Print Week articles from December 2005

Print Week archives from December 2005

PPA says Postcomm's pricing plans will harm publishers.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Postcomm has been accused by the PPA of being 'too rapid and ill-considered' over its plans for Pricing in Proportion (PiP) and the general liberalisation of the market. The changes could significantly affect printers as publishers are hit...

Tangent returns to profit as business grows.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Tangent Communications has posted upbeat figures for the six-month period to August this year and picked up new business. The group has moved into the black after posting operating profits of pounds 222,000, up pounds 276,000. It has also...

Kiernan leaves Print Factory.(Gary Kiernan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Gary Kiernan has resigned as group operations director at The Print Factory. 'We're very grateful for Gary's contribution to TPF over the past three years, and we wish him well for the future,' said Tony Wood, TPF Group marketing and...

CPI gets behind energy users.(Confederation of Paper Industries )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has rebuffed Government claims that energy users who buy gas on the 'spot market' are responsible for their predicament. CPI head of environment David Gillett said the industry was buying on the...

Stop Press.
December 1, 2005... Inveresk has completed the closure of its Carrongrove mill in Denny, Stirlingshire, with the pounds 13m proceeds being put towards reducing the paper producers pounds 15m debt... Jefferson Smurfit and Kappa Packaging have completed their...

Industry sceptical over Brown's red tape plans.
December 1, 2005... The print industry has reacted with scepticism to Chancellor Gordon Brown's plans to cut 'tedious' red tape on taxes, financial regulation, health and safety and the environment. Brown this week told the CBI Annual Conference in London that...

Ashfield to leave after exec rejig at Polestar.(John Ashfield )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Polestar has confirmed that John Ashfield is to stand down from his role as group sales and marketing director from the start of next year. He will retain his involvement as a non-executive director and as chairman of its Hungarian...

Festive filler.
December 1, 2005... This year's bumper 278pp Radio Times Christmas double edition will carry the magazine's first tip-on CD. 'For the Christmas issue, this is something of a feat,' said a Radio Times spokeswoman. The 3m copies of the magazine were printed by...

In brief: Superior Komori perfector press sees capacity soar.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Superior has officially hit the switch on its pounds 1.5m Komori perfector press and seen capacity soar by two-fifths. Clients including food distribution company Booker went to the launch at the firm's HQ in Melksham, Wiltshire. Managing...

In brief: Artwork Systems' net profits slide.
December 1, 2005... Artwork Systems' net profits slid nearly 10% to pounds 7.8m (EUR11.4m) for the year to October and revenues dipped 2% to pounds 31.6m. Chicago's Graph Expo helped make the first quarter the best ever for the Belgian software firm's revenues. A...

In brief: Waring & Collins buy four-colour Sakurai B2 press.
December 1, 2005... Waring & Collins has bought a four-colour Sakurai B2 press for its base in Ormskirk, Lancashire. Owners John Collins and Caroline Waring said they were sold on 472 EDII's automation and 'keen' price. The firm, which employs 11 staff, prints for...

In brief: Interflon launches alternative to silicon spray.
December 1, 2005... Interflon, the Dutch maker of Teflon-based oils, has launched an 'economical, environmentally friendly' alternative to silicon spray. Interflon Wax Spray smoothes cutting tables and slide tracks of machines in print shops and the aerosol liquid...

In brief: News International freezes editorial budget for next three years.(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... News International has frozen its editorial budget for the next three years after rising production costs added to the strain of its pounds 600m print spend. Chairman Les Hinton told staff growing newsprint prices and a sluggish advertising...

In brief: Amcor Flexible awards prizes to students from same university.
December 1, 2005... Amcor Flexibles has awarded prizes to three students from the same university in its packaging design prize competition. Winner David Yapp from London South Bank University won EUR3,000 for a touchy-feely 'Fur Mix' design in the package vanity...

In brief: Hexprint buys Screen PlateRite 8000II.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Hexprint has bought a Screen PlateRite 8000II to help its niche market of print for computer games and point-of-sale work. The eight-page platesetter went into its Enfield base with Trueflow 3 pre-press workflow software. Managing director Rob...

Reed rises from the ashes with pounds 8m 'future-proof' facility.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Reed Print & Design has completed an pounds 8m rebirth and is set to move into 'the cleanest plant in the UK' two years after its Washington, Tyne and Wear factory was wrecked by fire. Managing director Giles Sergant said 170 staff at...

