SUPPLIER NEWS
Sun Chemical and Graphic Security Systems Sign License Agreement
LAKE WORTH, FL—Graphic Security Systems Corporation (GSSC) and Sun Chemical have signed a license agreement that utilizes Sun Chemical's proprietary security solutions with GSSC's technologies, expanding capabilities to authenticate branded consumer products and increase protection levels against counterfeiters.
Sun Chemical's Verigard security product is a proprietary machine-readable covert taggant system used to protect some of the world's most recognized consumer products from counterfeiting and diversion. Verigard is Sun Chemical's highest level security system and authenticity is ensured by using the V400 handheld reader. Other covert, machine-readable authentication products are available such as inks or coatings to address counterfeit, diversion, and smuggling issues. Products yield a distinct "signature" and are detected by a small reading device.
NimCor Expands Customer Support
NASHUA, N.H.—NimCor has announced the addition of two new sales and service firms to its nationwide pool of support representatives.
Withim Sales Corporation will now support NimCor customers in Wisconsin and Iowa. Northern Converting Products will provide sales and support to converting customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
NimCor manufactures a line of airshafts, bowed rolls, chucks, and other roll handling components that are sold and serviced internationally.
Industry Veteran Builds New Company Focusing On New Flexo Technologies
MINNEAPOLIS—Flexo industry veteran Ed Dedman has formed a new company, ProtoPrint Technologies, to focus on representing and developing new ink, coating, and print technologies for the flexographic industry.
"Our focus will be two-fold; first, the company will represent several innovative product lines which offer the user improvements in print quality and press runability, using new materials and methods," says Dedman.
"Second, we will be developing new technologies for the flexo printing process, which will bring tremendous advances to flexo's predictability, consistency, and repeatability. We will launch at least one new technology at the FFTA Forum & Infoflex in Las Vegas in May."
Schawk Unites Its Canada-Based Strategic, Creative, and Executional Services
TORONTO—Schawk, Inc., a provider of brand point management services, which attempts to create deeper brand affinity, announced today that it has united its Canada-based strategic, creative, and executional services under one roof.
According to the companies, the unification of these services strengthens the delivery of brand point management by bringing Schawk's executional talent closer to Anthem's strategic and creative talent, allowing each to leverage the expertise of the other to help clients create compelling and consistent brand experiences. Schawk's business in Canada dates back to 1996 when it acquired the first of five graphic services companies and two branding and design agencies.
Schawk defines brand point management as the strengthening of a brand through the delivery of compelling and consistent brand experiences, which create greater affinity between the consumer and the brand.
David A. Schawk, president and chief executive officer of Schawk, states, "We believe that unifying our services in Canada will add potency to Schawk's brand point management offering. The creation of a more holistic work environment will encourage an exchange of knowledge and expertise that inspires innovative solutions and delivers greater value and efficiency to our clients."
"One of the things that differentiates Anthem Worldwide from other design agencies is its ability to express a brand's strategy through compelling creative that can actually be technically executed," says Anne Dean, managing director of Anthem's Canadian group. Adds Dean, "In design, even the most original ideas are only intentions if they can't be executed in a manner that retains the purity of the designer's vision."
Bob Cockerill, regional managing director of Schawk's executional operations in Canada, says, "As the role of strategy and creative is elevated within Schawk to strengthen our brand point management offering, it's important to give Anthem immediate access to the executional expertise that Schawk has mastered over 50 years. This expertise allows Schawk to share print-based innovations with Anthem that open new windows of creative possibility"
Open House at KBA Brazilian Distributor
BRAZIL—In March 2009, Deltagraf Representações –Comerciais expanded to include all sales and service activities for KBA's Rapida sheetfed offset presses. On December 2, it held its first open house for sheetfed customers.
Deltagraf Managing Director Luiz Cesar Dutra says his company is striving to ensure that the high-performance B2 to VLF (29˝ to 80˝) Rapidas are well accepted in Brazil. He informed the gathering of print professionals from Sao Paulo and other parts of the country that he had hired new technicians, a service manager, sales, and support staff and had them trained at KBA's production plants in Germany.
Mark Andy Purchases Arpeco
ST. LOUIS—Arpeco, the line of U.S.-made inspection rewind equipment, has been acquired by Mark Andy, Inc. It purchased the brand to further develop Mark Andy's Rotoflex brand market segments and expand its position globally.
Ken Daming, business unit manager for Rotoflex says, "Arpeco is a star among inspection rewind products, and the acquisition complements our global growth plans. We couldn't be more pleased to bring a quality product line into the Rotoflex family."
Arpeco sales and engineering will be consolidated into the existing Rotoflex office in Mississauga, Ontario. MAX, the customer service and support team supporting all Mark Andy brands will be responsible for the sales of Arpeco certified parts as well as the service of existing installations. Daming will remain dedicated business unit manager for Rotoflex and all inspection rewinder business held by Mark Andy.
ITASCA, Ill.—Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, announced that Todd Blumsack has been promoted to the position of vice president of sales for Xeikon North America. Blumsack will be responsible for managing and leading the sales team.
ST. LOUIS—Conversource announces the appointment of Kiki Chosid as customer service manager. Chosid joins the company with labels and packaging sales experience.
MENTOR, Ohio—Avery Dennison Corporation has named Bob Kuniega vice president of sales of Fasson Roll North America (FRNA).
SCHAUMBERG, Ill.— INX International Ink Co. announced that John Vogel has rejoined the company as corporate account manager. Vogel will serve on the meetings and content committee and the management and technical programs and processes committee.
DALLAS, TX—KBA North America has announced that John Raithel, KBA senior vice president of sheetfed sales, has been elected to the 2010 Printing Industries of America board of directors for a three-year term.
DES PLAINES, Ill.—Schawk, Inc., has named Chris Plewes as chief creative officer. Plewes reports directly to Schawk's president and CEO, David A. Schawk. pP
