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Things I Hear
 Playing Catch-up
Economists have noted for years that Canadian manufacturing has lagged behind the U.S. in terms of productivity. Bill Chornous, an Investment Strategist with Investors Group speaking at a recent Ontario Printing and Imaging Association meeting, cited the weak Canadian currency in the ‘90s and early 2000's as a contributing factor to our nation's sluggishness with regard to investing time and money into production efficiency.
The favourable trade cushion with our largest trading partner meant industry didn't need to tighten its processes to maintain profitable operations. As that gap in the dollar has narrowed, so too have those profits.
Now companies that haven't made productivity investments are scrambling to improve. Large exporting companies are replacing lost U.S. business with more local customer targets. The trickle down places the squeeze on smaller regional companies. The counter punch for businesses of all sizes is improving their own productivity.
On that note, the Digital Imaging Association in Toronto recently hosted a town-hall style meeting on the necessity of management information systems in a modern printing operation. These MIS systems cost from thousands to hundreds-of-thousands, and are all built to improve internal efficiency.
What the DIA meeting evolved into was the keen realization that every printing business should first turn introspective to gain a true understanding of exactly how it operates day-to-day. Successful companies are getting all of their employees involved in projects that uncover where production delays exist, how long each task or process is taking, why it takes that long, how it could be faster, and what changes can be implemented. The result is faster production, improved customer satisfaction and better profitability.
Those companies with a head start in operating lean and streamlining production are realizing the benefit. Incorporating an MIS system is the next step. Many printers have already made the move, but there are still a lot out there playing catch-up.
Doug Picklyk
Editor, Canadian Printer
Poll
Digital Colour In Demand
Results from our last poll reveal digital colour printing technology is high on the shopping list for printers this year, closely followed by MIS systems. Vendors take note.
Here’s our new poll:
Quick hits: Print and Paper on the TV
In support of Family Literacy Day, on January 27, TV Ontario public television ran six short segments during its morning Kids programming featuring how books are made starring Toronto book printing company Webcom.
Meanwhile, the History Channel's "Modern Marvels" program featured paper manufacturer Neenah Paper in a segment about recycling during its "Environmental Tech" episode on January 24th.
Think Pink Ink
A team of Toronto-area graphic arts industry professionals that rally together each fall to take part in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk (http://www.endcancer.ca) is inviting new members to join in their effort. Team PINK INK is holding an orientation meeting Monday, February 5, 6:30-8 pm at Webcom Ltd. (3480 Pharmacy Ave., Toronto). For more information contact Claire Paterson at (416) 510-2420 or teampinkink@yahoo.ca.
Zero Ink Printing
A new photo printing solution being targeted at consumers takes the ink out of printing. ZINK "zero ink" is a patented technology that prints on ZINK paper, a substrate with a polymer overcoat and dye crystals embedded in the paper. Heat from a Zink printer activates or colourizes the crystals producing the finished print. Check out http://www.zink.com
Open Source Book Publisher—Free Reading
Los Angeles based Fly Publishing is offering its debut novel, Never Mind The Track by Sy Nazif, free on its website. "We are appealing to a new generation, a new way of thinking," noted Andrew Arrow, director of Web development for Fly Publishing in a company release. "This is the open-source generation. Squeezing every possible penny out of each book we publish is not what we are about ... Of course, our books will still be available in paperback through traditional channels such as Amazon and local bookstores. But we believe that offering them online with no fee required will increase our books' exposure and ultimately increase sales, not detract from them."
http://www.flypublishing.com
Final Harry Potter Planned
One minute past midnight on July 21st marks the release of the seventh and final novel in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Raincoast Books will be publishing the hardback editions (child and adult versions) at a suggested retail price of $45.00. 2007 marks the tenth anniversary of the publication of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The most recent, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, sold 650,000 copies in Canada in its first weekend in 2005, making it the fastest-selling book of all time. All six Harry Potter books have been number one bestsellers around the world. www.raincoast.com/harrypotter/.
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Now Look What Brown Can Do
Taking its print offering to the next level, The UPS Store network across Canada (including remaining Mail Boxes Etc. locations) has struck a deal with Grafikom, a collection of six commercial sheetfed printing locations across Canada, as a preferred supplier for offset requirements.
Grafikom will develop an online portal enabling users to place orders with The UPS Store for printing and delivery anywhere across the country. For customers, all transactions will flow through one of the 300-plus UPS Stores or MBE storefront locations.
