Print Week articles from November 2004

Print Week archives from November 2004

Was Gutenberg really the father of print?(Johannes Gutenberg)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Johannes Gutenberg has gone on trial more than 500 years after his death to determine whether he really is the father of print. An Italian academic has claimed that Gutenberg did not print his world famous 42-line bible using moveable type,...

Astron nets pounds 45m three-year BA deal.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Astron has made further in-roads into the US by signing a new three-year global contract with British Airways (BA), worth pounds 45m over the period. The latest contract win follows Astron's earlier entry into the US with the signing of a...

MAN seals new worker accord.(Man Group PLC)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... MAN Group has reached an agreement with workers at its sheetfed press factory at Offenbach, Germany to turn the business around. Workers have agreed, amongst other concessions, to extend their working week by three hours to 38, for the next...

Scorpio ties up Senator buyout.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Scorpio Print Finishing has bought Leicester-based Senator Print Finishers for an undisclosed sum. Scorpio is confident the acquisition will increase its combined group turnover to pounds 15m. Scorpio chief executive Ian Whitfield...

Karran Group CVA is rejected.(Creditors Voluntary Agreement)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Karran Group faces an uncertain future after its Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA) was rejected. The CVA's supervisor BDO Stoy Hayward's Tony Nygate said Karran was 'discussing options' but denied reports that the company had gone...

Stop Press: Goodman Baylis branded 'greedy'.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... A Worcester city councillor branded Goodman Baylis 'greedy' for wishing to sell its site for housing to fund an expansion scheme in order to raise production capacity and create 50 jobs in a new factory. Goodman Baylis managing director Ian...

Stop Press: Electoral Reform Services produces ballot packs.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Electoral Reform Services has produced 1.7m ballot packs for today's all-postal referendum on a regional assembly for the North East. Sunderland City Council said that London-based ERS, which handled ballot packs for 22 out of 23 local councils...

Stop Press: British Coatings Federation issue figures.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The British Coatings Federation has issued figures showing a rise raw materials' costs. It stopped short of warning of a wholesale rise in ink prices, but said the situation following sharp rises in oil, gas and electricity prices was...

Hunt installs first Mitsubishi 16 Max.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Howard Hunt Group has spent pounds 4m on Europe's first Mitsubishi Diamond 16 Max, its third web from the Japanese manufacturer. 'Were quite the fans of Mitsubishi,' said Howard Hunt chairman Nod Pigott. 'I can't understand why more...

Quadsect explains sale plan.(Quadsect )(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Directors of London's Quadsect have issued a statement after it was revealed last week that the company could be sold by administrator Begbies Traynor (PrintWeek, 28 October). Quadsect managing director Graeme Lipman said the 24-year-old...

Euro Packaging faces strike.(Euro Packaging Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... GPMU members at Birmingham-based Euro Packaging (EP) are once again on the brink of industrial action. 'There seem to have been a number of problems which came to light after the last dispute,' said GPMU national industrial officer Peter...

Shorts: Death of Stephens & George chairman.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Gareth Jones, chairman of Stephens & George, has died following a short illness. Jones joined the family-owned business in 1955. Heidelberg UK managing director George Clarke paid tribute to Jones' personal and business virtues: 'You meet a few...

Shorts: Arctic Paper launches Glacier.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Arctic Paper has launched Glacier into the UK and European markets. The substrate is a new concept in paper and board that combines uncoated and coated surfaces (PrintWeek, 1 July) and comes in weights up to 1,700gsm.

Shorts: UPM explanation.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... UPM has explained the reasons behind the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as liquidator to Shotton Paper Company (Legals, p8). 'The move is a housekeeping exercise,' said a spokeswoman for the Finnish paper-maker. 'It does not affect...

Shorts: Sakurai's Drupa launches five-colour press.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Sakurai's Drupa launched five-colour B2 press, the OL 575SDC will be part of the firm's open house event at its showroom in Hounslow, London. The CIP4-compatible unit comes with in-line coater and features double diameter cylinders and a high...

Shorts: Fresh Media Group launches executive roundtables.(Fresh Media Group)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Fresh Media Group has launched a series of executive roundtables to debate the current issues in pre-media, workflow and production. The first of the forums, which are free, will be held at the FMG offices on the 16 and 17 November at 10am and...

