Supplier News - June 2011

MacDermid, Mark Andy 
Win FTA Innovation Awards
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has selected MacDermid's LUX plate processing technology and Mark Andy's Performance Series flexo presses as recipients of its 2011 Technical Innovation Award. The award recognizes companies "who seek ways to further refine and advance the flexographic print process and who bring significant contributions to the industry."

MacDermid's LUX platemaking process produces flat-top dots on flexo printing plates, thereby enabling printers to improve their print quality and consistency. The process is designed for easy integration into existing platemaking workflows.

"MacDermid has a long history of providing innovative solutions coupled with unrivaled service, and to be recognized by such a well-respected industry association speaks to the quality, efficiency, and consistency that we've been able to deliver to our customers with LUX," says Scot Benson, VP/GM of MacDermid Printing Solutions.

Mark Andy's Performance Series was introduced in 2009 and includes three models. Since its introduction, more than 70 have been sold worldwide.

"We are proud of the impact the Performance Series has made on the industry," states Paul Brauss, Mark Andy president. "Mark Andy continues to search for ways to supersede our customers' expectations and the Performance Series has done just that."

Simco-Ion: New Corporate Identity

HATFIELD, Pa.—Simco Industrial, an international provider of electrostatic solutions, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. This milestone serves as the perfect backdrop for the company's aggressive business agenda for 2011. That agenda involves a push on new product development, a continued dedication to application support, and the introduction of a new corporate identity.

The new corporate identity, Simco-Ion, comes on the heels of Simco's acquisition of Ion Systems, including Ion Industrial, its industrial applications unit specializing in electrostatic solutions for the converting, printing, packaging, and plastic markets. According to Simco-Ion management, the company has now integrated these two diversified product lines into a single, expanded worldwide solutions offering.

The company's customer support team worldwide has also increased, states Jay Perry, Simco-Ion's U.S. industrial business unit manager. "This growth gives Simco-Ion an even greater opportunity to study electrostatic problems across even more applications. This real-world insight gives us a significant advantage in developing highly successful solutions tailored to specific customers needs," he adds.

LVS, Keller Crescent Partner for Quality

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga.—Label Vision Systems, Inc. (LVS®) announced it has entered into a partnership with Keller Crescent and BBF Integrated Solutions, both Clondalkin Group companies, to support the efforts to improve print quality, print accuracy, and workflow processes with the group.

LVS is known in the print quality inspection industry for such products as the LVS® 7000 for in-line 100 percent vision inspection, INTEGRA 9500/9505 for off-line bar code verification, and LVS® 7500 for thermal printers. "We are very excited to work with Keller Crescent and BBF Integrated Solutions and welcome the challenges presented to us from one of the world's largest pharmaceutical print companies," said Scott Lydell, North America sales manager for LVS.

"LVS is our technology partner for increasing our accuracy to best-in-class levels, as well as increasing our production and our efficiencies," says Ernest Chaplin, vice president of marketing for Keller Crescent.

For more information on the LVS/Keller Crescent partnership, visit www.lvs-inc.com.

Color-Logic Names 
APR as Distributor

WEST CHESTER, Ohio—All Printing Resources has been named a Color-Logic dealer for the flexographic market. "All Printing Resources is pleased to represent Color-Logic—one of the most innovative and productive products to enter the flexographic market space in the last few years," said David Nieman, All Printing Resources president and CEO. "We are already finding exceptional interest in the Color-Logic software and metallic ink. We look forward to a long and mutually productive relationship."

Asahi Photoproducts Reorganizes N.A. Sales

ATLANTA, Ga.—Asahi Kasei E-materials Corp. (Asahi) announced that it is reorganizing its photoproducts sales network in North America. Going forward, Asahi will discontinue its direct sales efforts, and will use its reseller network for all sales and technical support activities. This network includes Correct-Touch Graphic Arts, Inc., RBCOR, LLC, All Printing Resources, Inc., and Heidelberg –Canada Graphic Equipment Limited.

The office in Atlanta will conduct business until existing accounts are transitioned to the reseller network.

DuPont's European Sleeve Production

NEU-ISENBURG, Germany—DuPont Packaging Graphics announced the planned start-up of the new DuPont™ Cyrel® round manufacturing facility at its site in Neu-Isenburg, Germany. Cyrel® round sleeve production will begin in the first quarter of 2012.

"This investment extends our capability to supply the growing global demand for flexographic print sleeves, and demonstrates our commitment to advancing flexography around the world," said Matthias Heinzel, global business director – DuPont Packaging Graphics. The startup of the EMEA Cyrel® round manufacturing facility is the third phase of the global introduction. The North American and initial European product roll-outs resulted in new product adoptions.

PEOPLE

MIAMISBURG, Ohio—The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) named Mark Samworth, color consultant at EskoArtwork, the 49th inductee into its Hall of Fame. The announcement was made at FTA's Annual Forum in Indianapolis.

A recognized innovator in the flexographic industry, Samworth's expertise in color science and understanding of technology led to his developing ten issued patents, with more pending. His inventions include FlexoCal, Hybrid Screening, Plate Cell Patterning, Concentric Screening, Equinox 7c process color, and Press Sync—technology that has helped promote, improve, and in some cases, revolutionize the flexographic process.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Kodak recently named Eric Owen VP, worldwide sales and business development, digital printing solutions. In this role he will explore new opportunities for Kodak's entire portfolio of digital printing solutions.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Mark Andy has hired Chris Bronikowski to serve as director of continuous improvement. He will lead the cultural and technical changes necessary to further the company's commitment to Lean Manufacturing.

MIAMISBURG, Ohio— Technicote has been appointed Doug O'Connell as president, succeeding Tony Vinciguerra, who retired in January. O'Connell was also elected to the Board of Directors.

BRYAN, Ohio—Bill Bower has been appointed as director of sales for Anderson & Vreeland. In his new position, he will supervise sales and support for customers throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States, and Canada.

NEWTON, Kan.—Bunting® Magnetics announced the addition of Matt Anderson, manufacturing engineer, and Kenton Stumps, as a design engineer for its Material Handling product line.

FULTON, N.Y.—R. Duane Smith, Davis-Standard's product manager of specialty winding, has been named a TAPPI Fellow for 2011. This award is given to individuals who have made extraordinary technical or service contributions to the industry and/or the association. pP