Japs-Olson Co.

By Erik Cagle Good news! In October, Postmaster General John E. Potter told the Direct Marketing Association's annual conference attendees that, because of its reform efforts that enabled the USPS to remove $2.9 billion out of its bottom line in fiscal 2002, there would be no rate hikes until "well into 2004." The bad news, of course, is that the general economy and volume reductions in mailings made 2002 a challenging campaign for those companies that provide direct mail solutions from the production end. Thus, in noting that there will be no rate hike in 2003 is akin to pointing out, "At least the

(Editor's Note: Company rankings for the current and previous years are based on figures reported in 2002. Therefore, companies that revised their 2001 revenues may have changed their 2001 ranking as compared with the ranking that appeared in last year's Printing Impressions 400. Similarly, the percentage change in sales is calculated on the most recent information provided.) 51 ('01: 58) MacNaughton Lithograph/Command Web Offset, Secaucus, NJ Total Sales (millions): $140.00 Previous Year's (millions): $140.00 Change (%): — Principal Officer: Andrew Merson Employees: 625 Primary Specialties: BKS 40%; DIR 25%; CAT 15%; FIN 10% Web Offset Units: 44 Sheetfed Offset Units: 6 Other: 0

WESTAMPTON, NJ—With an assortment of traditional German Octoberfest foods and beer, as well as a showroom full of various finishing equipment available from the Germany-based folder and accessory manufacturer, the only thing missing from MBO America's recent customer open house held here was a German oompah band wearing lederhosen. According to MBO America President and CEO Hans Max, more than 150 existing clients and prospects—representing both commercial printers and trade binderies—attended the event. It was held over three days in MBO's U.S. headquarters facility. The modern site houses sales, service and parts operations; an extensive equipment showroom, which is used for MBO America's folding schools, training

Grossman New Alexander CEO CLIFTON, NJ—Roy Grossman, president of Sandy Alexander, has been promoted to CEO, effective January 1, 2003, the company announced. Grossman will replace Frank Stillo, who will remain as chairman of the board. Grossman, who also serves on the board of directors, was named president in 1995. He joined the company in 1991 as a managing director. Sandy Alexander also announced that it has attained ISO 14001 registration, in addition to its previously attained ISO 9002 certification. Forest City Signs Press Pact LONDON, ON—Forest City Graphics has ordered five KBA sheetfed offset presses: a six-color, 64˝ Rapida 162 with coater; a six-color, 56˝ Rapida

BY ERIK CAGLE Want a free lesson in time management? Swipe Robert E. Murphy's appointment book. Most people in the commercial printing industry know the chairman of Japs-Olson Co. as Bob Murphy. Make that a multitude of people. Anyone who is involved, at any level, in organizations supporting the print communications industry is familiar with the longtime leader of the St. Louis Park, MN-based printer. His resume reads like a Who's Who of industry organizations: Murphy serves on the boards of the Printing Industries of America (PIA), as well as its Minnesota affiliate; the Graphic Arts Show Co.; the Graphic Arts Education & Research

Lewis Henderson has been named general manager of K/P Corp.'s Kent, WA-based mailing and fulfillment facility. Henderson brings 15 years of experience in fulfillment, marketing and management to his new position. He started at K/P in 1988 and most recently served as vice president of fulfillment services at its San Leandro, CA, facility. Rod Bristol has been awarded the Ascender Award for the Northwest region by the Alliance of Consultants & Educators for the Printing Industry. Winners of the Ascender Award exhibit superior business practices and go above and beyond to share their knowledge and experience with industry peers. Bristol is the owner of Sudden

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Who will be the single CEO of the Printing Industries of America and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation when Ray Roper retires? The consolidation of two of the commercial printing industry's most prominent association concludes with the naming of a single person to represent the organization as its CEO. The organizations announced their consolidation in 1999. "A smooth consolidation of GATF and PIA has been one of my highest priorities since the process was initiated," says Ray Roper, outgoing PIA president. "With the outstanding support and guidance from leaders of the industry, we are in the final stages. It is now time for one

This is an open letter to Robert E. Murphy, the veteran leader at Japs-Olson and the chairman of the selection committee charged with finding the next man or woman who will become CEO of the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, one of the commercial printing industry's largest and most powerful associations. Dear Sir, It has come to my attention that the PIA/GATF has received in excess of 350 resumes both from people within and outside the industry vying for the chance to become the virtual czar of the commercial printing industry. While I am certain that there are many qualified applicants already

Xeikon to Sell Assets, Liquidate MORTSEL, BELGIUM—Xeikon's board of directors, along with officers appointed by the Antwerp Court of Commerce, have determined that the company cannot obtain new capital within its creditor protection timeframe. Thus, the company is now considering sale offers for its assets and activities. Upon completion of the sale, the digital color and black-and-white printing systems manufacturer will be put into liquidation, with proceeds from the sale applied toward outstanding debt. Xeikon, which applied for creditor protection last November, was also informed by the Nasdaq that it will delist the company's securities from its system. Danner Press May Close Doors CANTON, OH—Danner Press, one

Editor's note: Company rankings for the current and previous years are based on figures reported in 2001. Therefore, companies that revised their 2000 revenues may have changed their '00 ranking as compared with the ranking that appeared in last year's Printing Impressions 400. Similarly, the percentage change in sales is calculated on the most recent information provided. 2001 Ranking:Previous Year's Ranking:Company:Total Sales (millions):Previous Year's (millions):Change (%):Principal Officer:Employees:Primary Specialties:Web Offset Units:Sheetfed Offset Units:Other:Ownership:Plants: 5159J.J. Keller & Assoc., Neenah, WI$159.76$139.99+14Robert L. Keller830PUB 50%; BKS 30%; DM 10%; BF 10%2087Private1  2001 Ranking:Previous Year's Ranking:Company:Total Sales (millions):Previous Year's (millions):Change (%):Principal Officer:Employees:Primary Specialties:Web Offset Units:Sheetfed Offset Units:Other:Ownership:Plants: 5251Serigraph Inc.,