Start-up Clearview to target client gamut.
December 1, 2005... Large-format trade printer Clearview Press has opened its doors in Hertfordshire with a promise to offer 'superb' service to small clients as well as large. Managing director John Vinten, previously a salesman at Terry Smith Group, and...

MLP's Carr falls victim to retirement policy.(Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Mick Carr has retired as UK sales director for Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses. 'We have a global policy within the group that when employees reach 60 they have to retire, and Mick turned 60 in September,' said MLP UK managing director...

Marketers still opting for print over digital.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Print continues to rule supreme in marketing after a survey found it more popular than digital technology among bosses looking to spend on direct marketing. Spending on corporate literature topped the list with four-fifths of 5,000...

Haymarket team bags PPA award.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Haymarket Publishing's management production team was named Magazine Production Team of the Year by the PPA last week. The team, lead by group production director Chris King, picked up its prize at the annual PPA Magazine Production Awards...

In Brief: Ancient House Printing Group and Colchester Borough Council celebrate award.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Ancient House Printing Group and Colchester Borough Council are celebrating an award for a local residents' magazine. Courier won the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Local Government Excellence Award for 28 good-looking pages in runs of...

In Brief: Xeikon announces exclusive deal with Digital Screenprinting Technologies.
December 1, 2005... Xeikon has announced an exclusive deal with Danish firm Digital Screenprinting Technologies (DST) for technology that combines screen and digital processes. DST's inks and Xeikon's digital print know-how produce high-res textile transfers in...

In Brief: J Jays wins award for production initiative of the year.
December 1, 2005... J Jays has won the award for production initiative of the year at the PPA's magazine production awards ceremony. Its Mosaic online workflow tool was developed with Reed Business Information. The Southend-based pre-press firm was highly...

In Brief: Howitt's Adam Dennis wins Apprentice of the Year Award.
December 1, 2005... Howitt's Adam Dennis has won the Apprentice of the Year Award at the JIC students evening for the second time. Chief executive officer Nick Dixon said Adam showed 'great determination' in carving out a successful printing career.

In Brief: Avery Dennison Printer Systems launches ALS Generation labelling range.
December 1, 2005... Avery Dennison Printer Systems has launched the ALS Generation labelling range, suitable for all self-adhesive materials and decorative labels as well as logistical applications.

In Brief: Top 500 2005.(printing industry)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Top 500 2005. New Jarrold Printing's latest accounts cover the period from 26 November 2003 to 30 January 2005, however its trading period covered 11 months. Its true sales figure is therefore pounds 25.9m with a pre-tax profit of pounds...

KBA UK ups kit sales for 2005.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... KBA UK has increased its yearly sheetfed press sales from 142 to nearly 200 units. Sales have risen from pounds 18m to around pounds 28m, with increased take-up of presses across its product range, from B3 up to its giant Rapida 205. ...

MAN steps up perfector pressure with B2 R500.(MAN Roland GB)
December 1, 2005... MAN Roland is to attack the B2 long-perfector market by launching a perfecting R500 press, which will also ring the death knell of its R300. 'It (the R500) uses the same design principles as the R700, so it's proven system,' said MAN Roland...

TPF sprees pass pounds 2m threshold.(The Print Factory )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Print Factory (TPF) Direct has broken the pounds 2m mark on investment ahead of a further pounds 3m spend at its base in west London. Two new Kalmar KC45 rotary suction-fed envelope inserters, costing pounds 250,000, took its total kit...

Reader reaction: Should more production staff attend trade shows?
December 1, 2005... COMMERCIAL PRINTER Tyrone Spence, managing director, Colour Quest Group 'There will be three groups of people that I will be taking to Ipex next year: staff, customers and school children. I will be taking as many staff from Colour...

Legal Notices.(Public Notice)
December 1, 2005... This information is extracted from the print- and publishing-related notices that appear in the London Gazette. Further Information is available from its website at www.london-gazette.co.uk WINDING UP PETITIONS Mirror Print Solutions Ltd...

HH lands pounds 5m contract with InterContinental.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... HH Associates has sealed a three-year print management deal with InterContinental Hotels Group in the UK, worth pounds 5m. The contract, which went out to tender, includes all marketing print, point-of-sale material, corporate stationery,...

FSC certification for Ward Knowles.(Forest Stewardship Council)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Business forms printer Ward Knowles has joined the ranks of UK printers who have achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certification. Ward Knowles achieved certification within six months of embarking on the process...

Wall of cash.(advertising agencies)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Bovince in north-east London almost caused a riot south of the river earlier this week when it unveiled a poster covered in pounds 5 notes aimed at promoting investment in the Elephant and Castle area. In the campaign, cooked up by Covent...

