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Things I Hear
 SC News
The Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council, the Government-funded not-for-profit organization responsible for developing human resource and workforce development strategies for the industry, has added more bodies to its Board.
Abe Giesbrecht, the training coordinator at book printer Friesens Corp. in Altona, Manitoba, now joins: Andrea Chan, human resources professional at Toronto-based book printing specialist Webcom; Robert Kadis vp finance of Moore Canada (an RR Donnelley company); and co-chair Jeff Ekstein owner of Willow press just north of Toronto, as direct printing company representatives.
Other board members include: Bob Elliott, president, CPIA in Ottawa; co-chair Duncan Brown, a national director with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP); Alex Charles, president, CEP Local 525G in Vancouver; Mike Drimmie, vp with CEP Local 500-G in Toronto; John Webster, president, CEP Local 900G in Winnipeg.
This Board is joined by three ex-officio members representing supplier and education interests, Brian Ellis of Heidelberg Canada, William Sijpheer of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Michel Cliche of the sectoral committee of graphic communications workers in Quebec.
I'm not sure what else to say about the Sector Council at this point.
I believe the intentions of the group are noble and necessary.
Its board appears weighted towards representation from very large organizations in an industry dominated by small companies, so I would recommend anyone interested in seeing this initiative progress to the next level to visit http://www.cpisc-csic.ca/ and get involved.
See you all at the Print World show in Toronto, Saturday Nov. 18-Monday, Nov. 20th http://www.printworldshow.com
Cheers,
Doug Picklyk
Editor, Canadian Printer
Poll
Who's reading this e-newsletter? Last time we asked you to tell us what age category you fit into. Here's the results:
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Quick hits:
The Wall Street Journal plans to launch its new look starting January 2007, a slimmer trim size (12 inches from 15-inches) and the introduction of more colour. The Journal is printed in 17 plants around the U.S. The estimate for annual production cost savings is said to be around US$18 million dollars.
An article published by Advertising Age online notes that Google is getting ready to test its Print Ads system, a tool allowing advertisers to bid for ad space in 50 newspapers across the U.S. The tool allows advertisers to make offers to the papers, but the final decisions rest with the publishers. As the author states, “If the dot-coms prove their claims, new media may find itself playing the unusual role of lifeline for old media."
related article from BusinessWeek.com
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/
tc20061105_572061.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+
index_businessweek+exclusives
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New Xeikon 6000 digital color press from Punch Graphix revolutionizes productivity
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For more information www.punchgraphix.com
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MDC Finally Unloads Security Printing Division
MDC Partners has found a buyer for its Secure Products International Group (SPI), a collection of security printing operations, in the form of a U.S.-based private equity firm H.I.G. Capital.
The deal has MDC selling the stock of SPI in exchange for around US$20 million in cash plus US$1 million annually for five years in consulting fees, and MDC will receive a 7.5% equity interest in the newly formed SPI.
The SPI divisions include: Mercury Graphics in Saskatoon specializing in tickets for airlines and sports teams; Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd. in Williamsville, New York, a stamp manufacturing operation; and two specialized plastic card-manufacturing facilities, Metaca Corp. in Concord, Ontario and Placard Pty Ltd. in Australia.
Quebecor World Still Struggling (Adds More Yellow Pages)
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Wes Lucas |
"Our financial performance ... is not acceptable" says Wes Lucas, president and CEO of Quebecor World. The printing giant's third-quarter numbers reveal a slight drop in revenues, $1.55 billion compared to $1.58 billion for Q3 last year, but net income was down a whopping 37% at $19.2 million compared to $30.9 million. The drop is partially the result of ongoing restructuring charges. In Canada, revenues for the quarter were lower, attributable to the strong Loonie affecting print volumes.
In 2006 the company's worldwide workforce is has been reduced by 1,247, with 701 positions still to be eliminated. The company recently announced the closure of a printing plant and bindery facility in Illinois, resulting in 400 jobs lost.
Earlier, Quebecor World and Yellow Pages Group announced a new directory printing agreement in Canada valued at more than $1 billion through 2020. The deal extends existing contracts and increases the volumes manufactured by QW. The relationship extends beyond simply printing, as explained by Tony Galasso, president of Quebecor World Canada: "This contract covers over 300 directory titles. It also includes expanded value added before and after print services such as the utilization of Quebecor World's proprietary AdMagic solution to build advertising pages and after press services including value-added fulfillment and logistics."
