Transcontinental Printing

There was some good news for magazine publishers this year, as advertising sales levels 
began to rebound. Looking at the catalog segment, there is no evidence of the printed catalog disappearing any time soon. A key focus for publishers and catalogers is how to continue to leverage their multi-channel marketing strategies.

Whether you’re a self-publisher or a large publishing house, you’re probably dealing with six to a dozen online retailers to sell your e-Books. There are the big players like Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and Borders; online bookstores like Diesel and Powell’s; and perhaps even specialty retailers like AllRomanceeBooks.com. But several companies offer go-between services that simplify the process for publisher and retailer. Should you consider using these middleman services?

Montreal-based Transcontinental Printing, an offset printing company, decided to expand its horizons by partnering with DeMarque, whose technology powers the e-Book.

Transcontinental Inc. announced today that it is selling its Transcontinental Miami Valley, a printing plant specialized in insert printing for local retailers, to a company controlled by Ralph Pontillo. The transaction secures the future of the plant in Fairborn, to the benefit of its employees, loyal customers and the local community.

Robert M. Williamson, an internationally known educator, consultant, and author of books including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Lean Equipment Management, has been named keynote speaker for the 2009 Printing Industries of America Continuous Improvement Conference taking place April 5-8 in Lexington, KY. 

MONTREAL—Transcontinental Inc. has acquired Rastar Inc., a Salt Lake City-based direct marketing company that specializes in variable data digital printing and interactive database marketing. Rastar is a $50 million a year performer that counts a number of Fortune 500 companies among its clients. Transcontinental expects Rastar to help expand its integrated marketing services offering and…

BITS AND PIECES AS THE countdown to fall elections begins, we present to you the curious case of one Stan Morse, recruiter and consultant to the printing industry. His Twin Oaks Team operates out of Raleigh, NC. Morse is also the Democratic challenger to incumbent Marilyn Avila for the North Carolina state legislature in District 40. Nothing strange about that, obviously. The fascinating part is Morse’s journey to the District 40 House of Representatives race; one that really shouldn’t include him. But sometimes fate takes hold of the wheel for an unexpected ride. Now, Morse is enjoying it. It all began earlier this year

Miniature Folding Work No Longer Outsourced, Now a Value-Added Service LEBANON, NH—Whitman Communications no longer has to outsource projects that require very small folds for packaging inserts. The commercial printer installed a new two-station Vijuk-G&K V-14 commercial/miniature folder that will now keep those projects in-house. “I’m delighted to have added the folder to our equipment selection,” says Steve Whitman, president. “This new piece of equipment has created additional options for the types of folds and papers that our customers can choose from. I was also particularly pleased with the installation and training support we received.” Trio of Saddlestitchers Big Hit at Olympic BROADVIEW, IL—Faster

WITH THE 2008 election cycle in full throttle, the operative word is change. . .as usual. The printing industry is not immune to the calls for change. Our history demonstrates our mastery of change. With the ripple effects of the housing mortgage meltdown, energy prices spiraling out of sight, healthcare costs rising and the drumbeat of a recession, do we have a choice but to change? No. But what we change will separate the printing companies as leaders or laggards. Actions we continue will be as important as actions we start or stop. In every downturn, whether it is an official recession or not,

Print UV Conference Deemed a Success LAS VEGAS—Nearly 100 printers and suppliers attended the inaugural Print UV 2008 Conference, held here at the Wynn Resort in early March. Produced and sponsored by Air Motion Systems, the event also served as the launching pad for the Print UV Association and a platform for the expanding Print UV online community (www.printuv.com). Discussion topics included how to market and sell UV; innovative UV printing and coating techniques; and the benefits of going 100 percent VOC-free in the UV pressroom. A panel of experts from major press OEMs, as well as UV equipment, ink, coating and

MONTREAL—Transcontinental will invest C$60 million in new equipment at its Transmag newspaper printing facility here. The additions, which are expected to be completed in 2009, will enhance the printer’s ability to produce daily and weekly newspapers, along with specialty publications. Included is an expansion of the facility from 80,000 square feet to 145,000 square feet. The company also plans to invest C$20 million in equipment for its South Shore printing facility. The gear is ticketed for Transcontinental Interweb Montreal, which produces newspaper and commercial products such as catalogs and magazines. The investments feature, among other things, a Sunday 3000 web press and