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Industry Comes to Toronto The largest printing industry educational event and equipment and supplies showroom landed in Toronto earlier this month, as the bi-annual Graphics Canada trade show took over the International Centre. This year the organizers packed the event with new pavilions to draw a more diverse audience than ever before.
The entire week was dubbed National Graphic Communications Week, and was kicked off with Strategy 07, Canada's National Conference for the Printing Industry. Held November 6-8, at the Westin Bristol Place Hotel in Toronto, the conference, organized by the Canadian Printing Industries Association, featured sessions on the Future of Print, Succession Planning, Printing Goes Green and more. Tony Gagliano, CEO of St. Joseph Communications, delivered the keynote. Gagliano encouraged printers to become more engaged with their clients, and he also initiated a call to action, saying printers need to do a better job of promoting print as an indispensable marketing vehicle.
Attendance at Graphics Canada was boisterous at times, with the traffic levels increasing each day. Every vendor I spoke with was happy with the quality of the turnout this year with representation from across the country. For those who attended, I'd be interested to hear your feedback.
For those who missed the events of National Graphic Communications Week, the next really big show will be drupa in Germany May 29-June 11. See you there?
Tony Gagliano of St. Joseph (left) with
Sean Murray, CPIA Chairman, at the
kick-off to Strategy 07.
According to our last poll—in which only 17 of you responded—(results above) just under half indicated they won't be attending Graphics Canada this year. For those who are attending, it appears digital colour printing will be the highlight.
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Ink Analyzer Patent
The Quebec Institute of Graphic Communications (ICGQ) has obtained a U.S. patent for a process control tool to analyze ink. The tool, being used already by some North American ink manufacturers, uses medium infrared spectrophotometry for a quick analysis of ink to determine if it meets a printer's performance standards. The technology has an impact on quality-control methods for printing inks.
Development of the tool was collaboration between the ICGQ and the chemistry department at Collège Ahuntsic, with financial support from Quebecor World.
Paper Levies Lifted The United States International Trade Commission reversed a decision made earlier this year, ruling against the American coated paper manufacturing industry's request for tariffs on paper imported from China, South Korea and Indonesia. The Commission found that NewPage Corp., the lead complainant, and other coated paper manufacturers had not been "materially injured" or "threatened with material injury" The Printing Industries of America applauded this reversal.
Carbon Neutral Banana-based Paper Papyrus Australia Ltd. has developed a unique papermaking method converting banana tree trunks into paper using minimal energy when compared with traditional pulp-based processes. The company's patented Papyrus process uses no chemicals and water is a by-product of the manufacturing.
The company is undertaking a life cycle analysis including an evaluation of the impact of removing the waste trunks from banana farms. "The existing paper industry has a large environmental and carbon footprint. The Papyrus process offers the industry a timely and practical solution to reducing this footprint without a massive investment in new technology," says Papyrus chairman Dr David Wyatt. www.papyrusaustralia.com.au
Order of Canada for Marcoux On October 26th the Order of Canada was bestowed upon Rémi Marcoux, the founder of Transcontinental. The appointment, originally announced in February, is the country's highest civilian honour, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
"It is a great honour to be awarded the Order of Canada and I would like to thank Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada," said Mr. Marcoux. "I would also like to share this recognition with everyone who has worked for Transcontinental over the years, and with the members of my family."
Marcoux opened his first shop 1976, and the company has grown to have the largest footprint of any printer in Canada and sixth-largest operation in North America. Rémi Marcoux
CPISC Funding Update and Publication Release The Canadian Government has approved two-year infrastructure funding, committing over $2 million, to the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC), allowing this group to begin creating more tangible materials and direct benefits for the industry. The not-for-profit organization is charged with developing a human resources strategy for the printing industries in Canada. The CPISC's first published product was released during Graphics Canada. The Review of Education and Training Programs and Providers for Printing and Graphic Communications Industry includes results from surveys carried out in September along with a listing of training and education programs across the country. In general, the results confirm that most training today is done in-house and equipment suppliers are a key resource. The complete report can be viewed at http://www.cpisc-csic.ca
Lowe-Martin's Leap Into Green Power The Ottawa-based $50 million printing operation, Lowe-Martin Group, has enhanced its environmental leadership position with a commitment to purchase renewable power for its Toronto-area production facility from Bullfrog Power.
"As Lowe-Martin approaches its 100th anniversary, we are continuing to advance a clear strategy to reduce our ecological footprint by implementing meaningful solutions that do much more than pay lip service to the cause of environmentalism," said Ward Griffin, President and CEO, the Lowe-Martin Group.
The company made the announcement to a gathering of customers, prospects, friends and employees at a Lowe-Martin event at the Steam Whistle Brewery in downtown Toronto. The environmental-themed evening featured guest speakers from FSC Canada, Bullfrog Power and Grant Gordon of Key Gordon Communications.
