ALBUQUERQUE, NM—March 20, 2008—Optomec today announced that the company has received a one-year development contract from the U.S. Display Consortium (USDC) to further develop its M3D Aerosol Jet System, enabling finer resolution line widths and faster, more efficient production capabilities for printed electronics. The $750,000 cost-shared award will provide Optomec the opportunity to extend its proprietary additive manufacturing technology to a level that has not been possible before through more traditional printing techniques. The USDC, headquartered in San Jose California, is a public/private partnership chartered with developing the flexible electronics and displays industry supply chain. Under the USDC agreement, Optomec will focus on
Jet
To help solidify branding and enhance name recognition, the Goodway Group of Companies, headquartered in Philadelphia, announced that its Massachusetts plant has changed its name from Goodway Graphics to Goodway Group of Massachusetts. Their sister facility near Washington, DC, has changed to Goodway Group of Virginia. In other company news, both the Massachusetts and Virginia plants are now FSC certified. The Print Council announced that GLS Companies, Brooklyn Park, MN; The Hickory Printing Group, Hickory, NC; Jet Inc., Downers Grove, IL; and Lake County Press, Waukegan, IL, have joined the organization. As new members, the companies will work in concert with other member companies
Donnelley Lobbies Washington CHICAGO—RR Donnelley plunked down $485,044 during 2007 to lobby the federal government on environmental policy issues, according to an Associated Press report. The information was posted online by the U.S. Senate’s public records office. Under federal law, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. Tech Valley Closes Its Doors WATERVLIET, NY—Citing economic difficulties, Tech Valley Printing notified the New York State Department of Labor that it was laying off 50 workers, then closed its doors on February 8. According to the Schenectdady (NY) Daily Gazette, the printer had been active in the
Blue Ocean Press Cuts to the Chase FT. LAUDERDALE, FL—At Blue Ocean Press, Company President Tom Mounce is measuring the return on his investment in a fully automated, programmable Polar 115 XT cutter with Autotrim, Transomat offloader and Dorner conveyor. Mounce claims he’s already seeing ROI on the configuration in time savings and ease of use. He explains that the operator now works fewer hours with less assistance due to the automated material handling features of the new cutter. The Polar’s variable-speed backgauge, which can be sped up or slowed down, depending on job requirements, also allows Blue Ocean to handle a wider range
Kevin Joyce—Eastman Kodak’s managing director of the Graphic Communications Group (GCG) for the United States and Canada (US&C)—has been named a company vice president and chief marketing officer of the GCG. David Wigfield, who was the managing director of GCG’s business in the United Kingdom, has been tapped to fill Joyce’s former position. Elinor Midlik, president of Prime UV Systems, received the 2007 Harold W. Gegenheimer Award for industry service by an individual. Midlik was honored because of her active involvement on the association’s Show Policy, Strategic Planning, and Programs and Meetings committees. The new vice president and general manager of xpedx Printing
WASHINGTON, DC—January 8, 2008—The Print Council, a national business development initiative created to help promote greater use of printing and print media, today announced that GLS Companies and The Hickory Printing Group have recently joined the organization. As new members, the companies will work in concert with other member companies of The Print Council on initiatives to help develop, maintain and expand the market for printed materials. Members of The Print Council include commercial printers, paper manufacturers, press, ink and equipment manufacturers, publishers, industry associations, ad agencies, and public relations firms. Through advertising and speaking engagements, The Print Council is a visible and leading
The 2012 Printing Impressions 400 list of the largest printing companies in the United States and Canada as ranked by annual sales.
Stitch in Time Saves Nine NORWELL, MA—Smith Print, a full-service commercial printer in the greater Boston area, recently installed a Vijuk 321-T saddlestitcher equipped with six pockets plus cover feeder. The new stitcher was sold and will be serviced locally by Pasquariello Graphics. Frank Stanley, bindery foreman, and Tom Plourde, lead bindery operator, were involved in the final decision-making process and worked closely with Vijuk technicians during the installation and operational training. Open House Showcases UV Special Effects Options SAN RAFAEL, CA—A first-of-its-kind UV Special Effects open house, sponsored by KBA North America, was recently held at Paragraphics Inc., a
Quebecor World Endures Loss MONTREAL—Embattled printing giant Quebecor World was socked with a loss of $21.1 million for the second quarter, or 20 cents a share. That is more than three times the $6.5 million (11 cents) net loss from the same period in 2006. Even so, Wes Lucas, Quebecor World president and CEO, reported that the North American operations produced significantly improved earnings, especially in the book and magazine divisions, where the firm’s retooling and restructuring program has been completed. Fire Strikes NJ Newspaper TRENTON, NJ—Contractors dismantling a printing press at The Times of Trenton accidentally ignited a fire, that newspaper reported. There were no injuries
Kodak Revs Its Engine for Graph Expo ROCHESTER, NY—With Graph Expo 2007 just around the corner, Eastman Kodak recently leveraged its sponsorship of a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver to stage a memorable analyst and press briefing event. The company signed on as primary sponsor of the No. 12 Dodge Charger driven by Ryan Newman at three major races, including the Centurion Boats at The Glen race at Watkins Glen International in nearby Watkins Glen, NY, which the group attended. The racing theme carried over to the next day, as Kodak announced it is filling the need for speed by introducing the Nexpress S3000 digital production
