Systems Technology

Printing Impressions' Bindery News for January 2009

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

By Erik Cagle Senior Editor The recent, unfortunate death of a worker making repairs to a stacking machine brought to light the recurring theme of 'safety above all else.' We are fortunate to live in an age where automation has made life a lot easier in the printing plant. Much of the grunt work has been eradicated and, in some cases, the need for human intervention has been erased. Manufacturers have made great strides to enhance performance and ensure optimal operator safety. The pressroom is a much safer place than it was 20, 10, even five years ago. But safety doesn't end with the

By Erik Cagle The workflow process of a commercial printer is a lot like a 4x400 relay team in track and field: all the components of the team must be equally strong in order to be successful, and the final step is as important, even more so, than any other. After all, you don't want the anchor leg dropping the baton. The world of stackers and palletizers is the equivalent of the anchor leg, as it prepares finished product for delivery. Thus while not as ballyhooed as the sexier prepress parts of printing operations, its customers demand the ultimate in reliability, durability and

By Mark Michelson SEWICKLEY, PA—The weather was warm and the leaves still green on trees blanketing the hills surrounding the headquarters of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), located just outside of Pittsburgh. But Christmas still came early with the official dedication of its recently donated four-color, 38˝ MAN Roland Rotoman heatset commercial web press equipped with auxiliaries gifted from several manufacturers. Held September 19th, the "Webtoberfest" celebration—complete with German fare, oompah music, and an assortment of German Octoberfest beers and wine—was attended by about 350 industry dignitaries, including GATF board members and staff, industry suppliers, association execs, as well as a special delegation from

Williamson Institute Proves Its Value Once Again DALLAS—Williamson Printing hosted the third Williamson Institute in February. The educational seminar provided printing knowledge to college students to help enhance their education within the graphic communications industry. Fifty students representing Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas and Baylor University attended the seminar. CALIFORNIA ANAHEIM—Pacific West Litho has installed a new six-color, 40˝ Komori Lithrone press equipped with a ColorCommand temperature control/cooling system from TriService. AZUSA—A Steinemann Topspot 102 blanket coater has replaced two silk screen UV coaters at Classic Coating & Laminating. COMMERCE—The transition to a computer-to-plate workflow is complete

Maynard Wins Slogan Contest ALEXANDRIA, VA—Michael Maynard, a head pressman for Glen Burnie, MD-based French Bray, was selected the winner of the Web Offset Association (WOA) Pride in Printing slogan contest, which was co-sponsored by Printing Impressions. His entry, "WOA: Making a Great Impression for 50 Years," was selected from more than 300 entries. He received, among other things, airfare and hotel accommodations for two people, as well as complimentary registration, at the WOA conference in Las Vegas from May 5-8. Lake Erie Acquires CTP System CLEVELAND—Lake Erie Graphics has installed an Agfa Galileo VS digital plate manufacturing system. The Galileo VS system, along with the addition

The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation's Society of Fellows has inducted Lisle T. Caldwell, Gerald A. Henseler, Lawrence M. Miller and Murray I. Suthons. The GATF society honors industry leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the progress of GATF, PIA and PGSF. Caldwell served as GATF pressroom manager during the foundation's move from Chicago to Pittsburgh in 1965. He also developed the GATF sheetfed operating workshop in 1969 and designed the first GATF test form. Henseler is presently executive vice president and CFO with Banta Corp. He has served as GATF secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and chairman. Miller is currently corporate vice president for sales