Heidelberg

Presstek Bids for A.B.Dick NILES, IL—A.B.Dick Co. announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Soon after the announcement, Hudson, NH-based Presstek Inc. unveiled a detailed plan to acquire the business and assets of the company through a U.S. Bankruptcy Code section 363 asset sale, a deal valued at approximately $40 million. Presstek President and CEO Edward Marino stressed that there was no guarantee his company would be successful in the open bidding environment of a bankruptcy proceeding. Bowne's Johnson Retires NEW YORK CITY—Bowne & Co. announced the immediate retirement of Robert M. Johnson from the company and its board of directors for personal reasons.

Folder Operators Go Back to School WESTAMPTON, NJ—Twelve folding machine operators representing seven different companies came to MBO America headquarters recently to participate in 2.5 days of in-depth, hands-on training at the MBO Fold School. Trainees were able to observe or operate three different folding machines, including the automated Perfection. Directed by Dave Trutzenbach, an authority on binding operations and equipment, the MBO Folding School provides the opportunity for operators to improve their knowledge and proficiency regardless of their skill level. NAK Marketing & Communications, an agency that has served many of the leading brands in the graphic arts industry for over 14 years,

More Than 700 Get Connected At EFI Event LAS VEGAS—The plush MGM Grand Hotel and Casino was the mecca for approximately 700 worldwide customers as EFI/Connect 2004, Printcafe's fifth annual user's conference, paid a visit to Sin City June 27-30. The conference resembled a mini Graph Expo, with 22 exhibitors showcasing complementary equipment, and 162 educational seminars for users of EFI workflow solutions. The conference opened with a state-of-the-industry report by Andrew Paparozzi, the NAPL's chief economist, titled, "Success Factors of the Profit Leaders." Paparozzi pointed out that the recession has been much more severe for the industry than it has for the rest

arizona PHOENIX—Steve Woods Printing opened its doors with a dedication celebration in May. Steve is the son of Frank Woods, formerly of Woods Lithographics. CALIFORNIA SAN MARCOS, CA—Golden State Graphics recently added to its bindery a Vijuk 321-T saddlestitcher. florida DeLEON SPRINGS—E.O. Painter Printing held its 100th annual stockholders and directors meeting recently. The company, which traces its origin to 1873, was purchased and incorporated by Sidney Weller Johnston, the current company president's grandfather. MIAMI—Color K Graphics purchased a KBA 74 Karat digital offset press with coater during Drupa. PENSACOLA—Six Stahl B30 buckle plate folders have been installed at Pensacola Christian College. georgia

DOVER, NH--July 14, 2004--Geographics will install the first web press in the United States with Automatic Transfer (AT), a new Heidelberg option that allows job changeovers to be completed without stopping the press. The company reportedly will add the six-unit, 24-page Sunday 2000 in early 2005 as part of an ongoing expansion project at its Atlanta, GA facility. The web press will complement new sheetfed presses, including a Heidelberg Speedmaster 10-color perfector. "The market for high-quality commercial printing is going in the direction of shorter runs with more versioning," explains Geographics Owner and CEO Norvin Hagan. "The combination of gapless technology, Autoplate and Automatic Transfer creates

Pittsburgh, PA--July 23, 2004--PIA/ GATF is pleased to announce 13 recipients of the 2004 GATF InterTech Technology Awards. A panel of independent judges chose this year's recipients from a roster of 33 submissions. Once again, GATF 's InterTech Technology Award recipients reflect a unique cross-section of industry innovations, from consumables like blankets, paper and plates to a classification system for folding and software that enhances the design process while reducing file size. "The 2004 awards show that even small companies can develop a highly innovative technology deserving of an InterTech Award," says PIA/GATF Research Director John Lind. Although the digitization of

KENNESAW, GA--July 19, 2004--Heidelberg announced the departure of Niels M. Winther, the head of its North American business operations. Effectively immediately, the management of all sales, service and support functions provided by Heidelberg USA, Inc. will be assumed by James P. Dunn. Winther, who had been a Heidelberg employee for more than 30 years, reportedly has expressed interest to leave the organization and pursue other opportunities while spending more time with his family. He will remain available to Heidelberg during the transition phase. Dunn previously was responsible for the holding company that supports all of Heidelberg's North and South American activities. He has held

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY--June 17, 2004--Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will transfer its web offset division (Web Systems) to Goss International. The two companies signed an according agreement, which is yet to be confirmed by the relevant European antitrust organizations. The transaction is expected to be closed within the next weeks. The deal includes the business areas of Commercial Web, Newspaper and, in the US, Finishing Systems for web offset machines. Heidelberg reportedly will hold a 15 percent share in Goss International, but the companies said they agreed not to disclose the financial specifics of the transaction. "By combining and restructuring activities, both companies are aiming for better

By Mark Michelson Editor-in-Chief The rain may have made it a bit more difficult for visitors to maneuver between the 17 halls during the first week of the 14-day Drupa 2004 trade exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany, last month, but that surely didn't dampen the spirits of the reported 394,000-plus attendees. Nor did it keep the 1,862 equipment, software and consumables exhibitors representing 52 nations from showcasing their latest R&D and product development efforts. And while there may not have been any one "blockbuster" piece of equipment or technology that everyone at the show was buzzing about, there surely was an assortment of new product

Growth Seen in Color Digital Printing Output NEW YORK CITY—Acceptance and use of any new technology is usually a direct function of a decline in cost and an increase in quality or functionality. Digital color printing is following this pattern. According to a new report released recently by TrendWatch Graphic Arts (TWGA), prices for digital presses and related consumables costs have declined significantly. This, in conjunction with technological advancements that have enhanced output quality, has led to a steady increase in investment in digital color equipment, which reportedly is up five percentage points in the last 12 months. In addition, demand for digital