Independent Printing

WestRock enters the new year with a loud and clear affirmation of the company’s commitment to paper-based packaging.

Ennis has purchased Independent Printing Company and related entities in a stock purchase transaction that closed January 27, 2017.

Independent Printing, a digital and offset printer based in De Pere, WI, has acquired wide-format printing specialist Hayes Graphics in Mosinee, WI. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, reported the Green Bay Press Gazette.

The door to diversification isn't closed shut, but for printers that have hemmed and hawed during the "wait and see" era of 2008-2012 without having made any significant investments in equipment or capabilities, there is a bit of ground to make up. Take notes from a sampling of companies that have plunged into new territory.

The 2012 Printing Impressions 400 list of the largest printing companies in the United States and Canada as ranked by annual sales.

IF YOU’VE ever visited Philadelphia, you probably ate a cheese steak. Maybe you ordered your cheese steak with extra cheese, grilled onions and hot peppers. That’s Mañana Man style. I’ve had to back off on too many cheese steaks due to my waist line and worsening lactose intolerance.

If you were just visiting Philadelphia, you probably didn’t have any Tastykakes. You have to buy them at the grocery store or a minute market. Personally, I prefer the Chocolate Lovers Cupcakes. They come two in a package, and you have to open the cellophane carefully, so you don’t disrupt the thick chocolate icing on the cupcakes.

PIA/GATF announced the recipient of its 2006 William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award. Stuart McMichael, former president of Arlington, VA-based Custom Print, was selected for his significant contributions toward environmental awareness, education and best practices in printing. He helped transform Custom Print into a totally “green” operation. Tony Mangabat has joined the Graphic Arts Association (GAA), Trevose, PA, as its new environmental, health and safety (EHS) manager. Mangabat will assist GAA members with EHS and compliance issues, including navigating through the regulations, interpretations and guidance documents. Printing and Imaging Association of New York State, based in Amherst, NY, announced that it is expanding

Marketing Alliance for Digital Finishing SANTA ANA, CA—Duplo USA announced the introduction of its DC-545HC slitter/cutter/creaser through Canon USA's Imaging Systems Group Alliance and Industry Marketing (AIM) program. This pairing of Canon digital color printing systems and Duplo finishing equipment will provide customers in the production and commercial printing marketplace with a streamlined solution for the finishing of short-run digital color print jobs. Duplo's DC-545HC provides complementary finishing features for documents printed on Canon imageRUNNER and CLC devices. By combining the functionality of multiple devices, the DC-545HC delivers value by reducing production time (single pass required, as opposed to multiple passes in multiple devices) and freeing

Chicago Press has named Paul Monsen COO. He will continue to serve as the company's vice president of sales, as well. Monsen joined the 75-year-old Chicago-based firm in 1999 and became an officer in 2000. Anthony Parker has been appointed COO of Smyth Companies, Bedford, VA. Parker began his career with Piedmont Label in 1990. He joined Smyth in 1998 after Smyth acquired Piedmont Label. Naperville, IL-based Solar Communications has added two high-level development roles. John Barrett and John Waterhouse have both accepted positions as vice president, business development. Nies/Artcraft Printing, of Saint Louis, has added Rick Blanner to its sales team. Also,

LISLE, IL—Just when the breakneck pace of commercial printing industry acquisitions was slowing, the lull came to a resounding end with yet another spate of new purchases. Perhaps the biggest news was that, after months of regrouping, Wallace Computer Services, based here, returned to its acquisition course, acquiring Commercial Press, reportedly the largest commercial printer in San Diego. Commercial Press has 200 employees and projected sales this year of $26 million. The addition brings Wallace up to 25 commercial printing facilities throughout the United States. Mike Duffield, Wallace's president and COO, says Commercial's "profitability is strong, plus there is additional capacity that can be filled by