Shorts: Circle Services wins prize.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Circle Services won the business-to-business prize in the annual Southend & District Business 2004 Awards. 'This endorses the hard work and commitment of the entire team,' said managing director Martyn Austin.

Shorts: DTI booklet reprinted.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Over 1.2m copies of a DTI booklet have been reprinted, at a cost of over pounds 200,000. The 15pp booklet, New laws for resolving disputes, was distributed to over 1m small businesses. The DTI stated that Suffolk-based printer The Ancient House...

Shorts: Commendation for The Production Company.(Correction Notice)
November 4, 2004... The Production Company was commended in the SME Company of the Year category in the recent PrintWeek Awards. Sales for this year are due to increase by pounds 1.5m (to pounds 7m), not to pounds 1.5m as stated in the Awards Book of the Night.

Shorts: Linney Group clarification.(Correction Notice)
November 4, 2004... Linney Group would like to clarify that the firm's quoted pounds 25m turnover (PrintWeek, 14 October) is for Linney Print only. Turnover for the group as a whole is pounds 42m.

End of an era as Times axes broadsheet edition.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Times has axed its broadsheet edition entirely, marking a historic end to 216 years of broadsheet publishing at the iconic daily paper. Executives at News International said the move, less than a year after the compact edition was...

Gilchrist takes Thresher task for meal range.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Repro company Gilchrist is working with the Thresher Group on its new range of 'almost ready' gourmet meals. The product is part of Thresher's strategy to extend beyond its drinks retail business and into the convenience sector. London...

GPMU and Amicus complete merger.(Graphical Paper and Media Union)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The GPMU has completed its merger with technical and manufacturing union Amicus, a move that took effect from 1 November (PrintWeek, 15 July). The announcement follows the result of the transfer of engagements ballot staged by the GPMU in...

EC gives green light to CVC for BASF takeover.(European Commission )(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The European Commission has approved the pounds 473m (EUR680m) acquisition of BASF Printing Systems by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The decision clears the way for CVC to merge BASF Printing Systems with Finnish ink...

St Ives trials Creo's Mirus plate.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... St Ives book printing division Clays is one month into a three-month trial of Creo's Mirus thermal plate. The Suffolk-based book printer, which uses a mixture of Agfa, KPG and Fuji plates, is using the negative-working plate for book...

Former Litho Supplies joint managing director unemployed.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Former Litho Supplies joint managing director Gerry Mulvaney is now 'officially unemployed' following the expiration of his contract with Litho Supplies. Mulvaney, who was at Digital Print World last week, said he 'did not need to do anything...

HH buys broker in Scandinavia drive.(Novavision)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... HH Associates has bought Danish print broker firm Novavision to push the UK company into the Scandinavian market. The deal, for an undisclosed fee, is part of HH Associates' strategy to expand into Europe. Novavision will be renamed HH...

Potts buys CD74 number two.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Pottsprinters has ordered a second Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74-6L only six months after installing its first. The company also plans to buy a third. The new press will be delivered in August 2005, and continues the firm's extensive...

GWSP shuts after CVA refusal.(Creditors Voluntary Agreement)(George Waterston Security Printers )(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... George Waterston Security Printers (GWSP) has gone into liquidation with debts of pounds 1m and the loss of 55 jobs after a Creditors Voluntary Agreement was rejected. KPMG corporate recovery partner Blair Nimmo said little would be...

Eurobind 4000 set for spring release.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Heidelberg is to launch a new perfect binder, its fastest, the sub-pounds 500,000 Eurobind 4000. Confirming speculation of the launch, Heidelberg UK business executive for postpress Mark Hogan said: 'We believe that we will be able to come...

Delta fined over waste failure.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Delta Print & Packaging has been fined pounds 6,000 by the Department of the Environment (DoE) for failing to comply on waste laws. The charges, from 2001 and 2002, include failure to register with the DoE for the 2002 compliance year as...

MM unveils narrow web press.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Muller Martini is targeting the flexible packaging and direct mail markets with a narrow web press demonstrated at an open house last week in Germany. The Alprinta operates at speeds of up to 450m per minute and features a variable-format...

Legal Notices.(Illustration)
November 4, 2004... 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 ORDERS Easierprint Ltd RO:...

