International Paper

Electronics For Imaging and xpedx have entered into a new agreement under which xpedx will distribute EFI’s print management and workflow productivity solutions for commercial and in-plant printers across the U.S.

UPM, the world’s leading producer of graphic papers, has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with xpedx, the largest supplier of paper to commercial printers in the United States. The agreement makes xpedx the exclusive merchant supplier of UPM coated freesheet sheet fed (SFO), coated freesheet web (HSWO) and other UPM coated papers to commercial printers in the U.S. and Canada.

xpedx spent this year expanding its offerings with the equipment and services North American printers have asked for. It’s all going to be shown and discussed in the company’s largest-ever exhibit at PRINT 09 in Chicago, booth 1221. It also will hold a contest for printers, awarding two U.S.-based commercial and/or in-plant printers an all-expense-paid trip for two to the new xpedx Technology Center in metro Cincinnati. The two-day trip is valued at approximately $2,500 per winner.

Steve Bowden has been named executive vice president of Marketing and Sales for xpedx, replacing Tom Weisenbach who will retire from the company Sept. 30. xpedx is a division of International Paper where Steve will also serve as vice president.

For commercial printers Ralph Stewart and Steven Reiss, job profitability is up, customers get orders faster than ever and employees are more efficient because of online support and personalized attention from a core supplier.

The four newest members of The Print Council are industry veterans and dedicated professionals with a sincere passion for the business of print. Custom Data Imaging Corp., Alcom Printing Group, The P.A. Hutchinson Co. and Panaprint, Inc. understand the strength and power of print and the need to work together in educating the next generation.

FRANKLIN, VA—International Paper will permanently shut down its No. 3 uncoated freesheet paper machine here on Nov. 23 due to a decline in demand. The move will reduce IP's annual paper production capacity by 150,000 tons and cost 50 workers their jobs. Additionally, 60,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime will be taken out of the company's U.S. uncoated freesheet mills during the fourth quarter.

LOVELAND, OH— Jeff Higgins, a 40-year veteran paper distribution sales and marketing manager and the current director of xpedx Marketing Services and Information, will retire from xpedx on Nov. 30. Higgins is responsible for marketing communications strategy and execution at the $7.3 billion revenue division of International Paper.  He has held the top marketing services post since 1999 and is also responsible for the company's market research, branding/advertising and public relations activities.

The Print Council is stepping up its drive to unite print providers and media decision-makers behind the effectiveness of printing as a marketing, entertainment and educational medium. The accelerated effort is spearheaded by two new membership recruitment brochures produced by Council member Jet Inc., and a recently launched series of advertisements that were created by Council member NAK Marketing and Communications.

CHICAGO—October 14, 2008—xpedx and Ryobi will demonstrate and discuss new print technology and custom services for print professionals at Graph Expo 2008 in Chicago.  Visitors will see new prepress, pressroom and post-press equipment in a live print production environment.