Washington pours pounds 5m into new 'superplant'.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Envelope manufacturer and over-printer Washington Envelopes has spent pounds 5.5m on kit and a factory extension in a bid to create an envelope 'superplant'. 'We're a world-class business and the investment will support that,' said...

Waterman outlays pounds 1.5m on kit.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Waterman Printers aims to corner the Dublin market after buying around pounds 1.5m worth of kit, including a five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74 with coater. The machine cost nearly half the EUR2m total spend and will print material...

PaperlinX plots top logistics firm.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... PaperlinX is to set up one of the UK's largest logistics companies, which will handle the warehousing and distribution of all four of its UK merchant companies. The initiative is part of a three-year programme to provide better customer...

In Brief: MAN Roland GB promotes wash-up brushes and scaper blades.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... MAN Roland GB is promoting wash-up brushes and scraper blades for users of its Roland 300 and 700 presses by offering a 75% discount on list prices. 'Automated wash-up systems are a bonus in speeding up makeready times,' said marketing director...

In Brief: Weko promotes Gary Richer to head of UK operation.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Weko has promoted Gary Richer from sales director to head of its UK operation. He reports to joint managing director Marcel Konrad, who said: 'Gary's knowledge of our customers and the printing industry will strengthen the market-leading...

In Brief: Orchestra Group achives standard 55 accreditation from APACS.
December 1, 2005... Orchestra Group has achieved the standard 55 accreditation from cheque and credit-clearing company APACS.

In Brief: Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers welcomes 47 new Freemen into fold.
December 1, 2005... The Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers has welcomed 47 new Freemen into its fold. Master Patrick Shorten drew the new members from old stationers, trade associations and the London College of Communications at the recent...

In Brief: Exponential-e promotes Sue Kingsley to sales director.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Exponential-e has promoted Sue Kingsley to sales director and charged her with recruiting 10 new sales staff. Her appointment comes as the ethernet service provider rolls out its next-generation network. Kingsley reports to managing director...

In Brief: Westside Press orders Komori Spica press.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Westside Press has ordered a Komori Spica press to replace a two-colour Heidelberg perfector and two-colour MO. Director Dermot Downer said: 'We were impressed by the fast makeready, high throughput and the ability to switch so easily between...

In Brief: Colourspeed to replace Karat direct-imaging press with Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Colourspeed is to replace a Karat direct-imaging press with a five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74 next summer. It will run with another five-colour 74 at the firm's Fareham base. The firm is due to install a PrePress Interface and Prinance...

Dalim order completes kit line-up for Prinovis.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Prinovis has completed the technology line-up for its pounds 120m gravure plant in Liverpool with a major order for Dalim workflow software. The German group's 50,000m2 plant at Speke will become the biggest UK printer running Dalim...

Applecart joins up with Adestra.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... E-publishing firm Applecart is to move into content distribution by email, SMS and fax after teaming up with marketing agency Adestra. The partnership will enable the two firms, which already share a number of publishing clients, to combine...

Twin software launch for auto catalogues.
December 1, 2005... Software firms Hybris and Sansui have both launched automated catalogue repro products designed to drop information directly from content management software into page layouts. Hybris has added a module to its software that is compatible...

In Brief: SiliconCrag to launch brand new proofing package.
December 1, 2005... SiliconCrag is to launch a brand new proofing package to the UK market after signing an exclusive distribution deal with a French software developer. The Lancashire-based firm will sell Techno.IN's Techno.Lab, a proofing workflow that includes...

In Brief: PrintSure software certified compliant with all current specifications of Ghent PDF Workgroup.
December 1, 2005... Dev Zero G has announced that PrintSure, its artwork submission and workflow software, has been certified as compliant with all current specifications of the Ghent PDF Workgroup. Several improvements were made to the software during the...

In Brief: J Thomson Colour Printers installs GMG's ColorProof proofing software.
December 1, 2005... J Thomson Colour Printers in Glasgow has installed GMG's ColorProof proofing software in its pre-press studio, running with Epson proofers. The set-up replaces three DuPont Digital Cromalin machines. Pre-press director Allan Harrop said: 'The...

In Brief: Scan Logic launches version 7.1 of its EPWin overprinting software.
December 1, 2005... Scan Logic, the digital pre-press software house, has launched version 7.1 of its EPWin overprinting software. The product allows users to produce PDF overlays and includes a number of modules for printing numbers, addresses, dates, images and...

