Countless binding and finishing technology providers were candid in their positive assessments of how the scene went down in McCormick Place South. It wasn’t all cartwheels and champagne popping, but this year’s Graph Expo did exceed the expectations of many.
Technology Drives Business Growth FALL CREEK, WI—Mail Source, a provider of integrated direct mail solutions, has added a Domino dual-head, drop-on-demand (DoD) imaging system to complement its existing capacity. This additional line can duplex personalize plastic cards at extremely high speeds using UV cured ink. The 20 year-old western Wisconsin company continues to invest millions of dollars in technology to attract high-volume business—without a sales staff (although it employs 100). For Mini Folds, the Smaller the Better NEW BRITAIN, CT—Connecticut Valley Bindery recently purchased a two-station Vijuk G&K V-14 SAF miniature folder with HHS hot glue system from Vijuk Equipment. “We are excited
Prepress Upgrades Enhance Workflow DETROIT—First came the press, then came the upgrade to new prepress and platesetting technology. Crystal Clear Images runs a Heidelberg GTO press and wanted to update its workflow. Crystal and Anthony Mitchell, the husband and wife owners of the unionized shop, chose Heidelberg’s Prinect Printready prepress system and Suprasetter A52 platesetter. “When people heard that we were installing Heidelberg (prepress equipment), the amount of business influx was incredible,” reports Crystal Mitchell, who began her career as a school teacher in graphic design, before starting her own business from the basement of her house in 1995. The company, which has
Vendors Partner for Innovation Days WESTAMPTON, NJ—MBO America, in conjunction with more than 20 leading providers of digital printing, on-demand finishing, mailing and gluing solutions, hosted aproximately 300 visitors from all over the country during its annual Innovation Days open house held here early last month. Equipment on display during the three-day mini-trade show focused on real-world transactional printing and finishing applications, personalization, on-demand book/brochure production and sophisticated mailing solutions. In several instances, exhibitors partnered to showcase complete end-to-end production systems featuring components from multiple vendors. And, unlike larger trade show events, the more intimate open house setting allowed visitors ample time for one-on-one discussions and
THE ROLLER coaster twisted from one side of the Muller Martini booth to the other, an improbably long snake piercing the air in an exhibition hall mostly filled with floor-dwelling equipment. This machine was certainly no bottom feeder—more specifically, it was a top feeder, the Topveyor 365 overhead conveyor. At times an overhead conveyor was needed to circumvent the crowds choking the aisles during Graph Expo 2007 in Chicago. But the patron flow was volatile, and there were periods where one could walk down some of the back aisles of the McCormick Place South Hall without bumping into a poster-toting gawker. . .of which
Here’s an exclusive, PRE-SHOW PREVIEW showcasing new products submitted by many of the exhibitors that will be displaying their wares next month in Chicago. Colter & Peterson will showcase the BASA 3, which features an automatic jogging system that can automatically form layers of printed sheets, align them accurately and transport them to the subsequent cutting process. The BASA 3 is appropriate for paper from 16-lb. bond to 125-lb. tag, and is effective when combined with a modern, rear-table-feeding system. Existing gripper transport systems can be retrofitted. Visit www.piworld.com/infocenter: enter #377 MBO America will introduce the Super KTZ, featuring a knife-folding unit that
Puritan Press Garners New Vijuk Saddlestitcher HOLLIS, NH—Puritan Press, which serves academic, corporate and non-profit institutions, recently installed a Vijuk 321-T saddlestitcher, distributed by Vijuk Equipment. The in-line punch on the new machine has been very helpful in fulfilling high-volume book orders that require three-hole punching prior to insertion into binders for one of Puritan’s largest accounts. Sigler Printing Augments Stitching Line AMES, IA—Full-service provider Sigler Printing has bolstered its saddlestitching capabilities with the addition of a Muller Martini Presto stitcher. The acquisition allows Sigler Printing to increase its cost-effectiveness, particularly in the short- to mid-range market. According to Jill Whitaker, vice president of operations, the Presto
CALIFORNIA CITY OF INDUSTRY—Kion Printing has invested in a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 press with coater. Founded in 1982, Kion Printing is a privately held company housing 52 employees. FOOTHILL RANCH—Westamerica Graphics recently installed a six-color Komori Lithrone S40. This is the sixth Komori press for the 29-year-old firm. The company is facing increased client demands for short-turnaround, four-, five- and six-color print applications. REDWOOD CITY—Pacific Printing and Fulfillment Inc. (PPFI) recently purchased its third Kodak NexPress 2100 digital production color press and its first Kodak NexPress fifth imaging unit to increase its services to include in-line coating and an expanded color gamut range. CONNECTICUT EAST WINDSOR—Keystone Paper
Gämmerler will launch the BL 408 bindery stacker for use behind saddlestitchers, perfect binders, folders and inserters. Features wide format range, two-stage stacking system and a low copy drop height. The infeed is equipped with four top belts and eight bottom belts. Visit www.piworld.com/infocenter and enter number 381 Goss International will unveil its Pacesetter 2200 and 2500 saddlestitchers. The systems feature servo-driven hoppers and excel at quick makereadies. The Pacesetter 2200 system completes up to 22,000 books per hour. The Pacesetter 2500 model features a dual stitcher and a 25,000 books per hour capacity. Visit www.piworld.com/infocenter and enter number
Stora Enso has announced the opening of its new Southern California regional distribution center in Montebello, just south of Los Angeles. Len Cammalleri is MAN Roland’s new district sales manager in New York and New Jersey. He has held senior sales and management posts with Hell Graphic Systems, Linotype, Polaroid and Hewlett-Packard. Meanwhile, Gerald Whitlow takes over as district sales manager in Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Diamond Holding Corp. has appointed Matt Greene to the position of technical sales representative. Greene will join the telemarketing department and will be responsible for nationwide sales of the Diamond Express product line. KBA North America has named
