Converter Clips
- Published: February 01, 2007, By Edited by Deborah Donberg Associate Managing Editor
Covering the Full Spectrum of Industry News, Events & Activites
Nothing but the Best
Harley Frank, president of Admiral Packaging (formerly Union Industries), Providence, RI, wants his company to be the best as a supplier of flexible packaging. To that end, he chose what he believes is the best new press: a 59-in. Novoflex CM ten-color flexo model from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp.
“We chose W&H based on our findings that the Novoflex press is superior in workmanship, technology, and performance trials,” says Frank. “…The Easy-Set [automatic impression setting system] and Easy-Reg [for register adjustment of printing decks] options were big factors as was the superior quality, working knowledge, and our belief that W&H stands behind their product.”
The new press, which will supplement six- and eight-color W&H presses already at the plant, includes W&H’s latest-generation Turboclean 600 inking and automatic wash-up system. Installation is planned for next summer.
Admiral is a family-owned and -operated business that supplies flexible packaging to markets including frozen foods, seafood, consumer products, industrial products, product sampling, direct mail, and more.
SUPPLIER INFO:
Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp.—PFFC-ASAP 380. whcorp.com
Nonwoven Technology Patented
DALLAS, TX—The Emulsions and PVOH business of Celanese has received a US patent for its Dur-O-Set Elite Ultra binder technology said to improve the wet strength characteristics of nonwovens and other substrates in both water and solvent applications.
Celanese reports the R&D advancement improves wet strength by more than 40% over previous state-of-the-art technology and allows manufacturers to reach wet strength targets by using 10%–25% less binder, reducing overall production costs.
The patent covers vinyl acetate-based emulsions including vinyl acetate ethylene, vinyl acrylic, or vinyl acetate homopolymer. The major application for this technology is in the manufacture of a wide range of wipes. End-use applications include pre-moistened personal care and baby wipes, household cleaning products, and industrial wipes that require strength and durability.
An Upscale Open House
By Yolanda Simonsis, Associate Publisher/Editor
MONTE CARLO, MONACO—Degraf SpA, based in Lacchiarella, Italy, will find it difficult to top its first “international open” held this past December 6–9 at the Hotel Le Meridien in the extraordinary city of Monte Carlo. More than 180 customers, partners, and journalists from 52 countries participated in the program, celebrating 20+ years of Degraf plate processing success in the flexographic industry.
Among the event’s objectives, explained Degraf president Riccardo De Caria, was to create an awareness of Degraf products in the worldwide flexo printing community, while continuing to maintain present distribution channels. More importantly, De Caria hopes to open a dialogue with converters in the field whose ideas and needs could be incorporated into future equipment designs.
During the three-day program, guests saw equipment demonstrations while interacting with company representatives. In concert with partners AZ and Mekrom, Degraf staged an award ceremony recognizing its OEM partners and distributors (including DuPont, Flint, Asahi, Kodak, and MacDermid) as well as customers that have contributed to Degraf’s success.
The equipment demonstration included Degraf’s extensive product line devoted to the platemaking process, with special emphasis given to four of its newest solutions for the flexo community. Highlighted were the Concept 305 P processor for mid-size plate washout; Concept 505 XP for batch or inline plate processing; Concept 505 DW processors with double washout area for large size plates; and an innovative, multi-process unit dubbed Concept 305 EDLF (said to be of special interest to the US) for exposing, drying, and finishing flexo plates. Topping off the open house was an elegantly staged gala event at the Hotel de Paris that included a gourmet dinner and Caracalla concert featuring the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice. Quite impressive! For more information visit degraf-group.com.
Sun Raising Ink Prices in NA
NORTHLAKE, IL—A 4%–6% price increase on all packaging inks in North America went into effect January 1 at Sun Chemical.
Explains Richard Pettifor, president of Sun Chemical North American Packaging Inks, “Despite our efforts to mitigate the impact of the rising costs in raw materials and fuel through active involvement with our supplier base and by driving internal efficiencies, we continue to face significant increases in all of our manufacturing costs.”
