Xerox Corp.

Folder Operators Go Back to School WESTAMPTON, NJ—Twelve folding machine operators representing seven different companies came to MBO America headquarters recently to participate in 2.5 days of in-depth, hands-on training at the MBO Fold School. Trainees were able to observe or operate three different folding machines, including the automated Perfection. Directed by Dave Trutzenbach, an authority on binding operations and equipment, the MBO Folding School provides the opportunity for operators to improve their knowledge and proficiency regardless of their skill level. NAK Marketing & Communications, an agency that has served many of the leading brands in the graphic arts industry for over 14 years,

More Than 700 Get Connected At EFI Event LAS VEGAS—The plush MGM Grand Hotel and Casino was the mecca for approximately 700 worldwide customers as EFI/Connect 2004, Printcafe's fifth annual user's conference, paid a visit to Sin City June 27-30. The conference resembled a mini Graph Expo, with 22 exhibitors showcasing complementary equipment, and 162 educational seminars for users of EFI workflow solutions. The conference opened with a state-of-the-industry report by Andrew Paparozzi, the NAPL's chief economist, titled, "Success Factors of the Profit Leaders." Paparozzi pointed out that the recession has been much more severe for the industry than it has for the rest

arizona PHOENIX—Steve Woods Printing opened its doors with a dedication celebration in May. Steve is the son of Frank Woods, formerly of Woods Lithographics. CALIFORNIA SAN MARCOS, CA—Golden State Graphics recently added to its bindery a Vijuk 321-T saddlestitcher. florida DeLEON SPRINGS—E.O. Painter Printing held its 100th annual stockholders and directors meeting recently. The company, which traces its origin to 1873, was purchased and incorporated by Sidney Weller Johnston, the current company president's grandfather. MIAMI—Color K Graphics purchased a KBA 74 Karat digital offset press with coater during Drupa. PENSACOLA—Six Stahl B30 buckle plate folders have been installed at Pensacola Christian College. georgia

Pittsburgh, PA--July 23, 2004--PIA/ GATF is pleased to announce 13 recipients of the 2004 GATF InterTech Technology Awards. A panel of independent judges chose this year's recipients from a roster of 33 submissions. Once again, GATF 's InterTech Technology Award recipients reflect a unique cross-section of industry innovations, from consumables like blankets, paper and plates to a classification system for folding and software that enhances the design process while reducing file size. "The 2004 awards show that even small companies can develop a highly innovative technology deserving of an InterTech Award," says PIA/GATF Research Director John Lind. Although the digitization of

arizona PHOENIX—Roswell Bookbinding has installed a Muller Martini Monostar perfect binder with inline Zenith three-knife trimmer; a Brehmer high-speed Smyth sewer; and the Optigraf Opticontrol print recognition system. california FREMONT—Spectrum Lithograph has purchased the Kawahara TXR- 1100 series blank separator. Spectrum Lithograph utilizes the new investment for blanking packaging boxes, CD wallets and more. MODESTO—A Rilecart PB-796 automatic punch bind machine has been chosen by John F. Turner Co. for production of calendars. The installation was performed by Pigna America. connecticut HARTFORD—Lebon Press has announced its expansion of services with the installation a six color, 40˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster press complete with perfecting and

by Dennis E. Mason The just-finished Drupa 2004 in Germany was unquestionably the most comprehensive graphic arts trade show in the world. Nowhere else but every four years in Düsseldorf can one see the breadth and depth of equipment, supplies, software and processes on display for two weeks. Although Drupas are dominated by the likes of Heidelberg, MAN Roland and KBA, with their particularly press-centric focus, it also provides a forum for companies that are far less well known, and for firms that only wish to be known. And while many journey to Drupa to see the latest in presses, or a complete

CGX Tabs Xerox for Digital Gear HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics (CGX) announced it has selected Xerox to provide digital color printing technology to its 65 nationwide commercial printing locations. As part of the deal, CGX has installed six DocuColor iGen3 digital production presses and six DocuColor 6060 digital color presses. Xerox will also provide marketing and business development resources to assist CGX in introducing these solutions to current and prospective customers. GPO Seeks $25M for Upgrades WASHINGTON, DC—Telling the Committee on House Administration and the House Legislative Subcommittee that the Government Printing Office had the groundwork in place to move the agency's transformation to the "next

Window into the Future With the hustle and bustle of last month's Drupa 2004 now completed, this issue highlights some of the new products that became commercially available during the 14-day event, various vendor announcements, as well as a peek into future technologies that will shape the graphics arts industry for years to come. Just as important, the general sentiment among the more than 394,000 visitors and 1,860 exhibitors filling 17 halls was that market conditions—albeit fragile—are showing signs of a sustained recovery. Referred to by many as the "JDF Drupa," it should have been termed the "Workflow Drupa" even though, as Frank Romano

Growth Seen in Color Digital Printing Output NEW YORK CITY—Acceptance and use of any new technology is usually a direct function of a decline in cost and an increase in quality or functionality. Digital color printing is following this pattern. According to a new report released recently by TrendWatch Graphic Arts (TWGA), prices for digital presses and related consumables costs have declined significantly. This, in conjunction with technological advancements that have enhanced output quality, has led to a steady increase in investment in digital color equipment, which reportedly is up five percentage points in the last 12 months. In addition, demand for digital

BY ERIK CAGLE Senior Editor Pity the poor saddle stitcher. It gets no love, no recognition for a job well done. Bindery operators want the stitcher to take care of business, and they certainly don't want to intervene in its appointed rounds. When it comes to their stitchers, notes Darcy Maeda, public relations coordinator for Duplo USA, printers seek the ultimate in automation, in every aspect of the design. "They want the machine's stitcher heads, back jogger, side guides, stitch stopper, fold stopper, size adjustments, fold roller gap and conveyance roller position to adjust automatically," she says. "Automation of this degree