Quebecor World

LAS CROABAS, PR—Forget the red carpet and stretch limos for Hollywood celebrities, the provocative designer dresses and the "A-list" parties. The printing industry recently celebrated its own version of Academy Awards night here at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa as part of Sappi Fine Paper North America's Printer of the Year celebration. Nearly 400 people were in attendance, including 36 Silver Award finalists vying for the six coveted Gold Awards, Sappi merchants and Sappi Fine Paper employees. The black-tie gala featured a giant mask on stage cascaded with special lighting, video clips highlighting each finalist's printed piece and short skits

BY MARK SMITH On paper, the interplay of supply and demand looks like a straightforward model for the forces that shape a market. When it comes to predicting the outlook for paper, though, lately it seems as if one might be better off reading tea leaves. Paper makers have gone to great lengths in a collective attempt to rationalize the supply. Unfortunately, the demand side of the equation hasn't performed in the way that was hoped. The industry also has been buffeted by developments beyond any company's control. Quarterly financial reports from major manufacturers have included a mixed bag of earning declines, losses

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 Erik Cagle When your company is the largest printing communications conglomerate in the United States (second biggest in North America after Quebecor World)—in a manufacturing industry that is fourth largest in this country—suffice to say all eyes are on you. It makes no difference if the onus of an entire industry is wanted or warranted. Your company becomes a reflection of all that is wrong with the industry. The most layoffs, most plant closings, the biggest dip in year-to-year sales—if you want to know what's wrong with an industry, look for the giant with a huge target on its back. That giant

MONTREAL—In a sharp and assertive tone, Brian Mulroney, chairman of Quebecor World, attempted to put down any industry rumors that the company's recent management troubles can be traced back to Pierre Karl Peladeau, chief executive of Quebecor Inc. "I mention this because of facile commentary in some quarters about a 'P.K. discount', with the suggestion that there is constant interference that undermines operating management," Mulroney told shareholders at the company's annual meeting recently. There have been rumblings among some shareholders that the recent wave of executive departures, as well as the announcement that the company would miss first quarter profit expectations, was the result of Peladeau's

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.

CALIFORNIA CARLSBAD—The Quebecor World location here has installed a six-color Komori Lithrone 40. CITY OF INDUSTRY—Printcafe's PSI print management system is now in use at Pacific Graphics. georgia ATLANTA—Graphic Response has implemented Printcafe's Hagen OA print management system. illinois CHICAGO—Rider Dickerson is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2003. It has expanded its facility over the last two years with the addition of a six-color, 40˝ Mitsubishi press with tower coater, computer-to-plate capabilities and Spectrum digital Matchprint. CICERO—E&D Web has successfully implemented the Printcafe Hagen OA print management system. OAKLAWN—Insert printer Atlantic Press has purchased a Tensor single-width press system consisting of three T400BE four-high

MONTREAL—Michel Desbiens has been tapped to head Quebecor World as CEO, replacing long-time chief executive Charles G. Cavell, who first announced his retirement late last year. Desbiens is best known in the industry as the former president and CEO of Donohue, a position he held until the company was sold to Abitibi Consolidated in 2000. Desbiens joined Quebecor World as a director in April 2002 and was named CEO of international operations in November 2002. His appointment was widely expected after Cavell announced that he planned to retire later this month. Desbiens has a long history in the industry and his leadership at Donohue reportedly brought him

By Erik Cagle What I don't understand could fill a book. Or at least a column. For our intent, a column will suffice. The following subjects continue to confound and amaze me. Well...they don't, really, but it helps to make the prose airtight and concise. Who needs a crock of rambling, waffling and fence walking that does nothing but take up space and make the reader yearn for Beetle Bailey and the funny pages? Not me, and certainly not you, gentle reader. Without further delay, a couple of issues affecting the industry and housing availability in the Philadelphia region. BARBARIANS AT THE C DRIVE: Can someone tell

Minuteman Press Recognized by A.B.Dick CHICAGO—Minuteman Press International has been recognized as A.B.Dick's Customer of the Year for 2002. Minuteman Press has more than 750 franchises operating in the U.S. and almost 900 worldwide. Sue Nisson has assumed the responsibilities of national sales manager for Webcrafters Inc., Madison, WI. Nisson joined Webcrafters in 2002 as executive director of business development after 20 years in the educational publishing industry. Richard Sevigny, president and owner of Chromatic Lithographers, has been named the 2003 Ben Franklin Executive of the Year by the Printing Industries Association of Southern California. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to both