Printer News

Wright Business Graphics, Portland, Ore., has purchased a new Komori Lithrone G-Series press for its Kent, Washington-based facility.

A fire broke out at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the adjoining plants on Packard Road and Royal Avenue, which make corrugated board and lightweight liner board. Flames shot from at least one building, as well as from stacked bundles of paper material located outdoors. As many as 50 bundles were burning near the time the fire started, according to a fire dispatcher. Greenpac/Norampac said that all employees had been evacuated from the plant.

The Niagara Falls Water Board called in additional staff to make sure more water was available to fight the blaze, Mayor Paul A. Dyster said.

Offset sales in 2014 are in decline in all but the fastest growing shops; however, even there growth is reported at less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, sales from signs, banners and large format are seeing growth across the board.

RR Donnelley & Sons Company, Chicago, has been awarded a $60 million multi-year agreement by Crain Communications that significantly expands the companies' relationship through 2020.

GPA, McCook, Ill., has entered into a partnership agreement with Holliston, producers of textured cloth substrates for offset, screen printing and HP Indigo presses.

ICV Partners, a leading investment firm focused on lower middle-market companies, has acquired OneTouchPoint (OTP), a value-added commercial printer and document services company. OTP was previously owned by Huron Capital Partners. 

EFI, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, has acquired substantially all the assets of DiMS! organizing print, a developer of comprehensive MIS/ERP systems for print and packaging companies.

EFI, Fremont, Calif., recently announced that it has acquired DirectSmile GmbH, a Berlin, Germany-based provider of software solutions for cross-media marketing automation.

Formax, Dover, N.H., announced a new design and increased capacity for its introductory level pressure sealers: the low-volume FD 1402, the mid-volume FD 1502 and the mid-volume FD 1502Plus with integrated conveyor. These will replace the FD 1400, FD 1500 and FD 1500Plus.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced that Japan-based Toppan Printing Co. will create 80 jobs and invest $100 million into a new facility at The Lakes at Green Valley in Griffin, Ga.

"The economic impact from our solid business ties with Japan is significant when market-leading companies such as Toppan Printing choose Georgia," said Deal. "Because this is the second Japan-based company to locate to this area, it's clear our state is the ideal location for advanced manufacturing. I have no doubt that our highly skilled talent pool and advanced R&D resources will keep Toppan competitive in the global economy."