Reporter Clips
- Published: September 01, 2000, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Narrow Web Converting Industry News
Dow Corning Partners with Italian Distributor
MIDLAND, MI, USA—Dow Corning Corp., Midland, MI, a world leader in silicon-based technology, has formed a partnership with Ichemco, based in Pogliano Milanese, Italy, for distribution of Dow's PSAs in Italy. The partnership, in the form of a distribution agreement, brings technical and logistical service closer to Dow Coming's customers for PSAs in the tape and paper industries of Italy.
Crane Acquires Stake in Polyweave
DALTON, MA, USA—Crane & Co. Inc., a manufacturer of specialty papers since 1801, has acquired a stake in Polyweave Intl. LLC, Memphis, TN, a leading supplier to the plastic in-mold label market. Crane has manufactured label substrates for Polyweave since 1998.
As part of its equity investment, Crane has secured an exclusive manufacturing arrangement with Polyweave for its label materials as well as an agreement to work with Polyweave on new product development.
Ahlstrom Makes Plans for Growth
HELSINKI, FINLAND—The board of directors of the A. Ahlstrom Corp. has recommended forming an industrial company comprised primarily of the company's specialty papers and advanced materials business.
In addition, the board has recommended forming a private investment company owned by family members.
This company will own the Ahlstrom shares in the partnership companies Andritz-Ahlstrom and A&R Carton; the Ahlstrom Electronics Group; part of the forest properties; as well as significant allocated funds. Over time, the company will invest in new growth opportunities. A working group headed by A. Ahlstrom Corp. board chairman Johan Gullichsen, will develop the new company's direction and strategy.
Flexo Trade School Opens
CHARLOTTE, NC, USA—Classes are now underway at the Flexographic Trade School, Charlotte, an educational facility whose sole focus is to train narrow web flexo press operators. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held June 22.
The school expects to train and graduate 120 flexo press operators a year from a three-month intensive course, which includes 200 hours of live production work. Students will mix ink, make plates, and operate a Mark Andy 2200 eight-color press as well as various finishing equipment. Three-day seminars will also be offered to help sharpen the flexo press knowledge of those already involved in the industry.
For more information contact Flexographic Trade School, 13500-M South Point Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273; ph: 704/504-5008; fax: 704/504-5011; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HoloPRISM Labels Provide Out-of-This-World Results
When Pennzoil launched the Synthetic line of automotive products, it needed a package that conveyed the advanced technology and superior quality of the products. The specially engineered automotive oil includes a lubricant formula originally developed for the NASA space program. To help convey the high-tech nature of the product to customers, Pennzoil chose a custom HoloPRISM holographic pattern created by Proma Technologies. The labels were printed by Seneca Printing & Label, Franklin, PA.
According to Brad Welshans, manager of retail marketing at Pennzoil, "As a new product launched into a growing but well-established niche, Pennzoil Synthetic needed to jump off the shelf to give our product a competitive advantage at the point of sale. This labe was what we needed to accentuate the product."
The label features a holographic sphere accentuated with the yellow and black Pennzoil logo applied to silver gray bottles. On busy store shelves, the package is said to create the illusion of movement, providing an eye-catching effect that calls attention to the product. And, apparently, it's getting results: Pennzoil Synthetic experienced a 114% growth within the first quarter. Visit Proma Technologies at promatechnologies.com.
MACtac Earns Quality Certification
STOW, OH, USA— MACtac, a manufacturer of p-s materials for printing, packaging, and related markets, recently received ISO-9001/QS 9000 certification at its Stow headquarters. Other MACtac facilities that have been certified include Nellis, NV (ISO-9002); Scranton, PA (ISO-9001); Scranton Medical Systems (ISO-9001); and Brampton, Ont., Canada (ISO-9002/QS 9000).
Raflatac Builds US Facility
TAMPERE, FINLAND—Raflatac Group will build a $45 million self-adhesive label stock factory in the Broadpoint Industrial Pk., Fletcher, NC. It will include a laminator, automatic warehousing, adhesive manufacturing, and slitting operations. Production will start in 2001. When in full operation, it is estimated the factory reportedly will increase Raflatac sales by $115 million.
New Sealing Strips Offered
WINDSOR, CT, USA—Scapa Tapes North America announces two new products: 0303 soft, synthetic rubber-based, extruded sealing strip is designed for window-glazing applications and for use on duct flanges, end and side laps in roofing sheets, and recreational vehicle construction. Scapa 0310 is a medium to soft, synthetic butyl rubber-based extruded bonding and sealing strip with filters said to provide good chemical resistance. Scapa says 0310 has been approved for use by both Ford and BMW.
Tokyo Printer Installs Indigo Press #19
TOKYO, JAPAN—Tokyo Lithmatic Corp. of Japan, one of the world's largest on-demand printers, has installed its nineteenth Indigo digital offset color press. The most recent installations, Indigo TurboStream presses with six-color IndiChrome capabilities, reportedly make Tokyo Lithmatic the largest Indigo customer in the world. When Tokyo Lithmatic installed its first Indigo digital press in 1996, it offered short-run digital color printing primarily. Now, the majority of its Indigo business is high-speed, on-demand work.
