Augsburg

Printing Impressions' Upfront Commercial Printing News for February 2009

WESTMONT, IL—With customers delaying purchasing decisions due to the weak economy, manroland made a strategic decision to eliminate some redundant manufacturing processes in Germany. The press manufacturer's supervisory board agreed to trim 515 jobs in indirect functions in the Sheetfed Press Business sector in Offenbach, Germany, and 110 jobs in indirect functions in the Web Press Business sector in Augsburg, Germany, for 2009 and 2010.

As the Supervisory Board of parent company manroland AG in Germany announced its plan to implement a package of measures to safeguard the future with specific reductions in workforce and strategic facility planning for 2009 and 2010, manroland Inc. CEO Vince Lapinski, issued a strong statement for the company’s North American operations.

By Mark Michelson SEWICKLEY, PA—The weather was warm and the leaves still green on trees blanketing the hills surrounding the headquarters of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), located just outside of Pittsburgh. But Christmas still came early with the official dedication of its recently donated four-color, 38˝ MAN Roland Rotoman heatset commercial web press equipped with auxiliaries gifted from several manufacturers. Held September 19th, the "Webtoberfest" celebration—complete with German fare, oompah music, and an assortment of German Octoberfest beers and wine—was attended by about 350 industry dignitaries, including GATF board members and staff, industry suppliers, association execs, as well as a special delegation from

SEWICKLEY, PA—Class is in session, and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) is welcoming a new pupil. No one will pick on the newbie, despite his large size. That's because this "he" is a four-unit Rotoman web offset press from MAN Roland. The GATF was slated to install the new press in April and May, with an eye toward it going live by early summer. The press was scheduled to ship in March from MAN Roland's Augsburg, Germany, production center. Best of all, the press comes compliments of the press manufacturer. "MAN Roland's donation of this highly automated system, and all the technical support and training that goes