Ward Griffin, CEO of Lowe-Martin Group was named Business
Person of the Year by the Ottawa Board of Commerce.
Along with disappointing third-quarter financial results, Quebecor World Inc. announced the sale of its European operations to RSDB Group, based in The Netherlands. Quebecor World will retain about 30 percent of the business. The combined operation will be called Roto Smeets Quebecor.
" The sale/merger will improve our balance sheet, and will provide additional financial flexibility and strategic options to create further shareholder value," stated Wes Lucas, Quebecor World president and CEO, in a press release.
Quebecor World's revenues were down $30 million for the first nine months of 2007 ($4.17 billion compared to $4.47 billion in the same period of 2006), and the company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $374 million over that same period, compared to net income from continuing operations of $19 million last year.
Company share prices have dropped to an all-time low. In the past month share prices on the TSX have fallen from around $9 to below $3. Attempts to restructure the company's financing recently failed, and rumours abound that the largest Canadian-based printer may be sold.
Specialists in case binding the trade binding house Multi-Reliure of Shawinigan, Quebec (midway between Montreal and Quebec City) has undergone an ownership shuffle. Brought about due to the unfortunate death last summer of company founder Suzanne Ferron, the new proprietors include Ferron's son, Patrick Paquet (COO of Multi-Reliure), Louis Baribeau (sales director of Multi-Reliure), and Yvon Sauvageau (former general manager of Caractéra and now president of Multi-Reliure).
Founded in 1988, Multi-Reliure now employs close to 60 people full-time and has established itself in the book binding industry within Quebec and is ramping up to expand its reach.
"Through this partnership, our objective is to grow the company while capitalizing on the successes that Patrick Pâquet and Louis Baribeau have had in recent years," says Sauvageau. "We want to grow the business through an expansion of our services into new territories in Canada and the U.S."
Montreal-based commercial printer Pazazz has acquired a 50 percent interest in Laminatek, a large format digital printing company also located in Montreal. "Pazazz is a solution provider. We work with our client's and then search for the most valuable options to serve them," explains Warren Werbitt, president and CEO of Pazazz.
"Our clients were asking us to help them manage brands, product launches and corporate events. They need branded print in every size and shape. Now we offer it, and it's all coordinated through our cross-functional project management teams," says Werbitt.
Coast Paper (a division of PaperlinX Canada) has expanded its offering to include inks, pressroom chemistry, film and plates as well as CtP systems including the Basysprint UV-Setters that image conventional UV-sensitive plates.
Xerox introduced a full-colour roll-fed printer, the 490/980 Color Continuous Feed Printing System. It uses dry toner and flash-fusing, and it prints at 600 dpi and at a speed of 226 ft./min. Launched in Japan, North American availability will be later in 2008. Anticipated price is US$1.8 million per engine.
Advanced Vision Technology (AVT), Ltd., manufacturer of automatic inspection solutions for printing applications in packaging and label converting, has acquired Graphic Microsystems, Inc., closed-loop colour control specialists in the newspaper and commercial web printing markets.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. has reduced pricing on its bizhub line of printers by 10% in response to the strong Canadian dollar.
Gandinnovations, Canadian-based manufacturer of super-wide format inkjet printing systems, has partnered with financial services company CIT Group Inc. to provide leasing programs worldwide.
Eastman Kodak has opened a 70,000 sq.ft. plate manufacturing facility in Xiamen, China for producing both digital and conventional plates to fulfill worldwide demand.
Environmental Specialties Inc., a Chicago-based manufacturer of coatings, has opened a warehouse and distribution center in Brampton, Ontario to supply its water-borne and ultraviolet (UV) coating products.
Bobst Group North America has made its online InTouch service available to Canadian customers. InTouch allows customers to check parts availability, receive instant pricing, order parts and track orders 24/7. http://www.bobstgroup.com/InTouch
Inkcups Now Corp., supplier of pad printing and screen printing supplies, has opened a distribution center in Toronto.
Baldwin Technology, in an agreement with the AWS Division of Thermal Care, Inc., has secured exclusive distribution and marketing rights to the AWS product line of fountain solution and ink temperature control systems for the graphic arts markets of North, Central and South America.
HEBCO International Sales Inc. of Montreal has entered into an agreement with PAT Technology Systems providing exclusive rights to represent PAT Technology Systems' Air Products in North America as well as rights to sell the Rotoworx Web Finishing and Varstar Digital UV Coater in select markets.
EFI has sold its 1.5 millionth Fiery to a company in Chicago. EFI began shipping colour digital print servers in 1991.