"A large majority of our network's business is in document services. Within that category, the fastest growing segment is large scale printing, which is exactly where Grafikom fits in," said Ralph Askar, president and CEO of MBEC Communications Inc., master franchisor of The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. in Canada.
For Grafikom, this arrangement provides an instant nationwide sales force in the small office/home office arena. "In today's business environment, efficient electronic client access, seamless global production and consistently reliable customer service are essential," said Aivars Beikmanis, president and CEO of Grafikom.
In 2004, MBEC entered into commercial printing services in Winnipeg by setting up a printing hub to service all local stores. The approach was introduced in Toronto in 2005. "The success of our pilots showed us there was tremendous opportunity in the large volume print jobs," explained Askar.
Aivars Beikmanis, CEO of Grafikom (left) and Ralph Askar,
CEO MBEC Communications strike-up print partnership
for UPS Stores.
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American Group Acquires H.J. Jones
The Knight Packaging Group based in Chicago has acquired packaging printer/converter H.J. Jones-Sons Ltd. of London, Ontario, specialists in carded and folding cartons.
Founded in 1913, H.J. Jones uses litho and flexographic printing along with a host of in-house finishing processes to produce a range of products including blister cards for items like batteries, razors and pens as well as gabletop cartons (like the typical milk cartons with a fold-out pouring spout on top). The company caters to customers across North America including pharmaceutical, food, personal care and hardware markets.
Michael Jones, company president, and his brother Douglas Jones, vice president, are the fourth generation to be managing the business and will continue to run H.J. Jones. Knight Packaging Group's other business unit, Knight Paper Box Company of Chicago, is also a provider of specialty printed folding cartons. The companies will continue to operate as separate divisions of Knight Packaging Group. The Group is owned by Chicago-based private equity firm Prospect Partners, LLC and DCM Acquisition Company, LLC.
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New Layout for Quebecor World's Magazine Production
The final phases of Quebecor World's plan for re-organizing its North American magazine printing division has led to personnel changes and more job losses. In Canada, citing the consolidation of its Quebec-based magazine and catalog printing operations, on January 8 Quebecor World shut down its L'Eclaireur plant in Beauceville, Quebec, resulting in the loss of around 155 jobs. Days later came the announcement the company's U.S. magazine platform is closing its facility in Lincoln, Nebraska in the second quarter, affecting some 550 employees.
These announcements come as Quebecor World's three-year retooling plan for its U.S. magazine network (installing 10 new 64- and 96-page web presses at seven facilities) is wrapping up. Overseeing that program was Chuck Miotke, who has been promoted to a broader manufacturing role as vice president, global manufacturing, reporting to David Blair, Quebecor World's senior vice president operations. Replacing Miotke as president of the U.S. Magazine Group is Doron Grosman, coming to the role from outside the industry, formerly holding senior positions at Trane Air Conditioning and General Electric prior to that. »Top
Recent Sightings:
Economic Talk
The Ontario Printing and Imaging Association's annual Economic Forecast dinner, held at the Mississauga Convention Centre, featured speakers representing Investment Group of Companies. Bill Chornous, Investment Strategist with IG Investment Management Ltd., reasoned why it's necessary to cut though the "noise" of everyday financial news in the media. "We're all faced with media overload," said Chornous. Following examples of exaggerated newspaper reports and economic theories, he revealed two simple truths of the financial markets based on historical data: over time economies will continue to grow, and the state of the stock market is only a reflection of a particular point in time. Don't get caught up in the hype.
Chornous was followed by Rick Blake, a former bank manager and now a financial planner, who outlined several estate planning strategies for small business owners, including IPPs and life insurance solutions.
OPIA's Annual Economic Forecast Dinner (l-r): Rick Blake, financial planning consultant with Investors Group; Tracey Preston, president of the OPIA; and Bill Chornous, vp Investment Stratgies with IG Investment Management Ltd.
DIA, MIS Talk
The Digital Imaging Association in Toronto hosted a lively discussion on challenges and benefits of sourcing and incorporating management information systems into a graphics business. The conversation, moderated by Marg Macleod and led by Ian Broomhead, owner of CP Printing, and Bob Weller, vp at Transcontinental Yorkville-O'Keefe, focused on real-life implementation hurdles and solutions. The talk concentrated on change management within an organization (large or small) and placing the initial attention on understanding all processes within your business and where greater efficiency through automation can be accomplished.
Ian Broomhead of CP Printing in Toronto, (left) speaks
with
Al Pickard of Intuitive Solutions Group at DIA's
January
event highlighting MIS integration.
