Graphic Arts

VANDALIA, OH—The Association of Esko-Graphics Users recently held its annual meeting in St. Louis. A series of Adobe product and technology presentations met with considerable interest among attendees, as did the synergies afforded by the Esko-Graphics DeskPack solution released within the past year. The agenda covered a range of prepress topics and applications, including automated workflow, color theory, Internet proofing tools and alternative color models. (www.aeg.esko-graphics.com) PITTSBURGH—The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has published a report of the findings from its original research study comparing the quality of print jobs from digital color and DI presses. The print technologies used in

BY MARK SMITH To those outside the graphic arts, the end product of printing probably hasn't seemed to change all that much since the days of Gutenberg. It's still text and images reproduced on paper. The industry generally hasn't been thought of as a hotbed of innovation, at least not until lately. From the mid 1980s and carrying into the '90s, digital technology was said to be revolutionizing printing. But as Printing Impressions magazine marks its 45th year of tracking the industry, a look back over the decades shows an industry in a constant state of change. Some big, some small. It also reveals

by Caroline Miller There is a simple, yet elegant, black brochure that greets every potential Graphic Arts Center (GAC) customer. On the cover it proudly proclaims, "Better Living Through Printing." It's a concept that packs a powerful punch for this $85 million company based in Portland, OR. GAC believes that it can improve the lives of its customers through a winning combination of superior equipment, employee know-how, cutting-edge technology, impressive service, delivery and value. It's proven to be the company's key to success. GAC plans to celebrate its centennial later this year. Over the past 100 years the firm's attention to detail has

Bindery workers at Quebecor World's Effingham, IL, plant will not reconsider the company's final contract offer, according to the Effingham Daily News. There are approximately 400 union bindery workers at the plant. Quebecor World management says it has growing concerns about the future viability of the plant because of the competitive magazine printing market and the high cost structure of the plant. As of presstime, Graphic Communications International Union representatives are moving to request additional meetings. Atlanta-based priNexus Inc. has announced several staff changes. Larry Klotz has been named vice president of sales and national sales manager. For the past 12 years, Klotz has

By Mark Smith Mature used to be a polite way of saying old and on the brink of decline, if not already sliding down the hill. By introducing a culture of healthier eating, regular exercise and improved medical care, the baby boom generation has shattered perceptions about aging. Consider that 40ish baseball and football players now are being given multi-year contract extensions. So what should one read into the fact that web offset printing often is referred to as a mature technology and industry? For the technology, it's a testament to the quality, strength and relative stability of the process. Still, it is possible

By Caroline Miller Tom Basore has no regrets when he looks back over his long career in the graphic arts industry. "It's been a wonderful experience. I've loved every moment of it," says the Web Offset Association's (WOA) executive director, who is retiring this month. While Basore has loved every minute of his career, he is also not one to look back. Basore is now eagerly looking forward to the next phase of his life, which includes relocating to a home in Florida and an upcoming cruise to Alaska with his new wife. Basore says that he plans to take a lesson from a

By Erik Cagle Don't get Jerry Williamson wrong. The chairman of Dallas-based Williamson Printing loves being involved with printing industry associations. But truth be known, Williamson feels the associations have done as much for him and his company as he has done for them. And that is saying a lot. "If you keep your eyes and ears open, (participating in associations) can be very rewarding," notes Williamson, selected the 2003 recipient of the Harry V. Quadracci VISION award by the Web Offset Association (WOA) of Printing Industries of America. "The friendships and business acquaintances that I've made have been invaluable." The award is given

Workflow Management Gets CEO PALM BEACH, FL—Gary W. Ampulski has been appointed president and CEO of Workflow Management. Ampulski brings to the position strong financial performance and hands-on experience in printing systems and services. Most recently he served as president and CEO of TAB Products, Vernon Hills, IL, a publicly held company. There he reportedly improved operating results, enhanced the management team, reduced costs and increased shareholder value by more than 175 percent in less than two years. California Printers Merge WATSONVILLE, CA—ColorAd Printers and Watsonville Press have joined forces to form PRINTWORX, which offers digital prepress, proofing and printing options. The new company has

Eschol Harrell has been promoted to the position of account manager at Walton Press, Atlanta, after previously serving as a prepress operator for the company. Harrell has 22 years of publishing production management experience. Lynn McCoy has joined the executive team at DS Graphics, Lowell, MA. She comes to the company with an extensive professional background, including the active president of e-Source International. In other company news, T.C. Kuan is the company's new chief information officer. He is the co-founder of eSource International. Terry McLaughlin has been named senior vice president of sales administration at Segerdahl Graphics, Wheeling, IL. Previously, McLaughlin was vice president of sales.

PITTSBURGH—The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has released its "2003 Technology Forecast." One of GATF's most popular publications, the annual "Technology Forecast" helps readers identify trends that will affect specific business segments in the next five or 10 years. Its 65 articles, by various industry experts, touch upon almost every printing process and clarify how and why markets are moving. Among its findings: the average firm offering wide-format ink-jet services is billing around $4 million per year. Digital proofing is growing fast with many interesting developments in soft proofing. Growth in specialty printing, packaging of all types and flexography is also reported. The forecast also includes