On this episode of The Week That Was, we reported on the passing of Chris Madison, the former longtime chairman and CEO of ColorGraphics in Los Angeles, at age 77. At one time, ColorGraphics was one of the most prominent commercial printing companies on the West Coast, operating plants in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Hawaii, and Orange County, California.

In other news, Heidelberg USA has responded to the dire need for skilled equipment operators by restructuring its Print Media Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. Renamed the Print Media Performance & Training Center, the 30,000-sq.-ft. facility will offer free hands-on and theoretical training programs.

On a related topic, I sat down to conduct a video with Lance Martin, VP of marketing for MBO America and Komori America, to discuss the skilled labor shortage in pressrooms and finishing departments, and the ways equipment manufacturers are responding via automation and makeready advancements.

And finally, Clifton, New Jersey-based Sandy Alexander announced a new president and COO. Matt Flippen most recently served as a VP of sales at RR Donnelley. He was also formerly the plant president at the Hennegan Co. and at several other Consolidated Graphics companies. Mike Graff remains as CEO.

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