UPFRONT
Ginsberg Joins Graphic Press
LOS ANGELES—Graphic Press has restructured its executive group, naming Randolph Ginsberg its president and Michael Hecht to the post of executive vice president, sales. Ginsberg formerly served as vice president of sales at Hawthorne, CA-based Lithographix. Hecht also spent time at Lithographix as executive vice president of sales.
Xerox to Obtain XMPie
STAMFORD, CT—With an eye towards growth in personalized printing and multimedia direct marketing, Xerox Corp. has agreed to acquire XMPie for $54 million. New York-based XMPie specializes in variable information software. XMPie will maintain its brand name and function as a standalone software unit.
Innovator Gegenheimer Passes
SHELTON, CT—Harold Gegenheimer, 95, chairman emeritus of Baldwin Technology, whose sheet reversing innovation made a major impact on sheetfed printing, passed away. Mr. Gegenheimer enjoyed a long career in the printing industry and was active in many of its associations. NPES, The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies, created two service awards in his name.
QuadData Solutions Expands
SUSSEX, WI—QuadData Solutions, a division of Quad/Graphics, has expanded its data-driven marketing services to include multi-channel marketers and retailers, along with marketers in the automotive, financial services, travel and leisure industries. In addition, the data solutions group (formerly Quad/Data Services) has bolstered its list rental capabilities through relationships with several data providers.
Grafikom Adding Toronto Printer
TORONTO—Grafikom LLP, a spinoff of Quebecor World with eight facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico, has acquired commercial and package printer Grenville Printing, based here. Grenville provides sheetfed printing products for many Fortune 500 companies and has developed a niche in the music and consumer goods packaging industries.
Case Mourns Loss of Schaffer
SCARSDALE, NY—Irving Schaffer, an accomplished craftsman and master woodworker who was a founder of Case Paper, has passed away at the age of 96, the company announced. Mr. Schaffer died of natural causes at his home in Scarsdale, NY, according to Case Paper’s Keith Goldberg.
Ray Prince Joins NAPL
PARAMUS, NJ—Ray Prince, a leading technical and operations expert, has joined the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) as vice president and senior consultant, operations management. Prince will report to John Hyde, managing director of NAPL Professional Services Group. During his tenure with PIA/GATF, Prince conducted nearly 1,000 Technical Plant Assessments (TPAs), analyzing print production facilities.
New Plant for 48hourprint.com
PHOENIX—Online printing specialist 48hourprint.com has opened a West Coast printing facility here. The new plant allows the Cleveland-based trade printer to offer fast turnaround times (48 hours, guaranteed). The online printing company is also completely redesigning its Website and ordering process to improve ease of use.
Quebecor World Inks Major Deal
MONTREAL—Quebecor World and Yellow Pages Group have signed a contract extension through 2020 that is worth in excess of C$1 billion. The deal also increases the volumes manufactured by Quebecor World. The contract covers more than 300 directory titles and includes value-added services including fulfillment and logistics.
Baldwin Makes Deal for Oxy-Dry
SHELTON, CT—Baldwin Technology, a provider of accessories and controls technology for the printing industry, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Oxy-Dry Corp., which also makes press accessories. Terms of the deal, expected to close within 30 days subject to customary closing conditions, were not revealed. With annual sales of $38 million, Oxy-Dry has manufacturing operations in Itasca, IL, and Egelsbach, Germany.
WorkflowOne Launches Unit
DAYTON, OH—Document and business process outsourcing services provider WorkflowOne has launched its Digital Solutions business unit. The unit will provide customers with a dedicated network of equipment, services and personnel required to meet the company’s growing demand for digital and variable data printing, mailing and electronic communications solutions.
Verizon Spins Off Print Holdings
NEW YORK—Verizon Communications’ board of directors has approved the spinoff of its U.S. printing and Internet yellow pages directories company to its shareholders. The new company, separate from Verizon, will be called Idearc. The company boasts multi- platform print and online publishing and advertising services, including Yellow Pages, White Pages, business directories and magazines, an online directory and search services.
MetroGroup Acquires Proficient
LINCOLN, NE—MetroGroup, a provider of direct marketing services, has acquired Proficient Data. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Proficient Data specializes in transaction document management, production and mailing services, managing, producing and distributing millions of sensitive, business-critical electronic and print documents, including checks, invoices and statements.
Wilcox Lays Off 53 Workers
ITHACA, NY—Wilcox Press has decided to temporarily lay off 53 of its 165 workers due to competitive pressure, according to the Ithaca (NY) Journal. CEO Patrick Walsh also told the newspaper that the company decided to reduce the scale of operations until a refinancing can be completed.