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Supplier News :
- Xerox reported year-end sales of US$15.9 billion for 2006, up 1% from 2005, with net income of US$1.2 billion, up 24% from the year prior. The company launched 14 products in 2006 and expects to more than double that number this year.
- KBA North America has announced an exclusive distributorship in Canada and the U.S. with German-based Vegra, a developer of environmentally friendly consumable products for the pressroom. The consumables (fountain solutions, coatings, washes, and varnishes) are available to all printers through http://consumables.kba-usa.com.
- Howard Graphic Equipment, based in Mississauga, Ontario, and a well-known supplier of used and reconditioned printing equipment in Canada and abroad, celebrates its 40 th anniversary in 2007. http://www.howardgraphic.com
- Blanchard Systems, a Louisiana-based digital prepress integration company, has been named master distributor for German-based Dalim Software products in North America, supporting resellers in Canada and the U.S. Gary Dolgins will be manage the company's dealer network.
- Montreal's Polkadots Software Inc., a prepress workflow automation developer, announced that The Chicago Tribune has selected its newspaper workflow product.
- Müller Martini has named Amrish Thaker as president and CEO of its North American newspaper division, Muller Martini Mailroom Systems, Inc. Thaker will takeover from interim president Gary Hughes, who will resume his role as general manager of Müller Martini Canada.
- The Domtar merger with Weyerhaeuser's fine paper business has been cleared by Canada 's Competition Bureau, and a 13-member board for the new company has been formed. Closing is expected by end of Q1.
- FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc. has introduced VersaDrop, a grayscale inkjetting technology that can vary the size of the ink drops to allow finer tonal gradations. VersaDrop will become available later this year in Spectra M-Class printheads.
- Toronto-based software developer, Zevrix Solutions , has released version 1.5 of InPreflight, a quality control module for Adobe InDesign that allows users to identify potential file problems.
- KBA has introduced an new dynamic colour control module for its DensiTronic S densitometry and spectrophotometry system to reduce ink-related start-up waste and speed up ink-key settings.
- Adobe has released Acrobat Connect a subscription-based hosted Web conferencing service allowing users to collaborate remotely online with up to 15 participants. The service works with any Flash-enabled browser and includes tools like screen sharing, chat, video and audio conferencing. A monthly fee US$39 per month, or US$395 per year per meeting URL. A free 15-day trial version is available at www.adobe.com/go/tryconnect
- Bitstream has released Pageflex Storefront 5 for Web-to-print variable data projects including cross media support for personalized HTML and print.
- Less than a year after launching QuarkXPress 7, Quark has released its first upgrade, QuarkXPress 7.1.
- Domtar has introduced antimicrobial office paper to protect against the growth of bacteria, odours, fungus, mold and mildew. The paper is treated with a silver compound that kills most bacteria that come into contact with it
- Xitron, independent RIP developer and integrator, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the printing industry in 2007.
- 2007 marks the 90th anniversary of Franklin Estimating Systems.
- Ricoh is acquiring IBM 's printing systems division for US$725 million. The company's have formed a joint venture called the InfoPrint Solutions Company, Ricoh controls 51% and will acquire the remainder over three years.
- Montreal's Abitbi-Consolidated and Bowater of North Carolina, North America's largest newspaper producers, have announced their intent to merge operations, creating AbitibiBowater. Head office is to remain in Montreal.
Resources:
Management Compensation & Organizational Behaviour
Positioned as a strategic planning tool for graphic communications companies, the National Association for Printing Leadership has released the NAPL Organization Development & Compensation Study 2007. The report, based on a survey of over 150 printing companies, outlines strategies for recruiting, retaining and compensating employees as well as cultivating the skills required to keep your company progressive.
The Study is US$149 for NAPL members and US$249 for non-members. Visit http://www.napl.org/store
SGIA's Newest Guide to Digital Wide Format
Keeping up to date with the digital imaging marketplace is easier with SGIA's 2007 Guide to Digital Imaging. This year's edition includes chapters covering narrow-format digital imaging and the dynamic digital display. The book also includes updates on product and equipment specifications, colour management, ink and media as well as marketing strategies.
As an introduction to the business or as a refresher, the 2007 Guide to Digital Imaging is a softcover 145-page book and costs US$16.95 for SGIA members and US$24.95 for non-members.
http://www.sgia.org/graphic_imagers/technology/digital/books/
Seybold Report Revival
RISI, a well-known information source in the paper industry, today announced the appointment of John Parsons as Editorial Director of The Seybold Report. Parsons was a frequent contributor and Senior Editor for Seybold from 1998 to 2002. RISI acquired The Seybold Report and The Seybold Bulletin from CMP Media in 2006.