East Midlands body to attract women into print.(East Midlands Print Media & Graphics Network)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... An East Midlands print sector body has officially launched a scheme to attract more female employees to the press room. The Women in Print initiative, set up by the East Midlands Print Media & Graphics Network (EMPMGN), aims to improve...

Joint-ventures attract paper's giants to China.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Sappi and Stora Enso have both announced joint-venture projects in China for the production of coated paper and publication papers respectively. Sappi is to acquire a 34% stake in Jiangxi Chenming Paper Company, in a joint venture with:...

MQ throws weight behind use of FSC.(MQ Publications)(Forest Stewardship Council)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... UK book publisher MQ Publications is to phase out the use of pulp from ancient forest and plans to adapt its book production to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified stock. MQ Publications production manager Gordon Parker said he hoped...

Smurfit is fined over 'cavalier' safety attitude.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Irish newspaper printworks Smurfit News Press has been fined pounds 695,000 (EUR1m) by a court after two accidents in which a worker lost a leg and another lost skin from his hand. The two accidents at the plant, which produces Irish...

Litho joins PTS for new software hub.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Litho Supplies has teamed up with digital asset management specialist Pine Tree Systems to bring a new web submission and workflow tool to the marketplace. PrintConnex comprises a suite of various software packages that includes internet...

PPA launches pass4press v5.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The PPA is to launch version five of its pass4press standard next month, and is extending proof4press to reach a wider market. Speaking at the Digital Ad Lab meeting at Digital Print World, Vertis PRS director Marcus Kirby - who is on the...

TPT introduces Elements MIS.(Management information systems)(Turning Point Technologies)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Turning Point Technologies launched a management information system at last week's Digital Print World. Aimed at creative, repro and digital printers the new package, called Elements, was developed in house by the firm. One of the...

Shorts: Vio Worldwide appoints Colyer Group.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Vio Worldwide has appointed Colyer Group as its first value-added reseller (VAR) in the UK. Colyer launched Vio's digital workflow suite at Digital Print World last week, and is offering a 30-day free trial of the Vio starter pack with every...

Shorts: Crown Litho celebrates installation.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Crown Litho in Guildford celebrated its installation of the UK's first Agfa processless platesetter, the Acento, with a reception attended by local MP Sue Doughty (pictured) and WWF director Winnie De'arth. Doughty said: 'I wish all companies...

Shorts: Files received by the Telegraph Group.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Telegraph Group has revealed that it is receiving over 1,000 files a month via ad delivery group Quickcut.

Shorts: Pindar adds to range of packages.(Alfaprint)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Pindar has added two modules to its range of content management packages. The modules, Image Share and Data Gatherer, were produced in partnership with Belgian software firm Alfaprint and will be incorporated into Pindar's existing CMS and...

Shorts: Move for BP Printing.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... BB Printing in Portslade has moved to CTP with the purchase of a Heidelberg Suprasetter 74. The investment programme for the general commercial printer, which is owned by wholesale and retail distributor Palmer & Harvey McLane, also includes...

Shorts: Global Graphics wins award.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Cambridge-based Global Graphics has won the Xplor Technology Application of the Year award for its PDF file submission software Jaws PDF Courier.

Shorts: Extensis launches offers at MacExpo.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Extensis has launched a range of offers at MacExpo and a competition to win a copy of its Photo Imaging Suite software. The company will offer all plug-ins at pounds 99 and the Photo Imaging Suite will be priced at pounds 199. MacExpo is at the...

Shorts: Polkadots Software launches PrePage.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Canadian workflow developer Polkadots Software has launched its first JDF-enabled post-RIP imposition workflow, PrePage. For more details see www.polkadots.ca.

Shorts: Ferrania Imaging Technologies launches OptiJet.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Ferrania Imaging Technologies has launched OptiJet, a full package for in-house production of film separations including a clear ink-jet film, a dedicated UV/black ink and OptiJet RIP software. Visit www.ferraniait.com.

Shorts: Tesco UK Print Centre adopts PrintSure.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Tesco UK Print Centre has adopted PrintSure, the web-based pre-flighting tool from filetranser.co.uk.

Shorts: Creo's ThermoFlex wins award.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Creo's ThermoFlex sleeve imaging flexo platesetter has won the 2004 Flexotech award for innovation in pre-press. The company was presented with the award at a ceremony held on 20 October. Creo product manager Bob Dalton said he was 'extremely...

