Comco

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—When Mark Andy goes about designing a new press platform, it starts where it hopes the press will end up—with its customers. It did so in 2006 with the introduction of the Comco C2 and now has repeated the process with the introduction of its all-new Performance Series, to be unveiled in September at Labelexpo Europe.

Surviving and growing in a tough competitive environment requires the capability to focus on a core business mission, while having the flexibility to respond to ever-changing market trends. Associated Labels (www.associated-labels.com), a Vancouver, Canada-based printing and packaging enterprise, is one company that has found much success adapting its core business (flexo-printed prime labels) with changing market demands (capabilities for flexible packaging and digital printing).

Global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America announced that Mark Andy Inc. will now carry Harper’s Platinum® XLT™ anilox rolls as its anilox product for MAX, Mark Andy’s aftermarket service and support program.

AX, the service and support team of Mark Andy, Inc., announced an expansion in its aftermarket offerings, providing another element of ongoing support for its customers.

Drying and curing technologies continue to evolve. Each year, there is no lack of innovation in companies’ product portfolios. Drying equipment must keep up with increased press speeds, as well as market demand. And, for owners of curing equipment, high productivity, easy maintenance, efficiency, and Mother Nature are all major considerations. Check out what systems are available to meet your needs.

ST. LOUIS, MO.–Rotoflex International, a leading supplier of web inspection and finishing equipment, has been acquired by MAI Holdings. The asset-only acquisition was finalized on December 11, 2008.

ROSEMONT, Ill.—Despite the current unstable economic situation, Labelexpo Americas—which took place in Rosemont, Ill., Sept. 9-11—still saw a good turnout, with numbers exceeding 12,000. By the end of the show, more than 80 percent of the exhibition space had already been rebooked for Labelexpo Americas 2010. The show saw 420 national and international suppliers bringing their latest developments in technology and materials to demonstrate to the North American market. There were many new presses launched by market leaders: Nilpeter introduced its new FG-line of UV flexo presses; Mark Andy unveiled the Comco C1 ProGlide and demonstrated its updated XP5000 shaftless press. EFI Jetrion

PARAMUS, N.J.—H.A. Bruno LLC announced that 13 printing press manufacturers will participate in this year’s CPP EXPO, scheduled for Nov. 9-13 in Chicago’s McCormick Place. CPP Chicago 2008’s large collection of printing press manufacturers, will cross related industries of labeling, flexible packaging, and folding cartons, and processes including flexo, gravure, digital, and offset—highlighted by a fully operational Mark Andy Comco C1 ProGlide 8-color press. CPP EXPO Chicago, co-located with PACK EXPO International and PROCESSS EXPO, is in its second edition at McCormick Place. In its first year, CPP EXPO Chicago 2006 attracted 6,140 converters and package printers. “The Show is really blossoming into the

ROCHESTER, NY—James E. Hammer, president and CEO of Hammer Packaging, is the 2008 recipient of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Award. Hammer was honored during a luncheon on April 23 as he accepted one of the area’s most prestigious business awards. The annual award goes to a successful business leader who has positively impacted the local economy with innovative management skills that have also changed the course of an existing business. Hammer became president of the family-owned company in 1983. Since then, the company has invested more than $100 million in new equipment and seen its sales grow from $4

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Two-and-a-half days of competition culminated in victories for the Canadian competitors at the 11th Annual International Phoenix Challenge Flexo Skills Competition, when the team of Hannah Plavnick and Jyoti Brar of Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, won first place. The pair of high school students each received a $1,000 scholarship and the Phoenix Challenge Gold medallion. They were also presented with the Harper Flexo Cup for display at their school. It is the third time in four years that Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School has the honor of displaying the cup signifying the home of the current Phoenix Challenge