Grafikom Acquires Grenville
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Aivars Beikmanis |
Just over a month shy of celebrating its first anniversary, Canada 's newest and largest nation-wide sheetfed-only commercial printing operation, Grafikom, has struck again, making its second significant acquisition in just over three months buying Toronto's Grenville Printing.
Grafikom, the privately-owned group formed out of Quebecor World's Canadian sheetfed commercial business last year (2005 sales of around $106 million) adds over $20 million in sales with Grenville as well as press capacity including a new 40-inch 12-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster with perfector and perfected coating. The acquisition also leads to an entry into the music and consumer goods packaging industries.
"As we consider options for the growth of our company, we are seeking well-established organizations that have something unique to offer our customers" says Aivars Beikmanis, president and CEO of Grafikom. "Grenville has earned a solid reputation and brings new expertise to the group with its diverse packaging capabilities."
Early this past summer Grafikom expanded its Edmonton business with the acquisition of Speedfast Color Press.
Grafikom has print locations in Toronto, Sherbrooke, Edmonton, Calgary, Carlsbad (California) and Guadalajara, Mexico.
Embassy Digital acquires Canada Yearbook
Embassy Digital of Oakville, Ontario, a division of Winnipeg-based Embassy Graphics Ltd., has acquired family-owned Canada Yearbook Services of Bowmanville, Ontario.
"The fit between our two companies is very complementary," says Bryan Payne Jr., president of Embassy Graphics. "Embassy is geared towards photo books and CYS has been successfully producing yearbooks for over 50 years. The products tend to have opposite busy times. The manufacturing process also utilizes similar equipment," adds Payne.
Both operations are users of HP Indigo digital printing equipment. Diane Bradley, president of CYS, will be staying on in a senior management position. Embassy plans on relocating Canada Yearbook into its Oakville location.
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Recent Sightings:
Transcontinental Yorkville-O'Keefe Grand Opening
Transcontinental Yorkville-O'Keefe in Toronto opened its doors to customers and suppliers November 2, marking the grand opening of the merged Toronto location. The move adds O'Keefe's commercial sheetfed capacity (10-colour perfecting 40-inch Heidelberg and 6-colour with coater) to the direct mail web/sheetfed/digital printing and lettershop capabilities. Pictured above, visitors on a tour of Yorkville-O'Keefe's digital colour printing unit.
OPIA at Queen's Park
The Ontario Printing and Imaging Assoc. descended upon Queen's Park, home of the Provincial legislature, to promote the industry and re-affirm its position as a leading contributor to the province's economy and its place as a stakeholder in developing manufacturing legislation. Hot topics included labour, health and safety issues as well as printing's pro-active roles on environmental issues.
Queen's Park day attendees: back row (l-r) Glen Harvey, PLM Group; Ruban Silva, Agfa; Tracey Preston, OPIA; Roslyn Wright, Transcontinental; Phil Laitar, Allprint Ainsworth; and Dave Potje, Twin City Dwyer. Front row (l-r) Abhay Sharma, Ryerson Chair; Jeanette Bonnie, PLM Group; Myrna Penny, PrintLink; and Mary Huang, Ryerson student.
Colour Correctness
Toronto's Digital Imaging Association added a twist to its first meeting of the year October 25th, holding a presentation on colour management without a presenter in the room. Over 50 satisfied attendees listened and watched a recorded Webinar from the IPA library, a novel event that delivered quality content in a timely fashion.
Ryerson's Awards Gala
Students from Ryerson University's School of Graphic Communications Management were feted at the annual Awards Gala held Wednesday, Nov. 8th at Ryerson. The scholarships and academic awards ceremony was hosted by Brian Collict of Sun Chemical. A selection of award-winning students are pictured above.
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Graph Expo
North America's largest print show, Graph Expo in Chicago held Oct. 15-18, was a hit this year with high energy, crowded aisles and very positive feedback from the exhibitors.
