Hewlett-Packard

By Erik Cagle Senior Editor As the war continues to rage between the supporters for freedom in telemarketing and the U.S. government's national Do-Not-Call (DNC) list, the world of direct mail can be heard off in the distance, quietly giggling in glee. Should the DNC list ultimately prevail, direct mail supporters will be uttering the old farewell line after a partygoer departs: "More beer for us!" Some will suggest that direct mail remains a far more effective tool for promoting one's products and services as opposed to telemarketers delaying tuna casserole gratification. It is safe to say that personalization via ink-jet imaging in the finishing department hasn't

Enovation Graphic Systems announced it has integrated Fuji Photo Film U.S.A.'s Graphic Systems Division into Enovation's current organization. In other news, Enovation has appointed regional sales vice presidents for its four recently realigned sales territories. Tim Young, formerly president of Nelson-Keystone and recently announced as southwest regional director for Enovation, is now regional sales vice president, West. The West sales region includes 10 western states. John Solwold, formerly Enovation's west regional vice president, is responsible for the new Central sales region. The Central sales region includes 11 central and mountain states. Joe Thornhill, formerly president of Taylor Impression, is now regional sales vice president

Efforts Undertaken to Stimulate Digital Printing Business CHICAGO—Digital printing equipment might as well carry a warning label—"Customer education required!"—given how often that need is cited as the reason for the slower than expected development of the market segment. Several new programs recently have been introduced by industry groups and companies to try to fill the void. "Designing4Digital" is a new customer education program launched at Graph Expo last month by the Digital Printing Council (DPC) of Printing Industries of America (PIA). This multimedia "outreach toolkit" reportedly is designed to help printers educate their customers about the benefits and techniques of digital printing, thereby

BY CHRIS BAUER While some sectors of the graphic arts industry moved to a more automated and computer-dependent process years ago, binding and finishing equipment seemed to lag behind. At Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2002, it was apparent that the bindery is no longer the blue-collar cousin of the pressroom and prepress department. Automation can now be found in just about every corner of the bindery. Today's newest machines incorporate operator touchscreen interfaces, servo motors and automated makereadies. And with industry standards such as JDF and CIP3/CIP4 slowly catching on, an even more sophisticated, computer-integrating finishing department is on the horizon. Software for

We've all been waiting pensively, hoping to spot some signals that commercial printing is in recovery. I know; much uncertainty about the future remains. Economists still keep moving their recovery forecasts back in response to a lingering U.S. economy that just can't seem to sustain itself. And, although the demented snipers have been caught, the impending war with Iraq, fear over more terrorism in our homeland and a turbulent Wall Street rocked by executive misdeeds continue to remind us that the world—and especially the American lifestyle and sense of security that we all once took for granted—may be changed forever. As such, expectations were understandably

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ—Agfa recently concluded a three-day Apogee user conference in Ghent, Belgium. This was the third time Apogee users (185 from 21 countries) gathered to discuss workflow issues and solutions. Technology partners Adobe Systems, Enfocus, Hewlett-Packard and ScenicSoft joined Agfa to provide insights into the next generation of workflow automation, which the company says is essential to printing business growth. Jean-François Cuillerier, of Quebecor World, a co-developer of Agfa Delano, emphasized the positive results of automation at the printer. "We are in control," he noted. "There is less stress in the plant and less confusion. We have more predictability, and our customers

Enovation Graphic Systems announced the formation of Arkin Graphics, which will be based in Flushing, NY. The new company was created to acquire the graphic arts products distribution business from Arkin-Medo Inc. As an Enovation company, Arkin Graphics will continue to serve the companies and customers that Arkin-Medo established over the past 80 years. Creo Inc. has appointed Jonathan Agger as product marketing manager for scanning solutions in North America and Latin America. He has held positions with Agfa, Polaroid Graphic Imaging and Sprockets.com. Screen (USA) is marking its 35th anniversary with an assessment of its success in satisfying its customers and providing quality products. Results

Sometimes overlooked, printing blankets can make a big difference in the quality of output produced on-press. Uncover what some printing blanket manufacturers are offering. Available from DAY International, the dayGraphica 3700 is designed for heatset web printers looking for a blanket that minimizes press mechanical problems. This blanket reportedly keeps presses up and running by resisting smashes, on-press damage and piling. Makereadies are faster due to precise ink transfer and great web release. Circle 371 on Reader Service Card The SX-10 compressible printing blanket, available from DYC Supply, is designed for high-speed printing where a variety of coated and uncoated papers are used. It features

Richard Mascola has been appointed regional sales manager for MAN Roland's commercial web division, overseeing a territory that includes the Midwest and Manitoba, Canada. Mascola will be based in the Chicago area. For the past four years, Mascola served as regional sales manager of American Roller Co. Also, Michael Lake, a 20-year veteran of the graphic arts industry, has joined MAN Roland as a district sales manager in Minnesota and North and South Dakota. Previously, Lake served for 16 years with the Gannett Co. in a variety of executive positions. American Binding Co., based in Miami Beach, recently announced that it has merged with Italian-based

BY MARK MICHELSON What a difference a year makes. Exhibitors came to PRINT 01 in Chicago last September feeling guardedly optimistic—despite the lingering effects of a soft economy and, consequently, a reduction in most printers' capital expenditure budgets. And, of course, no one could foresee the September 11 terrorist attacks that would hamper buying activity at the show and create heightened concern over the state of the U.S. economy. Now, fast-forward to next month's Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2002 exhibition in Chicago, scheduled for October 6 to 9 at McCormick Place South. With more than 400 exhibitors filling over 360,000 net square