Label & Narrow Web Breaking News

Three converters win Best Workplace awards

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:11:00 -0500

Three US label converting companies have won the distinction of being among the “Best of the Best Workplaces in America” for 2009, as judged by the Printing Industries of America (PIA). They are Smyth Companies, St. Paul, MN; Tailored Label Products, Menomonee Falls, WI; and Label World, Rochester, NY.

A total of 37 graphic arts companies, both members of PIA as well as non-members, were selected by a committee of human relations experts from within the industry. The program is designed to recognize graphic arts companies for their outstanding human relations efforts which contribute to a successful workplace.

Entries are judged on the company’s management practices, work environment, training and development opportunities, recognition and rewards, workplace health and safety, health and wellness, financial security, and work/life balance. The awards are presented on two levels: Best Workplaces in America, and Best of the Best. A total of 21 companies received the designation Best of the Best, while 16 earned Best Workplace honors.

Label World has won Best of the Best for seven out of the past eight years, and has also earned a Best Workplace award. For Tailored Label Products, this marks the fourth year of recognition, and the company has received similar recognition in the greater Milwaukee area. “We have our team’s best interest each and every day,” says President Mike Erwin. “As I have heard most of my business life, if you take care of your people, the rest will take care of itself. That includes providing supportive leadership, sincere recognition, and reliable business execution.”

“Being recognized with this award publicly confirms what our company privately practices every day,” says John Hickey, CEO of Smyth Companies. “I am very proud of Smyth’s employee-focused culture, as it reflects what is truly meaningful to ownership and management at Smyth. All our stakeholders are rewarded for this focus.”

Multi-Plastics to acquire extrusion facilities from Reynolds Packaging

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:08:00 -0500

Multi-Plastics Inc., a supplier of film products to the printing and packaging industries, intends to purchase two extrusion facilities from Reynolds Packaging, Lincolnshire, IL, USA. The plants, known as Reynolds Packaging KAMA, are in Hazelton, PA, USA, and Avenel, NJ, USA. They will be known as Multi-Plastics Extrusions Inc.

Multi-Plastics, based in Lewis Center, OH, USA, has partnered with KAMA for more than 30 years to distribute polystyrene to the envelope and label industries. The acquisition, according to John R. Parsio Sr., Multi-Plastics’ founder, will establish it as “the only manufacturer of biaxially oriented polystyrene film and sheet to be vertically integrated from polymerization through extrusion and distribution.”

In addition to OPS sheet, this introduces Multi-Plastics to the thermoforming industry as a merchant supplier of various PET, A/R PET, PETG, and co-extruded structures.

“Our exceptional service and knowledgeable team have always worked with our customers to understand their individualized application needs,” Parsio says. “Today we can do so from the manufacturer’s perspective. It is an exciting time in the history of our company, and we look forward to expanding the product offerings we can bring to our current and future customers worldwide.

CRC announces full compatibility with Windows 7

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:07:00 -0500

CRC Information Systems, Scottsdale, AZ, USA, has announced that its MIS/ERP system Nucleus is fully compatible with the latest Microsoft operating system, Windows 7. As a member of the Microsoft Developer Network, CRC receives early releases of Microsoft products. For several months CRC has been testing Nucleus on the new Windows 7 platform and says that Nucleus users who upgrade to the new operating system will have a smooth transition.

“Nucleus is designed to anticipate and embrace new technologies as they become available,” says Michael Bihlmeier, director of CRC. “Our partnerships with companies such as Microsoft help CRC deliver the very best tools to our customers.”

CRC’s Nucleus is designed to provide the tools and information needed to streamline workflow and maximize profitability. Nucleus includes customizable dashboards, industry specific estimating, extensive reporting, browser-based CRM, complete accounting package, drag-and-drop production scheduling, comprehensive inventory management, and a fully integrated e-Commerce suite.

KPG forms partnership with SMAG Graphique

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:05:00 -0500

KPG Corporation, formerly Ko-Pack, has announced a newly formed partnership with SMAG Graphique, a French manufacturer of high-end finishing equipment for the digital and self-adhesive label and flexible packaging industries. KPG will be representing SMAG’s products in North America.