Below are two photos from the show floor, for more photos and details see the Oct./Nov. issue of Canadian Printer in print or online at http://www.canadianprinter.com
Montreal Shop Adds KBA
BL Litho was at the show celebrating its purchase of a KBA Rapida 105 41-inch eight-colour sheetfed perfector with UV, due for delivery in December. Pictured above: (l-r) Martin Marchand, BL Litho; Michael Mugavero, KBA North America; and Karl Belafi Jr. of KBR Graphics Ltd., the eastern Canadian distributor for KBA North America.
EG&Son signs with EFI Vutek
National graphic arts equipment and supplies dealer Ernest Green and Son signed a dealership agreement with EFI Vutek to extend the reach of the digital wide format products to commercial printers across the country. Above: (l-r) Philip Hampson, Ernest Green & Son; Ken Lunn, EFI Vutek; and Joe Gano, EFI Vutek.
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- Heidelberg sales are up six percent for the first six months of its fiscal 2006 (April-Sept) reaching 1.6 billion Euro (compared to 1.5 billion Euro for the same period last year). "The annual average volume of incoming orders has now grown consistently for three financial years in a row," stated Heidelberg CEO, Bernhard Schreier.The company's net profit for the period was 68 million Euro (compared to 31 million Euro last year).
- Manugraph Ltd. of India has acquired Dauphin Graphic Machines, Inc. of the U.S. to form what it calls the largest single width web offset press manufacturing company in the world, Manugraph-DGM. The new company will maintain manufacturing in three facilities – two in India and one in the U.S.
- Gould Paper Corp. of New York has signed an agreement to acquire the western Canadian merchant operations of Cascades Resources from PaperlinX Canada Ltd. The western operations of Cascades Resources are headquartered in Vancouver with facilities in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. The company will continue to be led by James Dunn, its current general manager. Founded in 1924, Gould Paper has revenues in excess of US$1 billion and operations throughout the U.S. and internationaly. www.gouldpaper.com
- MAN Roland has named Vince Lapinski CEO of MAN Roland Inc. (the North American operation) effective January 1, 2007. Lapinski succeeds Yves Rogivue, who has led the division for the past six years and is heading to Switzerland to lead the printing division of Müller Martini.
- FUJIFILM Corp. of Japan has spun off its electronic prepress equipment manufacturing and graphic arts software development division, FUJIFILM Electronic Imaging Ltd. to the management team, headquartered in the UK. The new company's corporate name is FFEI Ltd., and it will continue to working closely with Fujifilm, manufacturing violet laser platesetters and workflow solutions.
- Domino Printing Sciences plc, ink jet and laser solutions provider, has acquired Mectec Elektronik, a Sweden-based developer and manufacturer of industrial print and labeling equipment.
- EFI has completed its acquisition of Jetrion, a subsidiary of Flint Group for US$40 million in cash.
- Baldwin Technology Company, a supplier of accessories and control technology for the printing industry, is acquiring Oxy-Dry Corp. another press accessories and controls supplier.
- Austrian investment company PAInvest is taking over controlling interest in Swiss-based CtP platesetter manufacturer Lüscher AG from Hans Lüscher.
- Xerox Corp. has agreed to acquire XMPie, variable information software developers, for US$54 million.
- Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc. has changed its legal corporate name to Fujifilm Canada Inc.
- KBA North America is rolling its web press sales, service and parts activities from Pennsylvania into its sheetfed division headquarters in Vermont.
- Effective November 1, the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP)/PrintImage merged into the National Association of Printing Leadership (NAPL).
- Former CEO and COO of Technotrans America / IST sheetfed division, Bill Bonallo and Steve Barberi have started up a new company, Absolute Graphic Technologies USA, based in California, to provide complete on-press control solutions and service.
- Brandtjen & Kluge, Inc. has agreed to sell and service print finishing equipment currently offered by CG Machinery, Inc. of Richmond, BC.
- Quark Inc. has named Raymond Schiavone as president and CEO. Schiavone is a former GE executive and CEO of Arbortext, an automated publishing software company. Interim president Linda Chase remains with Quark as senior vice president of enterprise products.
- DelphaxTechnologiesInc. is reducing its workforce by approximately 15 percent, or 52 positions, in response to weak fiscal 2006 sales.
