
New Press for Motivating
FT. WORTH, TX—Motivating Graphics plans to begin installation of its new five-unit Goss Sunday 2000 web press in July. The 24-page press includes a Contiweb CS splicer, an Ecocool dryer with integrated chill rolls and a PCF 1.2 pinless combination folder. Motivating Graphics, which produces technical manuals, brochures and direct mail work, among other things, is also receiving a refurbished Sunday 2000 press system.
Openfirst Nets Digital Presses
MILWAUKEE—Openfirst, which services sectors including automotive, financial and manufacturing with printed marketing messages, has invested in 11 digital printing systems from Océ. The large order features nine Océ VarioStream 7550 and 7650 continuous high-speed printers, along with VarioStream 9210 and 9220 continuous feed duplex printers.
InnerWorkings Registers for IPO
CHICAGO—Print procurement solutions provider InnerWorkings has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering of common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not been determined.
Seiz Gets 12-color Capabilities
ATLANTA—Seiz Printing has added a 12-color Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 102 perfecting press, among other new gear, to its all-Heidelberg press arsenal. The printer also picked up a six-color Speedmaster CD 102 press with coater and Heidelberg’s off-line UV coating unit. The SM 102 is expected to increase productivity and capabilities.
Lester, Miller to Combine
ANAHEIM, CA—A pair of Southern California printers—Miller Graphics of Baldwin Park, CA, and Lester Lithograph, based here—have agreed to merge their operations. The company will operate as Lester Lithograph at its Anaheim facility. Rob Miller, president of Miller Graphics, will serve as CEO of Lester Lithograph. Larry Lester, formerly president of Lester Lithograph, becomes COO.
Changes at Transcontinental
MONTREAL—Transcontinental has combined its commercial printing and direct marketing facilities in the Toronto area. Equipment at Transcontinental O’Keefe Toronto will be transferred to the Transcontinental Direct Toronto facility by the end of September. As part of the consolidation, 23 employees were let go. The combined facility now has 225 employees.