SMAG offers a line of finishing technologies to enhance and customize preprinted rolls. These include roll-to-roll, inspection and converting, post-digital printing, flat-screen printing, foil-stamping, and flatbed and semi-rotary diecutting.

John Warwick, president of KPG Corporation, says, “KPG is excited to introduce SMAG’s technology to US and Canadian printing markets. With its high-end finishing equipment, we anticipate an enthusiastic response from ambitious printers with a sharp eye on consumer growth and strengthening their position within the marketplace.”

KPG, based in Williston, VT, USA, also represents Nuova Gidue, an Italian manufacturer of narrow web presses.

Apex partners with Pitman in narrow web anilox market

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:02:00 -0500

Anilox supplier Apex North America and Pitman Company have announced that Pitman will distribute Apex’s Unifli 2G anilox rolls to the US narrow web market. Apex is based in Donora, PA, USA; Pitman is in Totowa, NJ, USA.

“I am excited to be partnered with a reputable organization like Pitman that will distribute and support our anilox technology,” says John Batistatos, North American sales director at Apex. “Our product lines go hand and hand, but the most important factor is the service that Pitman will provide to our customers. Apex’s vision is to provide high quality anilox technology along with unmatched technical support so Pitman is the perfect choice to help us achieve this goal.”

Apex recently launched its Narrow Web Division in Donora, and stocks more than 40 different narrow web rolls that are pre-coated and ready for five-day delivery.

“This important relationship launches a new era that will expand Pitman’s ability to provide our customers with best-in-class anilox technology and industry leading technical support,” says Tom Alba, vice president of Pitman’s packaging division. “The strategic addition of Apex anilox products to Pitman’s world class portfolio will enhance our ability to help printers increase print quality and improve their efficiency.”

Tailored Label Products wins community service award

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:42:00 -0500

The National Association of Manufacturers has recognized Tailored Label Products Inc. (TLP) with the Trowbridge Award for “Commitment to Community Service.” The label converter, based in Menomonee Falls, WI, USA, is a custom manufacturer of high-performance labels and diecut adhesives.

In 2008, TLP donated more than $25,000 in time and material support to 18 community organizations, and is on track to exceed that total in 2009 despite the challenging economy. In June, TLP was named the Waukesha County Small Business of the Year in recognition of the company’s treatment of customers, employees and the community.

“One of TLP’s core beliefs is that our executives should lead our organization by example,” says TLP President Mike Erwin. “Our management staff is actively engaged in several community groups working to improve the quality of life for our citizens. Our employees are encouraged to engage in opportunities and charities that are important to them as well. Through our team, we learn about opportunities to reach out to help our employees, our customers and our community.”

Erwin says TLP has carved out industry-leading niches through innovative product development and by manufacturing custom engineered label and pressure sensitive parts for electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical, biotech and industrial applications.

Heartland offers PSA licensing outside North America

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:37:00 -0500

Heartland Adhesives & Coatings Inc. is now offering its proprietary pressure sensitive hot melt technologies and manufacturing processes via license to strategic partners outside North America through a subsidiary company, PSA Consulting LLC.

Licenses will be offered to both end users and adhesive companies interested in expanding into PSA hot melt technologies. Target geographic markets include Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.

According to Heartland President Andy Friesch, “This is the best way for Heartland to expand internationally. We have close to 20 years of PSA formulating and manufacturing expertise in North America, and this approach allows us to effectively leverage that value on an international level.”

Heartland, based in Germantown, WI, USA, specializes in PSA hot melts for labels and transfer tapes.

Mitsubishi receives TLMI LIFE certification

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:33:00 -0500

Mitsubishi Polyester Film has recently been awarded LIFE (Label Initiative For the Environment) certification from the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute for its plant in Greer, SC, USA. The Project LIFE program was developed in order to assist TLMI members to find cost effective ways to reduce their companies’ environmental footprint. LIFE is a program designed specifically for the narrow web marketplace and addresses four key elements of the narrow web printing and converting industry: clean production, energy and greenhouse gases, product and environmentally preferable materials and management practices.