- Goss will be installing its first Flexible Printing System (FPS) web press in Northern Ireland, purchased by Independent News & Media PLC. The versatile system, with five towers and heatset and coldset capabilities, will go into production by summer 2007
- MacDermid ColorSpan, Inc., had introduced price reductions (from 6 to 14%) for its mid-range, 72-inch and 98-inch UV-curable inkjet printers, the DisplayMaker 72 uvr,DisplayMaker 72 uvx and DisplayMaker 98 uvx
Resources:
Print Business Podcasts
The National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) has produced three informational audio podcasts available for free downloading at www.napl.org and on iTunes www.itunes.com. The sessions feature: NAPL chief economist Andrew Paparozzi, discussing current and future industry trends; John Hyde, managing director of NAPL professional services group sharing information for printing companies considering growth through acquisition; and NAPL technology consultant Howard Fenton offering strategies companies can use to maximize workflow integration and efficiencies.
JDF Resource
New from BRIDG'S is a resource that makes JDF understandable for non-technical decision makers. The JDF GUIDE FOR MANAGERS explains the process, answers questions in business terms, and provides future directions. The 32-page booklet breaks down, what JDF is, what it does and more. All at a cost of US$4.50.
Visit http://www.printtools.org/bridgs
Being Prepared
The most recent printing industry outlook report, NAPL's 2006 State of the Industry Update: Preparing for a Slowdown looks at how to prepare for a slowing economy, as predicted for 2007. “For every one percentage point slowdown in the gross domestic product—GDP—print sales drop by more than $1 billion,” says Andrew Paparozzi, NAPL vice president and chief economist. “Therefore, when we see the economy slowing from 3.5% - 4% growth to more like 2.0% - 2.5% growth, it's very significant.”
Paparozzi notes, however, that “graphic communications company leaders should not feel helpless about an economic slowdown, however. There is plenty they can do to prepare their companies so their organizations can be stronger coming out of the economic slump than they were going into it.”
The State of the Industry Update explores the various factors behind the forecasts of an impending economic slowdown, and offers strategies printers can implement to protect their companies. http://www.napl.org
Another Print Forecast
The Industry Measure, formerly TrendWatch Graphic Arts, has released its Printing Forecast 2007: The Industry Measure Perspective on the Challenges and Opportunities for the Printing Industry in the Next 12 Months and Beyond.
The 193-page report analyzes the general economic environment, the state of the printing industry and details the major trends and directions. The report is available online at www.theindustrymeasure.com The full report is US$995. An executive summary of this report is available for US$99.
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Events
 Print World, formerly called Print Ontario, will happen November 18 to 20 at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto . For information visit http://www.printworldshow.com
The Toronto Chapter of the Printing House Craftsmen will be hosting a breakfast seminar during Print World, Sunday, Nov. 19, 7:30 - 10 am on the topic of wide and grand format printing called: Eyes Wide Open.
To get more information leave a message at 905 804-0924.
The Digital Imaging Association in Toronto will be hosting a meeting on Wednesday November, 22 featuring a discussion on Adobe's new PDF Print Engine. Presenting will be Mark Leweicki.
For registration information contact marg@digitalimagingassoc.ca
"Expansion Through Acquisition" an International Symposium, is being held Wednesday, November 29, at the Doubletree International Plaza, located close to the Toronto airport. This event will explore how to develop a corporate acquisition strategy, cross border transactions, due diligence and successfully integrating a new acquisition. The event will be hosted by the law firm of Cassels, Brock & Blackwell; international m&a consortium, the International Corporate Finance Group; and intermediary firm, Robbinex Inc.
For more information call 888-762-2463
The PostPress: Finish with a Profit conference is being held Thursday November 30 at the Toronto Board of Trade . Learn about lean manufacturing and hear customer testimonials. Early-bird registration is $69.00. For more information call ( 800) 363-3261 .
The Canadian Flexography Training Committee (CFTC) is producing the World Class Flexography Conference to be held at the Toronto Board of Trade, Friday, December 1. The early-bird registration fee is $69. For more information contact Ron Schroder, rons@williamson.ca
The VariComm conference covering all angles of digital colour variable printing will take place at the Toronto Board of Trade, December 1 . Early registration is $175. For more info call ( 800) 363-3261.