In Brief: PerfectProof releases update to its ProofMaster proofing and printing RIP.
December 1, 2005... PerfectProof has released an update to its ProofMaster proofing and printing RIP. Version 2.1 improves how the software deals with high-end workflows, spot colours and multi-channel print jobs. The update is free to existing users.

In Brief: BJ's Print & Design installs Heidelberg Topsetter 74.
December 1, 2005... BJ's Print & Design in Stamford, Lincolnshire, has moved to processless CTP with the installation of a Heidelberg Topsetter 74, running Kodak ThermalDirect plates, to replace a Herkules imagesetter. Managing director Bob Sandall said the...

In Brief: Hamillroad Software's FirstProof softproofing set-up is upgraded.
December 1, 2005... Hamillroad Software's FirstProof softproofing set-up has been upgraded to support a wider gamut of workflows. Version 3.1 now supports Agfa Apogee, Creo Prinergy, Rampage and Screen Trueflow workflows thanks to the ability to handle tiled...

Nipson takes a hit with below par Q3 results.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Nipson has blamed 'seasonality and a number of adverse factors' for disappointing results for the nine months to September. Pre-tax losses grew to pounds 2.1m compared to pounds 1.37m year-on-year, while the digital print manufacturer's...

LetterWorks, PB Direct Mail install uImage.( Paton-Brown Direct Mail )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Manchester-based Paton-Brown Direct Mail and LetterWorks in Reading have become the first two UK companies to install uImage, the image personalisation software from XMPie. The product is supplied by distributors Positive Focus and carries...

Danwood buys pounds 4m Grampian.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Danwood Group has acquired Grampian Business Products for around pounds 4m. It is Danwood's second buy north of the border after acquiring Paragon Systems in April. It brings the total Scottish spree to pounds 10m. Aberdeen-based...

In Brief: Loughborough College increases production by 20%.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Loughborough College has increased production by 20% after installing a Duplo DP-460H. The photocopier and printing press hybrid has printed more than 200,000 pages since being installed in the summer. Material has included letterheads,...

In Brief: GM Printing buys Karat Plus DI.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... GM Printing has bought a Karat Plus DI, the first to be installed in the south east. The machine replaces a two-colour and single-colour Heidelberg GTO litho press. Distributor AB Dick provided the press to the Croydon-based company. 'Once we...

In Brief: WK360 installs a second Xeikon digital press.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... WK360 has installed a second Xeikon digital press to produce on-demand and personalised print jobs. The marketing, repro and graphic design firm has bought a Xeikon 50D machine, which has a top speed of 100ppm. 'Our clients have been impressed...

In Brief: Label Art installs HP Indigo ws4050.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Label Art has installed an HP Indigo ws4050, the first to be installed in Ireland. The Dublin-based company has also invested in Omega Digicon Finishing equipment, which was supplied by AB Graphics and provides foil blocking, laminating and...

In Brief: Appointment at Presstek.(appointment of Ron Cardone )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Presstek has appointed Ron Cardone as the firm's chief information officer. He will manage the day-to-day support of the company's IT and implement strategies to drive improved corporate efficiency. Presstek has also made Emile Tabassi vice...

Pitney premieres versatile dual feeder inserter for direct mail.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Pitney Bowes has launched a mid-level high-production inserter, the Flexible Productivity Series (FPS). 'This machine is aimed at direct mail houses and transactional mailers that need flexibility,' said Pitney Bowes head of marketing...

Belfast finisher unifies bases.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Belfast Print Finishers has moved from three sites into one and installed a raft of kit. 'We're the only people in Northern Ireland doing this line of work,' said manager Mark Snodden. 'We thought the market was there for us, and we were...

Coventry to fit binder for in-house work.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Coventry Bookbinders has bought a Wohlenberg City E Edition 6000, bringing perfect binding in-house. 'We've been considering a move into perfect binding for some time,' said managing director Karl Henly. 'The level of enquiries we received...

Yorkshire DM operation bumps up business with same-day service.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Start-up mailing house RnB Direct Mail Solutions is offering a same-day response for companies based in the Yorkshire area. RnB is headed by joint partners Bob Rhodes and Ryan Metcalf, former managing director and IT manager, respectively,...

Aims secures lucrative Xerox supply contract.
December 1, 2005... Xerox has appointed the Aims Group as its exclusive UK national merchant distributor for its digital product range. The group will supply Xerox's digital products into the graphic arts sector in a deal that Xerox has said is a first in the...

FSC take-up booms over half year.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK Working Group has reported a 37% growth in the number of chain of custody certificates issued worldwide. The total number of certificates issued during the period from April to October this year was...

