Print industry news
Epson opens new Technology Center in California
The Epson Technology Center in Carson, California showcases
unique Epson printing solutions and applications, while provid-
ing a comprehensive, hands-on experience with the full Epson
wide-format printing portfolio – including dye-sublimation,
signage, photography and DTG printing solutions. It allows
customers to output their own files, while getting a deeper look
into how to expand their services and improve workflow. Solu-
tions showcased include: the SureColor F-Series
dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment printers for textile appli-
cations; the SureColor T-Series wireless technical printers;
SureColor P-Series aqueous printers for photography, proofing,
and graphic design; and the SureColor S-Series solvent printers
for signage, vehicle graphics and fine-art reproduction. The
new facility also includes factory-automated robots and colour
label solutions. Epson
will be working with its
dealers to launch
other Epson Certified
Solution Centers in
key m et ro p o l i t an
areas later this year.
Epson Technology Center
Kodak to sell its Flexographic Packaging Division
Kodak’s FPD produces the Flexcel NX
system of flexographic imaging equip-
ment, printing plates, consumables
and related services. For the past 12
months, FPD reported revenues of
$150 million. During this period, FPD
has demonstrated strong growth,
achieving a 9% increase in revenue
and 18% operational EBITDA growth,
Jeffrey J. Clarke,
said the company. The division cur-
CEO, Kodak
rently employs about 300 people.
Kodak’s Flexcel NX platform uses proprietary imaging technol-
ogy to provide consistent, high-quality print with maximum
on-press efficiency across the full gamut of flexo applications.
“FPD has performed exceptionally well over the past five
years and has become a significant player in the industry,”
said Kodak CEO Jeffrey J. Clarke. “Kodak has been evaluating
monetization opportunities for the last several years in order
to deleverage the company, and we believe this is the right
time to monetize this valuable asset.”
Marquis acquires Webcom to become
Canada’s largest book manufacturer
Marquis Book Printing (Montmagny, QC) has acquired Webcom
of Toronto, another book printing giant. The transaction will
create an annual production capacity of over 100 million books
10 | October 2018 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE
produced in three printing plants. The
companies said that their combined
strengths will help book publishers
successfully navigate changing supply
chain dynamics with POD, automatic
stock replenishment, and complete
life-of-title management solutions.
“This acquisition attests to our confi-
dence in the future of printed books,”
said Serge Loubier, Marquis President
and CEO. “It’s a new strategic mile- Serge Loubier,
stone on our roadmap to making president and CEO,
Marquis a leading book printer in North Marquis Book Printing
America.” Mike Collinge, President and
CEO of Webcom, added: “The two companies complement
each other perfectly. Marquis's leadership serving trade pub-
lishers dovetails well with Webcom's digital inkjet leadership
supporting educational and professional reference publishers.”
The purchase price was not disclosed at press time.
Sherwood Printers buys Printer Gateway
Leading Ontario trade printer Sherwood Printers (Mississauga,
ON) has purchased the Printer Gateway building also located
in Mississauga, as well as the majority of its printing assets –
including its prepress equipment, presses, bindery equipment,
software, online assets and more. Sherwood owner Manoj
Sheth is planning to relaunch Printer Gateway as a trade-only
gang-run printer next month. Sherwood Printers provides a
variety of services and products including stationery, promo-
tional, mailing, POS, multi-page, packaging and other specialty
printing. Its online printing centre provides instant online quotes
and ordering. The company also stays on the cutting-edge of
new technology. In 2017, it purchased the LasX LaserSharp
Laser Module that eliminates costly mechanical dies. Printer
Gateway was one of Canada’s largest nationally recognized
web-to-print trade printers, and was closed by owner Supremex
(LaSalle, QC) in January, 2018.
Cascades to close two Ontario production facilities
Cascades (Kingsey Falls, QC)
will be closing two corrugated
packaging plants in Ontario as
part of its ongoing efforts to
reorganize, streamline and
optimize its operations. The
closures, expected to take place by the end of 2018, will affect
about 65 workers at its Jellco Packaging plant in Barrie and
its Coyle Packaging plant in Peterborough. Both were pur-
chased in December 2017. Production will gradually be
redeployed to its other Ontario facilities. Cascades has 90
plants across North America and Europe employing over
11,000 people.
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