The Digital Imaging Customer Exchange (DICE), an independent users group for print shop owners, has announced a new segment for printers that use Presstek DI-enabled digital offset presses. http://www.dicegroup.org
A new independent website has been launched dedicated to QuarkXPress and other Quark product users, http://www.PlanetQuark.com
The Ghent PDF Workgroup has released updates to its series of specifications for the use of PDF/X-3 PLUS. The updates are available at no charge, at http://www.gwg.org
The inaugural Young Printer of the Year, presented by the CPIA, co-sponsored by Heidelberg, Fujifilm and Canadian Printer, was presented to Chad Friesen of Friesens in Altona Manitoba. Pictured above are (l-r) Lyman Henderson, Chad Friesen, Sean Murray (CPIA Chair) and Bob Elliott (CPIA President).
Other Awards presented at the CPIA Awards Gala following the Strategy 07 Conference in Toronto included: Award of Merit to Peter Cober of Cober Printing in Kitchener, ON; Supplier Award of Merit to Terry Hamilton of Spicers in Halifax and Kevin Lalonde of Heidelberg Canada; Distinguished Service Award to Jeff Ekstein of Willow Printing in Concord, ON; and Honourary Life Memberships to Mary Black, Dick Kouwenhoven and Willy Wilkins.
Graphics Canada 07 Consistent traffic and crowded halls led to a successful Graphics Canada event for 2007. Below are some of the sights from the show.
Hall 4 at the show belonged to Heidelberg Canada. Demonstrations of the 6-colour XL 105 attracted large audiences
Coast paper was showing the Basysprint computer-to-conventional-plate (CtCP) solution.
The Cheeseheads at WSI Internet Marketing had a strategic message to deliver.
Look for more Graphics Canada coverage in the December issue of Canadian Printer magazine.
During Graphics Canada, the Digital Imaging Association hosted an energizing talk on the essential value of print, presented by Daniel Dejan, national print and creative specialist with Sappi Fine Paper. Dejan cited surveys indicating that print offers better memory retention and also has a higher trust quotient than other media. "Print has sincerity," he said. (Pictured above) Brad Wallans, president of DIA, presenting Dejan a token of appreciation.
SGIA in the SUN
The SGIA show in Orlando was able to draw a huge crowd
to see the latest in digital wide format printing technology.
Screen introduced its new wide format hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll
Truepress Jet2500 UV, an inkjet printer capable of greyscale
printing at speeds up to 726 sq.ft/hr.
Canada's Gandinnovations had its full product line-up on display.
»Top
RESOURCES:
Optimizing Digital Photos for Print
The Ghent PDF Workgroup has released the GWG Photography White Paper, a guide for publishers and photographers that sets guidelines for print production. It outlines correct implementation of ICC colour management and standards. The White Paper includes two versions, one covering 'news photography' and the other, commercial photography.
PIA/GATF has released the third edition of its popular PDF Print Production Guide (first published in the spring of 2003). The new edition places emphasis on "how-to" tips, tricks, and techniques for preparing print-ready PDF files using Creative Suite 3 and Adobe Acrobat 8.
The PDF Print Production Guide, Third Edition is available for US$50 (PIA/GATF members pay US$40). http://www.gain.net
How is a Press Built?
Heidelberg has produced a report that describes the processes for how the company makes a press. Consisting of up to 100,000 parts and components, a sheetfed offset press is a complex machine. In various sections, the text describes the different steps from the customer inquiry to the assembled and ready-to-use press. The text also charts the 50-year history of Heidelberg's Wiesloch-Walldorf production plant and sets out the basic principles of offset printing.
A PDF of the document can be downloaded here: http://www.heidelberg.com/www/html/en/content/articles/
press_lounge/company/locations/070919_basic
MetalFX Awards Deadline Looms MetalFX will be honouring printers and design agencies who used the process in 2007 with an awards program. Winners receive an engraved award. The deadline for submissions has been extended to December 1 st. For details contact marketing@metal-fx.com for an entry form.
Web Offset Prestige The Web Offset Association (WOA) is now accepting entries for the 2008 WOA Annual Print Awards Competition. First place winners receive a complimentary registration to the WOA annual conference, one night's accommodations at the host hotel, a trophy, a plaque for their customer, and two unique lapel pins. Recipients will be honored during the annual conference, April 26–29, 2008 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The entry fee is $25 per entry for U.S. and Canadian companies; $100 per entry for international companies. Deadline for entries is January 11, 2008. http://www.woaprintcompetition.org
Searching For Binding Excellence The Binding Industries Association (BIA) is accepting entries for its 2008 Product of Excellence Awards. Any pieces produced between May 1, 2007 to April 1, 2008 are eligible. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2008. For details visit http://www.bindingawards.com
The Digital Imaging Association (DIA) is holding its Christmas Luncheon and Annual General Meeting Wednesday, December 5 at the Boulevard Club on Lakeshore Blvd. West in Toronto. Keynote speaker for the event will be the esteemed industry pundit Frank Romano.
