While 2010 was resplendent with major printing company acquisitions, its successor came and went with little fanfare. Asset sales and closures took center stage in 2011, and crime continued to play a leading role from a news standpoint.
Classic Graphics has acquired Belk Printing Technologies for an undisclosed sum, creating what is said to be the largest privately owned commercial printing company in the Carolinas. David Pitts, co-owner of Classic Graphics, sees the acquisition as a good fit.
CHARLOTTE, NC—Classic Graphics has acquired Belk Printing Technologies for an undisclosed sum, reportedly creating the largest privately owned commercial printing company in the Carolinas.
Ralph Belk, Jr., will assume the role of managing partner in the combined company. As previously announced, Classic Graphics will move during the first quarter of 2011 to its new 180,000-sq.ft. facility in Innovation Park (Charlotte, NC). Integration of the Belk operation will take place shortly after completion of the move
The 2012 Printing Impressions 400 list of the largest printing companies in the United States and Canada as ranked by annual sales.
PINEVILLE, NC—Belk Printing Technologies has installed its third Mitsubishi press. The Diamond 3000S began production at Belk in mid-February. This is the company's second six-color press. Nies/Artcraft Cos., St. Louis, announced that Keith Marcks has been named president of Lion Promotional Solutions, a subsidiary of Nies/Artcraft specializing in promotional coupons, games and sweepstakes, and point-of-purchase displays. In other news, Tom Miller has been promoted to the position of vice president, marketing/account services. He has held the position of director of marketing at Nies/Artcraft for the past four years. Randy Monroe of LX Printing in Colorado Springs, CO, received the Eagle Award from Certified Printers International (CPrint)
LAS CROABAS, PR—Forget the red carpet and stretch limos for Hollywood celebrities, the provocative designer dresses and the "A-list" parties. The printing industry recently celebrated its own version of Academy Awards night here at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa as part of Sappi Fine Paper North America's Printer of the Year celebration. Nearly 400 people were in attendance, including 36 Silver Award finalists vying for the six coveted Gold Awards, Sappi merchants and Sappi Fine Paper employees. The black-tie gala featured a giant mask on stage cascaded with special lighting, video clips highlighting each finalist's printed piece and short skits
Caveat printer! Do you know what your competitor, er, colleague down the street is doing to attract new customers and possibly take away some of your market share? Chances are, it's not a calendar adorned with scantily-clad females. That may fly with the good people at Snap-On Tools, but in a business where image—the printed one, that is—is indeed everything, it behooves printers large and small to develop promotional pieces that not only accurately and succinctly inform people of your products and services, but also incorporate a nice sampling of those capabilities.
Phoenix Press Bolsters Bindery NEW HAVEN, CT—Improved service and faster turnaround time expectations prompted Phoenix Press' acquisition of five new pieces of bindery equipment. The company added a Rollem TR system for two-directional perforating, scoring and slitting. Phoenix also added a Sterling Punchmaster and Rilecart TP-480 binding machine. A Sterling S59 gatherer/collator and a Corta PB04 paper drilling machine round out the acquisitions. Scripps Adds Web Offset Presses STUART, FL—As part of its plan to consolidate its three daily newspapers in a new $45 million production facility, Scripps Treasure Coast Publishing has ordered a pair of MAN Roland Regioman web offset presses. Production will include zoned editions,