A sign of progress, Seybold's Editorial Advisory Board will include print industry pundit Frank Romano, as well as four former Seybold editors George Alexander, Andy Tribute, Steve Edwards and Mark Walter.
www.risiinfo.com/seybold
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Events
2007
The Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada will be holding its 93rd Annual Meeting and tradeshow February 5 - 9 at the Palais des Congrès in Montréal as part of PaperWeek International 2007. for more information visit http://www.paptac.ca/english/am/07_AM_session_booklet_nov2206.pdf
The third-year class of Ryerson's Graphic Communications Management program will host its annual Colloquium Wednesday February 7, 5:30-9 pm at 350 Victoria Street, room POD 250, Ryerson Campus, Toronto. This year's theme: The Future of Print – Are We Screwed? Guest speakers include: Tony Di Iorio, VP with St. Joseph Communications, Richard Armstrong, president Heidelberg Canada , and Doug Fitzgerald, Sr. VP of Marketing, RR Donnelley , and more. This is a FREE event.
http://www.arewescrewed.ca
The Specialty Graphics Imaging Association ( SGIA ) is holding a half-day workshop in Toronto entitled Advancements in Technology . The session will cover the latest in computer-to-screen systems and LED curing technology for UV ink systems, and more. The program, held February 8 at Toronto's Valhalla Inn, runs from 8 am to noon. The cost is only $35 for SGIA members and $50.00 for non-members. To register http://www.sgia.org/govt/global_focus/canada/toronto_workshop/
The Sixth Annual Print Oasis Print Buyers Conference & Exhibit is being held February 11-14 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. A full conference agenda is available at www.printoasis.com.
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
The 39th Metro Users Group Annual Conference, for Goss Metro press users, will be held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, from Saturday, February 17, to Wednesday, February 21. Registration forms are available at http://www.metrousers.com
The CIP4 organization and Ryerson University are together hosting a free "JDF Education Event" being held at Ryerson University in Toronto on Tuesday, February 20. This one-day JDF 101 program will cover all aspects of print process automation, CIP4 and the Job Definition Format (JDF).
The event is free, but advance registration is required, visit http://ryerson.eventbrite.com/ for details.
The Digital Imaging Association in Toronto is holding an educational meeting at Apple Canada on Wednesday, February 21 on colour management featuring Dave Hunter from Pilot Consulting. Dave will cover the latest Gracol standards and more.
DIA meetings are no cost to member companies, and newcomers are always welcome. For more information contact marg@digitalimagingassoc.ca or call (416) 696-0151
A Hard Look at Soft Proofing: Why Virtual Proofing is a Reality, is the topic of discussion at a special presentation hosted by Magazines Canada on Thursday, February 22 at the Heidelberg Centre on the campus of Ryerson University in Toronto. The seminar runs from 9 am to 4 pm (lunch included). Registration is $90 before Feb. 1 ($110 after that). For details visit http://www.magazinescanada.ca
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.
For those in the book business, don't miss the Book Business Expo being held March 5-6 at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York. http://www.BookBusinessExpo.com
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
North America's largest newspaper conference and trade show, NEXPO 07, will be held April 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. http://www.nexpo.com
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.
ITWorld Expo Canada will be holding the IT360° Conference & Expo from April 30 to May 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre . This event provides business professionals a complete view of the changing information technology arena. For information visit http://www.it360.ca
Presstek, Inc. will be hosting an open house event in Vancouver May 1-3 featuring technology demonstrations. The event is part of a North America-wide series of open house events the company is holding. www.presstek.com/events
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.
The Supply Side, a marketplace for the latest in packaging products for the stationery, giftware and graphics arts industries, will run from May 22-23 at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the Greeting Card Association (GCA). http://www.thesupplyside.com
For those interested in the book business, check out BookExpo America being held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from June 1- 3. For more information visit: http://bookexpo.reedexpo.com
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
The trade event for the Canadian book business is BookExpo Canada held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, with a conference: June 8 & 9, and the tradeshow on June 10 & 11. For details visit http://reedexpo.ca/bookexpo
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
The Specialty Printing and Imaging Association Technology Expo will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from October 24–27 . This show will feature the latest in digital wide format printing, screen printing and more.
Visit http://www.sgia.org
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,
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).
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