To register, contact Marg Macleod at marg@digitalimagingassoc.ca
PIA/GATF's 2007 Color Management Conference, being held December 9–11, in Phoenix, Arizona, will feature a keynote presentation by Todd Storbeck, senior publishing professional and part of the advancing technologies team at Hallmark Cards, Inc.
For more details visit http://www.colormanagementconference.com
2008
Macworld Conference and Expo will be held January 14-18 in San Francisco. For more info visit http://www.macworldexpo.com
The 2008 IPA Business Development Conference will centre around the theme, Are We Selling What Our Clients are Buying? The conference will be held January 24 to 26 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. The full program is online http://www.ipa.org/busdev
The PODi Application Forum, featuring significant accomplishments in the field of digital printing, will be held January 28-30 at The Rio in Las Vegas. Discover successful variable data, personalization and solution sales techniques, along with new markets for digital print.
Visit http://www.podi.org/2008AppForum
Ryerson University's Graphic Communication Management school is holding its annual Industry Colloquium on Wednesday February 6 at the Ryerson Student Campus Centre in Toronto. This year's event is entitled Unwrapping Innovations and will look at innovative packaging techniques and discover where this market is heading. The free event opens at 6 pm. For information visit http://www.ui08.com
Print Oasis 2008 Print Buyers Conference will be held February 9-12 at the Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Florida (near Jacksonville). For details visit http://www.printbuyersonline.com
The Toronto Chapter of the IAPHC (Craftsmen) is holding its annual Craftsmen Dinner/Dance Awards Gala on Saturday February 16 at the Ontario Science Centre. The theme for this year's event is Fantasy Island.
For more details contact gail@queenstone.org
The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization and Ryerson University are co-sponsoring a "JDF Education Event" to be held at Ryerson University in Toronto on Tuesday, February 19.
The day-long event, featuring high-level presenters, will include a nominal charge of $25 for the general public and $10 for students/educators. For registration and complete program details go to http://ryerson.eventbrite.com/.
PIA/GATF's 2008 Presidents Conference and Binding Industries Association (BIA) Conference will be held March 2¨- 6 at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The Presidents Conference is an annual three-and-a-half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives. http://www.presidentsconference.com
ON DEMAND Expo is co-locating with the Xplor International Conference and Expo in 2008, taking place March 3-6 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. For more information visit http://www.xplor.org and http://www.ondemandexpo.com
NAPL TOP MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE '08 is being held March 9 to 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. This top-level conference is designed for CEO's, company owners and executives, with a focus on strategic leadership issues. Conference Registration is $1,695. For more details http://www.napl.org/events/TMC/TMC%2008/TMC2008.htm
Western grafik Art Tradeshow, the first graphic arts show of its kind being held in Abbotsford, BC from April 11 to 13 at the TRADEX Exhibition Center. For details visit: http://www.westerngrafikart.ebems.com/
Offset & Beyond 2008 will be held April 27-30 at the Renaissance Hotel just outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois. The event is a co-production of the Web Offset Association and the Printing Industries of America/GATF. For more information contact http://www.gain.net
Printing Industry Financial Executives (PIFE), a graphic arts industry network of financial decision makers, is holding its annual conference May 4 to 7 at the Hilton San Destin, Florida. This is a premier event for financial executives dealing with challenges being faced on a daily and global basis.
PIFE is a section of PIA/GATF. For more information visit http://www.pifegroup.com
Drupa 2008 will be held from May 29 to June 11 at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany. There will be over 2.4 million square feet of exhibition space with an expected attendance of over 300,000. www.drupa.com
It's never too early to start planning your trip. For information on travel packages to DRUPA offered exclusively through Canadian Printer call 1 888-DRUPA08 (378-7208)
The Print Sales & Marketing Executives (S&ME) Annual Sales & Marketing Conference will be held June 22-25 at Francis Marion, Charleston, SC www.smegroup.org
EFI will host its Ninth Annual Connect user conference July 29 to August 1 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
More information is available at http://www.efi.com/connect08/
For more events in your area, here are links to regional associations:
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).
Show Time
Heidelberg has produced a report that describes the processes for how the company makes a press. Consisting of up to 100,000 parts and components, a sheetfed offset press is a complex machine. In various sections, the text describes the different steps from the customer inquiry to the assembled and ready-to-use press. The text also charts the 50-year history of Heidelberg's Wiesloch-Walldorf production plant and sets out the basic principles of offset printing. 
event will be the esteemed industry pundit Frank Romano. 
Industries Association (BIA) Conference will be held March 2¨- 6 at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The Presidents Conference is an annual three-and-a-half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives. 
Drupa 2008 will be held from May 29 to June 11 at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany. There will be over 2.4 million square feet of exhibition space with an expected attendance of over 300,000.