MetalFX Now Part of Ciba
HIGH POINT, CA—Ciba Specialty Chemicals has acquired a majority share in MetalFX, creator of a print concept that allows thousands of metallic effects to be produced in one run on a five-color press. Says Sonia Megert Marshall, global head of Ciba Color Services, “The MetalFX concept greatly increases the creative scope of print and has proven to be a highly profitable asset to its users. All involved in the color process...will now be able to benefit from opportunities through synergies between the MetalFX concept and Ciba’s color management solutions, technical expertise, and global reach.” Andrew Ainge, managing director of MetalFX, will continue to head the company, which will be further developed and expanded.
Companies Sign Up for CMM
CHICAGO, IL—Organizers of CMM Intl. 2007 report more than 100 new companies have signed on as exhibitors in the past several months. Produced by PennWell, the show will take place June 4–7 at the Rosemont Convention Center, just outside of Chicago. PennWell says many of these companies are either new to CMM or have come back after not participating in recent years. Several companies have expanded their original booth size and many are intending to bring running machinery, PennWell adds.
Enhancements at the 2007 edition of the show include two Technology Centers, one featuring flexible packaging equipment and one for equipment that can produce jobs on both narrow and mid-web equipment.
Also new this year: CEMA will co-locate its slitting/rewinding and coating/laminating seminars onsite; and there will be certification training and testing for flexo press operators. More than 15,000 attendees are expected from around the world at the biennial event. For more information visit cmm07.events.
Brushfoil Expands—Again
GUILFORD, CT—Brushfoil, a manufacturer of brushed films and papers, has completed the expansion of its only manufacturing plant from 10,000 to 15,000 sq ft. The last expansion, in late 2004, took the plant from 5,000 to 10,000 sq ft. Employment at the plant has expanded 33% since October 2005, reports company partner Jim Parker. He says Brushfoil may consider locating a manufacturing plant outside the US, with Europe and Asia as possibilities.
MPS Adds Hilltop Press
WESTMONT, IL—The Open Approach, exclusive agent for Hilltop Press, Indianapolis, IN, reports Hilltop now is owned by Multiple Packaging Solutions (MPS).
Reportedly, the sale provides the high-end specialty sheet-fed printer significant growth potential from MPS’s national exposure, cross-selling opportunities, and extensive distribution network.
For MPS, the acquisition is expected to round off its vast product/service lineup by adding unique substrate print capabilities and ancillary services.
ON THE MOVE
W&D Machinery Co., Overland Pk, KS, adds Andrew Schipke to the sales staff as area sales manager for the East Coast.
The new president of R Tape Corp., South Plainfield, NJ, is Michael W. (Mike) Roughton.
John Casey and Walt Dorn join Michael Berwick as owners of the Perma-Flex Roller Technology companies, Salisbury, NC. Vic Shive will serve as general manager of the Salisbury plant.
Mario Cotta, Cincinnati, OH, appoints Haley Enterprises, led by Nick Haley, as exclusive representative for its full line of slitting equipment in Georgia.
At McDowell Label & Screen Printing, Plano, TX, Jay A. Luft becomes VP of operations and John McDowell is now VP of sales.
At Nim-Cor, Nashua, NH, Kevin Hellriger is the new general manager and John Ritchie is named engineering manager.
Justin Green is appointed training/technology specialist for Anderson & Vreeland, Bryan, OH.
Paul Carter is named area sales manager at
Maxcess Intl., Oklahoma City, OK, recruits Lee Nanney to provide sales and support for Fife, MAGPOWR, and Tidland customers in Illinois.
At Presstek, Hudson, NH, William C. Keller is named senior VP of operations.
At Harper Corp. of America, Charlotte, NC, Margaret Harper Kluttz becomes president and Ron Case is promoted to production supervisor at the Charlotte facility.
Ed Tullar is promoted to sales manager at Groschopp, Sioux Center, IA.