“I congratulate Mitsubishi Polyester Film on its recent TLMI LIFE certification,” says TLMI president Frank Sablone. “The central objective in developing the LIFE initiative is to offer the association’s members a credible and comprehensive program that addresses their sustainability requirements, and the opportunity to take their LIFE certification to their own customer base to further demonstrate their commitment to the environment, and to the greater industry. I applaud Mitsubishi for their efforts and dedication.”

Mitsubishi Polyester Film, together with its polyester film affiliates in the Mitsubishi Plastics group, is a supplier of polyester film. For more than 40 years, the company has built upon the global polyester business experience of the Mitsubishi Polyester Film Group and its parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation.

VIPColor launches pharmaceutical cross-matching product

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:29:00 -0500

VIPColor Technologies, Newark, CA, USA, is now offering a pharmaceutical system that reduces medical errors through the use of color printing with its VIPColor 485e, digital on demand printer linked to dedicated software. The application permits the pharmacist to compare the actual medication against a color image of the product. The patient can also verify if the image on the label matches the medication in the container and any difference between the two can immediately be identified.

The software can be programmed to access databases and retrieve and print variable data, such as prescription and record numbers, patient names and personal information. In addition, data such as dispensing date, quantity, frequency and duration of medication can also be included along with safety instructions and warning signs. The result is full color labels showing the appearance of the medication that can be used to cross match the product, complete with all the necessary text and data required in four steps.

“We have already supplied twenty VIPColor 485e printers for this application to hospitals in Taiwan,” says Jules Farkas, sales director, VIPColor Europe. “Major hospitals in the region are transitioning to color in order to print labels that can be compared against the medication. Hospitals and pharmacies can print on label blanks the same day that they are required avoiding the problems, costs and waste associated with traditional pre-printed labels. More importantly, this application is enabling them to reduce medication errors and save lives.”

Schreiner MediPharm launches new tamper-evident seal

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:16:00 -0500

Schreiner MediPharm, a Munich, Germany-based global provider of specialty pharmaceutical labeling solutions, recently developed the Transparent-Hologram-Seal, a product that provides reliable evidence of tampering and counterfeiting to ensure the safety of packaged pharmaceutical products. The seal is fixed with a heavy duty adhesive and any attempts to peel it off would damage the packaging surface. Also, the seal features a 2D single-image design and special effects that would make counterfeiting especially difficult, the company says, adding that it’s a cost-effective product for small volume orders.

The transparency of the seal ensures that variable data such as batch information remains legible and intact. The Transparent-Hologram-Seal was developed in conjunction with Schreiner MediPharma’s sister company, Schreiner ProSecure, which specializes in authentication, tamper-protection and track & trace solutions.

Schreiner MediPharm’s US facility, Schreiner MediPharm L.P., is located in Blauvelt, NY.

Kodak adds new capability to its digital flexo system

Steve Katz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:13:00 -0500

Kodak, Rochester, NY, USA, has introduced an addition to its Flexcel NX Digital Flexographic System that’s designed to provide significantly smoother and more consistent transfer of ink on press. The application of the new Kodak Digicap NX Screening to the entire image area allows printers to produce plates that improve print quality throughout the full tonal range and expand the achievable color gamut.

The new feature, applied in the Kodak TIFF Front End Software, utilizes the high-resolution capabilities of Kodak’s Squarespot imaging technology and the 1:1 reproduction capabilities of the Flexcel NX System to create micro-texturization of the printing surface. Kodak says the resulting improvements in ink transfer deliver enhanced print quality, as well as production efficiencies, allowing flexo platemakers to more easily mix areas of solids and halftones on the same plate. Additionally, the new feature helps to reduce set-up time on press with plates that come to color more quickly.

“Extensive trials in the flexible packaging market have yielded excellent results. Customers have been delighted with the gravure-like appearance of the solid areas and amazed that they can now enjoy higher ink densities while still maintaining the finest highlight detail,” says Emma Schlotthauer, Kodak’s global marketing manager for flexo plates. “One user commented that, in their opinion, they were witnessing the biggest step forward in wide web flexo in the last 10 years.”

FTA forms Great Lakes flexo networking group

Jack Kenny — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:05:00 -0500

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Supplier Leadership Council has formed a new regional networking group, FTA Great Lakes. FTA Great Lakes is not a new association, but a gathering of FTA members and non-members who will meet on a regular basis at different locations in the USA’s Great Lakes region to discuss a variety of topics common to flexographic printers. Networking opportunities will be available at each event, as well as information on FTA activities.

