Eastman Kodak, Graphic Communications Group

The State of the Industry Reports compiled for this issue provide an opportunity to step back and view, as a package, many of the trends and topics that are covered throughout the year. Rarely do new trends emerge just in time for these reports, and it is more likely that many of the trends are continuing—albeit with some new twists—from year to year. Flexible packaging still continues to lead as a dynamic packaging segment, led by growth in pouches. The label industry is continuing its steady move into the use of film substrates, which opens up doors into flexible packaging. The folding carton

By Dr Peter Harrop IDTechEx Although the capabilities of complex silicon chips increase at a rapid pace, there is little or no reduction in cost of the simplest silicon chips. These have stuck at about 5 cents for decades. The cost of a chip factory and the cost of research to improve chip production is rising exponentially so there is no reason to believe that the simplest chips will get significantly cheaper in future. An added concern is that these chips are the ones that make little profit so they are the first to be rationed and suffer price hikes when there is a

GLEN ALLEN, Va.—Organic electronics is rapidly making its way out of the lab and into real-world applications, according to NanoMarkets, LC, an industry analyst firm based in Virinia. The firm is set to release a new report that finds the market for products such as OLEDs, organic thin-film transistors, and other electronic products made from organic materials will grow from $1.4 billion in 2007 to $19.7 billion by 2012 and then go on to reach $34.4 billion in revenues by 2014. Additional information about the report, “Organic Electronics: A Market & Technology Assessment” including the first chapter can be found on the firm’s Web

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—With the purchase of the KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System and the KODAK THERMOFLEX Wide CTP Platesetter, Hood Packaging in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is improving efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and boosting quality. “The PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System and THERMOFLEX Platesetter give us the ability to streamline our process while delivering high quality work,” said Gary Sutherland, general manager, Hood Packaging. “After seeing these KODAK solutions in action at a local label printer, we were blown away by the technology and what it could do for the growth of our business.” Hood Packaging manufactures industrial packaging materials, including plastic, film and bags, multi wall

Rochester, N.Y. – Equipped with a new KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet proofing solution, KODAK THERMOFLEX Narrow platesetter and KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK workflow system, ProLabel, Inc., a leader in the label industry, can now produce quality high end work with increased productivity to meet tight deadlines. These high value benefits have translated to new business opportunities for the Georgia printer specializing in prepress and production of pressure sensitive labels. “An integrated workflow was key in our decision making process,” said ProLabel’s Chief Operating Officer Sean Carty. “Our previous system pulled together equipment from a handful of different vendors. With our trio of KODAK solutions, we

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Eastman Kodak Company named Jon Bracken as Vice President of Marketing and Channels, Workflow and Prepress Equipment (WPE) for its Graphic Communications Group (GCG). In his new role, Bracken is responsible for all WPE marketing initiatives, including product launches, advertising, branding and customer development. “Jon is a proven leader, and brings the industry experience and knowledge needed to help our customers grow their businesses,” said Judi Hess, General Manager and Vice President, Workflow and Prepress Equipment, GCG. “In this position, we will rely on Jon’s insight into customer needs to ensure we develop the best solutions for driving efficiency and expanding services.” Bracken

Maxcess International recruited Lee Nanney to provide local sales and support for Fife, MAGPOWR, and Tidland. Also, Scott Haney joined the Maxcess management team as product manager. Presstek, Inc. appointed Klaus Schleicher to director, international business development. Ernie Stokes Sr. joined Lederle as director of international sales. Harper Corporation America announced that Ron Case was promoted to production supervisor at the company’s Charlotte, N.C. facility. The Montalvo Corporation promoted Joseph Croyle to the position of applications specialist. Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group has named Michael K. Howard vice president of marketing for its Digital Printing Solutions business. Davis-Standard, LLC promoted Robert M. Armstrong to vice president and chief financial officer. Sandvik

FIRST PLACE Collotype Labels, Mile End South, South Australia Avery Lane Press: Nilpeter Plates/Screens: Kodak, Stork Dies: RotoMetrics Substrate: Spicers Ink/Coating/Adhesive: UV Flint Group SECOND PLACE Collotype Labels, Mile End South, South Australia Monkey Bay Press: Komori, Tahara, Roland, Heidelberg Plates: Kodak Dies: Rulecut, Triforme Substrate: CPI Ink/Coating/Adhesive: Flint Group

FIRST PLACE Hammer Packaging, ­Rochester, N.Y. Livingston Seeds Press: Harris Plates: Kodak Dies: Best Die Co. Ink: Flint Ink SECOND PLACE Copac Inc. Greenleaf Citrus Verbena Press: MAN Roland Plates/Screens/Cylinders: Innovation Graphics Dies: Atlas Die Substrate: Atlantic Packaging Ink: Wikoff

FIRST PLACE Diamond Packaging, Rochester, N.Y. Diamond Packaging 2006 Calendar Press: Heidelberg Plates: Kodak Dies: Universal Engraving, Diamond Packaging Ink/Coating/Adhesive: Flint Ink