Canon expands global print marketing operation.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Canon is increasing its focus on the print market throughout the firm from its recently enlarged Professional Print group in the UK all the way through the organisation into R&D in Japan, with more staff services and products. In the UK,...

Nur blames Q3 net losses on price pressure.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Nur has blamed price pressures for a pounds 435,000 (dollars 798,000) third-quarter net loss which leaves it facing defaulting on bank loans of pounds 15m. Nur chief financial officer David Seligman said: 'We faced some pricing pressure in...

DPW wins plaudits and a bigger venue.(Digital Print World)
November 4, 2004... Digital Print World has closed its doors on what exhibitors described as a 'unanimous success'. Unaudited visitor figures were up 19% on last year, totalling 4,041. 'It's been a fantastic show and proves that the focus, the format and...

Xeikon to debut print protector in January 2005.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Xeikon will launch a new print protector application for its digital presses in the New Year. The protector will be available as an online or offline process. It coats the printed surface with a silicon layer which is anti-static, puts...

Morgana's card finisher targets fast turnaround.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Morgana launched its nifty new card finisher at Digital Print World last week. The CardMaster is aimed at quick turnaround applications. It takes less than 30 seconds to set up and can crease and fold 150 cards per minute. It handles...

IP adds to paper range with Pro-Explore.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... International Paper (IP) has launched IP Pro-Explore, a new addition to its IP Professional range of digital papers. IP marketing manager for UK and Ireland, Alison King, said the new grade was aimed at the professional print sector market,...

Kodak signs up to Canon digital deal.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Kodak Polychrome Graphics has reinforced its digital strategy with a deal to sell Canon digital colour printers in the UK. The two firms sealed the deal at Digital Print World, where Canon was exhibiting. It provides KPG's recently...

NexPress in Web2print tie-up.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... NexPress has linked up with Web2print as part of a deal that could result in six more digital presses installed in the UK. The deal means that Redditch-based Web2print will be a showroom and support site for NexPress in the UK. The company...

Shorts: Duplo International produces updated booklet.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Following the success of its Digital Guide in 2003, Duplo International has produced an updated version of the booklet. The new guide offers clear advice for businesses looking to incorporate digital print finishing into its production...

Shorts: Durst adds options.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Following its pioneering white ink, Durst has added further innovative options to its Rho range of wide-format UV-cured digital printers, including varnish and spot colours. A gloss varnish option can be applied to localised areas for special...

Shorts: GMC Software Technology launches software.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... GMC Software Technology has launched an enhanced version of its PrintNet T Triple Suite document design and composition software. PrintNet T Triple Suite is an all-in-one tool for layout creation variable and fixed data processing. The latest...

Shorts: Tequila brings software in-house.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... London-based Tequila has become the first agency in Europe to bring DirectSmile personalisation software in-house. With DirectSmile Tequila will be able to create large-scale one-to-one marketing campaigns.

Shorts: Gold award for simpsongroup.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Point-of-sale printer simpsongroup won the gold award in the digital printing category at this year's Screen Printing Association (SPA) awards for its work for Deichmann shoes. The firm was also commended in the large-format ink-jet category.

Shorts: NexPress and etronixx signs partnership agreement.(Etronixx)(NexPress )(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... NexPress and etronixx have signed have signed a partnership agreement to promote digital print for the production of all marketing communications. Frankfurt-based etronixx develops customer and brand management strategies. The two companies...

Shorts: IBM announces formation.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... IBM has announced the formation of the Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) Colour Consortium. The Consortium has been set up in conjunction with Kodak, Lexmark, Oce and software developers COPI, DocuCorp International, Elixir Technologies,...

Shorts: Appointment at Spectra.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Spectra has appointed Robert Rosenblum as chief operating officer (COO) of its Spectra Printing Division, based in New Hampshire. Rosenblum will continue as chief financial officer of Spectra, but will also be COO of its newly formed Printing...

UPM and Stora set to increase prices.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... UPM and Stora Enso have both warned of price increases and reported improved profits for the third quarter of this year. UPM president and chief executive Jussi Pesonen said that increases announced in Europe and North America would come...

Carrs boss Lewis steps down.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Carrs Products managing director Keith Lewis has left the company. According to a source at the company there had been 'a parting of ways'. Lewis left the firm a couple of months after being part of the team that had bought the company...