The first meeting will be held at the Lauterbach Group in Sussex,WI, USA on Nov. 5. A tour of Lauterbach Group’s new LEEDS certified eco-friendly facility will be featured, as well as a presentation by Heath Lauterbach about their environmental efforts, which resulted in receipt of an FTA Environmental Excellence award. He will also describe their participation in the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership and other environmental initiatives. Social Media Coach Mary Mekelberg will present information on networking through LinkedIn. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Graymills, Matik and Lauterbach Group.

There is no charge for this event, but reservations are requested. Please RSVP your interest in attending to Heath Lauterbach at hlauterbach@lauterbachgroup.com.

For additional information and updates, access the FTA LinkedIn site, subgroup FTA Great Lakes.

The Label Printers chooses TLMI’s Project LIFE

Steve Katz — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:08:00 -0500

The Label Printers, Aurora, IL, USA, has chosen TLMI’s Label Initiative For the Environment to guide the company’s ongoing efforts to become greener. Project LIFE, as it is called, was recently created by the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute as a program that enables converters to institute and maintain sound environmental practices in their plants and in production.

George Tommasi, the LIFE team leader at The Label Printers, says, “We decided that we wanted to explore an environmental program because we wanted to make our existing green efforts more structured, focused, and visible. We looked at investing in a number of different environmental programs. One of the main reasons we chose LIFE is that it is designed for label converters, and we felt that we would get better results from a program that came from people who understood the printing industry – specifically label printing.” Tommasi, the company’s director of human resources, is also its Illinois EPA Compliance Representative.

The Label Printers’ green efforts had grown out of an ISO/CQIP environment. Individuals within the organization would offer suggestions on how to make incremental quality improvements and/or incremental cost savings by doing things such as reducing the use of solvent-based inks, changing lighting in the plant, recycling scrap, etc. “LIFE,” says TLP General Manager Lori Campbell, “gives us a way to formalize and perhaps speed up what we were already doing. It will give us the means to have a ‘green’ program with progressively greater impact.”

The first goal of the LIFE team is to learn more about the program, and then go through the process of establishing a “stake in the ground” on their current efforts. Says Tommasi, “We need to look at what we have done to be a good environmental steward over the years, and then we can identify our LIFE goals, and how to accomplish and measure those goals. LIFE provides both a self-audit and an external audit to help us identify areas that will allow us to reduce our environmental footprint, and lessen our environmental impact.” TLMI has partnered with NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company, to conduct the external audits.

The Label Printers owns and operates two facilities in Aurora, manufacturing and distributing labels and packaging products to customers in 25 countries around the world.

QSPAC, an overlaminate supplier, is launched

Steve Katz — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:07:00 -0500

QSPAC Industries, a supplier of overlaminate films, was launched in September. The new company has its headquarters in Cerritos, CA, USA, and has slitting and warehouse facilities in Cerritos, in Aurora, IL, USA, and in Monroe, NC, USA.

The company employs 20 people, and serves North and South America, as well as Europe, according to Product Manager Howard Shen. QSPAC’s main market focus, he says, is the roll label and tag industry. The company has 19 different overlaminate products, and several more in development. They vary by film type and gauge, adhesive type and coating weight, and film finish.

“I am very excited to work with such a talented group of people,” says Joe Tang QSPAC’s president. “We are committed to provide quality products and exceptional service to our customers.”

Mark Andy, ARCS become Harper distributors

Steve Katz — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:05:00 -0500

HarperScientific, the printing and coating supplies division of Harper Corporation of America, has added Mark Andy and ARCS to its network of distributors for CeramClean II and other Harper brand anilox roll cleaning products.

Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems (ARCS), with offices in Hatfield, PA, USA, and Charlotte, NC, USA, is in its third decade as a provider of baking soda-based roller cleaning products and services. ARCS will distribute and coordinate tech support for all Harper anilox roll cleaners for the printing industry.

Mark Andy is the narrow and midweb press manufacturer based in St. Louis, MO, USA.