Paper Pricewatch: Magazine, December 2005.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... With rising energy costs blighting many paper manufacturers' results, the driver for price hikes is obvious. The question is, will buyers foot the bill, asks Darryl Danielli. In the past month alone, Sappi posted an end-of-year pre-tax loss...

In Brief: Consort Royal the chosen grade for book of work by Cornel Lucas.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Howard Smith Paper's Consort Royal was the chosen grade for a retrospective book of work by photographer Cornel Lucas. The firm said the paper was chosen because of its good reproduction of photos, some of which are being shown at London's...

In Brief: McNaughton Group makes last call for entries to Review 05 awards.
December 1, 2005... McNaughton Group is making a last call for entries to its Review 05 awards in Venice. The 13 categories include a new recycling section, and entrants go into a monthly prize draw for an iPod, hand-held GPS system or portable DVD player. The...

In Brief: ArjoWilliams relaunches refreshed version of Conqueror Fan Swatch.
December 1, 2005... ArjoWiggins has relaunched a refreshed version of its Conqueror Fan Swatch to highlight new items. A What's New section in the tabbed-page swatch flags up additions to the brand including Recycled FSC-certified grades, the Concept/Effects...

In Brief: Appointment at International Paper.(appointment of Mary Laschinger )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... International Paper has appointed Mary Laschinger to replace Thomas Kadien as its European president. She joined the firm in 1993 and will report to chairman and chief executive John Faraci. Laschinger, who was vice president for the firm's...

In Brief: Robert Horne Group launches Look and Experience printer toolkits.
December 1, 2005... Robert Horne Group has launched Look and Experience printer toolkits for its new Chromolux Collateral to 'dispel myths of cast coateds'. The fact-packed folder includes details on inks and water supply as well as stock printed four-, two- and...

In Brief: Antalis launches two new eight-page Conqueror range finders.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Antalis has launched two new eight-page Conqueror range finders to help customers key into the papers, boards and envelopes, which include new 350gsm boards and SRA3 offset papers. One brochure for the retail market details packs for compliment...

In Brief: Map Merchant Group becomes 'foster parent' to orphaned elephant in Sri Lanka.
December 1, 2005... Map Merchant Group has become 'foster parent' to an orphaned young elephant in Sri Lanka. Twenty European merchants visited Symbio at the Elephant Transit Home, which is supported by wildlife charity Born Free. The firm's 'incentive trip' was...

India gearing up for UK repro work invasion.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Repro's shift to cheap labour markets is to accelerate following expansion at a Mumbai printer and plans revealed by Fresh Media Group to move some production to India in the 'next two to three years'. Repro India, a printer based in...

China keeps out foreign papers.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Plans to allow foreign newspapers to print in China have been put on hold due to concern over pro-democratic political uprisings in three former Soviet states. Shi Zongyuan, head of the communist country's General Administration of Press...

PaperlinX buy doubles Canadian operations.(Cascade Resources )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... PaperlinX has continued on the global acquisition trail with the purchase of Canadian paper merchant Cascade Resources for pounds 41.5m (AUSdollars 97m). The deal for Cascade Resources, part of Cascades, should be completed in the next few...

Letter from the Ukraine: Poligrafia overload.(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... Last month PrintWeek Ukraine organised its first round table discussion with the region's manufacturers and suppliers. The topic on the agenda was the graphic arts shows held in the Ukraine with the main question being the frequency of the...

Contract update.
December 1, 2005... TMB International in Kent has produced a major fundraising mailer for the NSPCC, aiming to raise awareness of child abuse. DM agency Kitcatt Nohr designed the two packs, which featured a 6pp children's birthday invitation card or a 6pp...

Client audit: Communisis.
December 1, 2005... John Wells has been with the firms that became part of print and print management giant Communisis for 30 years and, as group commercial director, juggles big contracts and formidable figures. The former boss of Chorleys in Leeds recently...

Comment: Lauretta Roberts - Consolidation kicks in as competition hots up.
December 1, 2005... Shift happens. Love it. Polestar chief Barry Hibbert is always good for a pithy soundbite, but I have to say he excelled even his own high standards with that gem of an observation at the PPA Magazine Production Conference last week. ...

Editorial: Lawrence Wallis - Two neganoms don't make a right.(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... Life can be tiresome at times. Of late I have been prodding my brain to find a word for names that characterise a process or a material or an object by what it is not, rather than by what it is. My reference books have been unhelpful. It...