DENVER—Quark Inc. has joined Networked Graphic Production (NGP) Partners, an initiative of printing industry vendors committed to delivering seamlessly integrated workflow solutions. NGP Partners-approved solutions are based on JDF and other open standards that enable plug-and-play integration of print and publishing systems. (www.ngppartners.org)
NEW YORK CITY—Toppan Printing Co. America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., has installed a Xerox iGen3 digital production press to offer customers personalized digital printing for the first time. It has been offering other types of digital printing for almost four years, but expects to triple its digital printing volume over the next 12 months by offering customized print applications. (www.xerox.com)
ROSEMONT, NJ—Direct Group (DG) reports upgrading its direct mail facility with 16 IBM Infoprint 4100 high-speed, monochrome continuous forms printers. Increasing the resolution of its production printers to 600 dpi enables DG to offer high-quality, high-resolution type and graphics, says Ron Snyder, its chief technology officer. (www.ibm.com/printers)
ROCHESTER, NY—After serving as a beta test site, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has decided to purchase three Agfa Advantage DL violet CTP systems driven by the Arkitex NewsDrive front end and imaging Agfa N91v plates. The plant is serving as a field test site for the entire Gannett newspaper chain. (www.agfa.com)
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN—Commercial Printing Services has installed a Heidelberg Prosetter 52 violet CTP system and HP DesignJet color proofing system. (www.heidelberg.com)
WAUCONDA, IL—Plastic Graphic has placed an order with ABDick for a Presstek Dimension 400 chemistry-free CTP system. The firm specializes in printing on all types of plastics. (www.abdick.com)
MINNEAPOLIS—Color Printing Specialists' adoption of CTP-based production has revolutionized its operation, reports Karen Walhof, president and owner. Enabling this change are a Screen (USA) PlateRite 41000 thermal CTP system and Trueflow job management system. (www.screenusa.com)