Paper Pricewatch: Cartonboard, November 2004.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 4, 2004... Mayr Melnhof is to increase prices in cartonboard for its recycled grades from November, writes Philip Chadwick. The move affects recycled products, although details of the extent of the rise have not been revealed. The move is the first...

Shorts: Ian Allan (Printing) wins prize draw.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Surrey-based Ian Allan (Printing) has become the latest winner of Elliott Baxter's MCS prize draw. Every order placed for Maine Chromomat or Satimat was entered into a free prize draw. Production manager Peter Gallagher (l) was presented with a...

Shorts: Appointment at AIMS Group.(Associated Independent Merchant Stockists (AIMS) Group)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Associated Independent Merchant Stockists (AIMS) Group, has announced that former Independent Paper managing director Jill Mannix has joined the firm in a new central marketing role. Chairman Mike Wheat said the appointment was major step...

Shorts: Appointment at Howard Smith Paper.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Howard Smith Paper has appointed Chris Smith as its business papers brand manager. Smith moves into the new role from his previous position of sales centre manager for its Leicester office. The new role has been developed to ensure promotion...

Shorts: Paper Trail holds paper appreciation course.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Paper Trail is to hold its next paper appreciation course at the Apsley Paper Trail on 18 November. The course is for people new to paper, packaging, publishing or print. It will provide an understanding of how paper is made and the...

Shorts: Craftpring (Dublin) wins award.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Craftprint (Dublin) has won the prize for print excellence prize at Fedrigoni's Imaginative Paper Awards 2004. The judges said selecting a single winner was difficult. Highly commended recognitions went to Paul Green Printing, Cloister Press,...

Shorts: Hello improves ink-drying on coated papers.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... In response to feedback from printers, Hello has improved ink-drying performance across its entire range of coated papers. The product improvement is the most significant of several enhancements announced by its exclusive UK stockist The Robert...

Shorts: UK charities to benefit from funding.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Five UK charities will benefit to the tune of over pounds 167,000 (EUR240,000) from Sappi's Ideas that Matter programme. Sappi Fine Paper Europe received 244 applications for funding from 21 countries. Five of the eight grant recipients came...

Shorts: Evolve range of papers now available.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... The Evolve range of business and office papers is now available from the James McNaughton Group. Marketing director Tony Porter said that stocking the environmentally friendly grade emphasised its commitment to providing a choice of green...

Shorts: Picture error.(Correction Notice)
November 4, 2004... In a story about Elliott Baxter's appointment of Pat Flunt to inside sales manager at recent acquisition HV Beever in Stratford (PrintWeek, 21 October), a picture of Rebecca Gorman of Ebb's Watford branch was used by mistake. Apologies to all...

Benson installs fifth Bobst die-cutter.(Mark Kerridge)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Benson Box has installed its fifth Bobst die-cutter at its Barden, Leicestershire site. The company bought the B1 Sprintera 106-PER due to it's impressive 35% sales growth. 'We know that to sustain this success we have to be constantly on...

pounds 150k Intaglio kit spend ends with two Fidias.(Intaglio Print Finishing)(Gluer)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Intaglio Print Finishing has rounded off a pounds 150,000 investment program with the installation of two Fidia folder-gluers. The purchase of the Combi-Estro and Combi-Unica was driven by the Cheshire-based company's desire for more work....

GBC Centurion2 to target 102 market.(GBC Films)(Laminating films)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... GBC Films Group Europe has launched the Centurion2 high-speed thermal laminator and two new films. The 1,020mm Centurion2 is specifically, but not exclusively, targeted at the 102 format market. It can manage sheets from 250x280mm to...

Duplo sells System 5000 to Copyprint.(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Duplo has scored a major equipment sale and unveiled a raft of products at Digital Print World. The Esher company sold a three-tower System 5000 bookletmaker and a DC-545 cutter/slitter/creaser to London-based Copyprint UK at the...

Encapital buys D&K Proteus for digital laminate.(Encapital Finishing)(Brief Article)
November 4, 2004... Trade encapsulator Encapital Finishing has bought a D&K Proteus fully automatic thermal laminator at Digital Print World. The purchase follows the firm's search for a laminator suitable for digital print. 'Fuser oils in toners used in...