The Digital Imaging Association in Toronto will be holding its Annual Christmas Luncheon on Wed. Dec. 6 at Le Parc our. The keynote presentation will be a talk by Thad McIllroy on the Future of Publishing. For details contact marg@digitalimagingassoc.ca
2007
IPA Business Development Conference : Ideas, Actions, Results is being held January 26-27 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona . The conference is preceeded by an Executive Forum: Winning Strategies for Senior Executives, being held on January 25th.
The details are available at: http://www.ipa.org/exec.
Information Management Institute will be hosting their 16th Annual Ink Jet Printing Conference on January 31-February 2 at the Radisson Orlando Celebration Resort, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida. Visit www.imiconf.com for more information.
The Toronto Chapter of the International Assoc. of Printing House Craftsmen is holding its annual Gallery Awards Gala dinner and dance on Saturday, February 17 at the Park Plaza Hotel. This year's theme is intergalactic: The Star Awards. For more info contact Tisha Slater at tishaslater@queenstone.org
Graphics of the Americas and Xplor International will be hosting the XML/PDF exhibit pavilion February 28 through March 4 in Miami Beach, Florida. For more information visit www.graphicsoftheamericas.com.
The 2007 PIA/GATF Executive Leadership Conference will be held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona, March 4-8. For more information, call 412-259-1803.
The NAPL Top Management Conference is being held at the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara, California from March 7-11 . The Keynote presentation will be hosted by Brad Smart, (Topgrading: How to Recruit and Hire the Best People). Visit http://www.napl.org/events/TMC/TMC%2007/TMC_07.htm
PRINT OUTLOOK 2007, hosted by the NPES, will be held March 27-28 in Chicago . This annual marketing and economic conference features top-level presentations specific to the future of the printing industry in North America . For information visit http://www.npes.org
ON DEMAND 2007 moves to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center for the dates of April 16-19. This annual expo and conference features the latest in digital printing technology and software solutions. http://www.ondemandexpo.com
 The Grafik Art trade show returns to Montreal, April 19- 21, being hosted at Place Bonaventure. For more information visit www.grafikart.ca
The Web Offset Association annual conference will be held in conjunction with the annual Sheetfed Conference in Toronto April 29-May 1 . Contact http://www.gain.net for more information.
The International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Foil Stamping and Embossing Association (FSEA) will host 2007 IADD/FSEA Odyssey - May 2-4 at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information visit www.iadd.org/odyssey.
CMM International 2007, a showcase and educational forum for the converting and package printing industries, will take place June 4th - 7th in Rosemont, Illinois. For more information contact Andrea Flaherty at (603) 891-9477 or andreaf@pennwell.com.
FESPA, the European-based show for screen and digital sign printers, is being held June 5-9 in Berlin, Germany. The theme for FESPA 2007 is The Power Of Imaging. www.fespa2007.com
Graph Expo and PackPrint will be co-located at McCormick Place in Chicago from September 9-12 . Visit www.gasc.org for more info.
The IGAS (International Graphic Arts Show) is being held at the Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan from September 21 to 27 . Held every four years, last time this week-long expo attracted over 120,000 visitors. For information www.igas-tokyo.jp
Graphics Canada will be held at the International Centre in Toronto from November 8-10 . For details visit http://www.graphicscanada.com
2008
 Drupa 2008 will be held from May 29 to June 11, 2008 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf Germany. There will be over 2.4 million square feet of exhibition space with an expected attendance of over 300,000. www.drupa.com
Stay tuned for information on travel packages to DRUPA offered exclusively through Canadian Printer.
For more events in your area, here are links to regional associations:
B.C. http://www.bcpia.org; http://www.vcphc.org/
Southern Alberta http://www.pgia.ca
Saskatchewan http://www.sgaia.org
Ontario http://www.opia.on.ca, www.digital-imaging-assoc.org
Quebec http://www.aagq.qc.ca
New Brunswick http://www.nbpia.org
Canadian Printer E-News
Keep up to date on the big picture of the printing industry in Canada with a voice you can trust in Canadian Printer magazine. The national business publication for printers since 1892, Canadian Printer is recognized for leadership on business issues and editorial integrity.
For more information get in touch with editor Doug Picklyk (phone: (416) 764-1530, email: doug.picklyk@printer.rogers.com).
For advertising and marketing opportunities, contact Susan Ritcey (phone: (416) 764-1509, email: susan.ritcey@printer.rogers.com).
Mailing address:
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