August 2008 PFFC Narrow Web & Label Reporter

Published: August 01, 2008

Donation Aids Flexo Program

MILLERSVILLE, PA

The NorthEast Label Mfrs. Assn. (NELMA) has made a $10,000 donation to the Dept. of Industry and Technology of Millersville Univ., allowing the school to purchase a Mark Andy 10-in., four-color 2200 model press and launch a hands-on flexo curriculum. A two-year program allowed NELMA to secure matching funds from the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Assn.

Though Mark Andy donated a significant portion of the purchase price of the press, the project was short until NELMA filled the gap, says Mark Snyder, professor at Millersville. “They really saved the day.”

NELMA president Steve Miller says the project was “a no-brainer for our board. We could help Millersville get its curriculum together, train these kids, graduate them, and get them into the industry. We've completed the circle of life!”

Sirit, 3M in RFID Agreement

TORONTO, ON, CANADA

Sirit, a provider of RFID technology, has signed a cooperative marketing agreement (CMA) with 3M's Traffic Safety Systems Div. The CMA is a global distribution agreement to offer RFID reader and tag technology based on open architecture protocols to support comprehensive solutions developed for the transportation market.

Sirit says the partnership makes its Identity 5100 reader and transponder easily accessible to transportation agencies that look to 3M for technology solutions.

Wausau Gets FSC Certified

WAUSAU, WI

Wausau Coated Products has attained Chain of Custody certification through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as a pressure-sensitive manufacturer.

Wausau general manager Ben Reif says, “We're constantly looking to extend on our commitment to environmentally responsible pressure-sensitive manufacturing. To date, [we] offer one of the broader lines of recycled pressure-sensitive products in the industry, which includes recycling compatible adhesive. Offering these products with FSC certification was the next logical step.”

Graphic Imaging Survey Available

FAIRFAX, VA

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Assn. (SGIA) has released its Financial Outlook Survey, in which a total of 47% of respondents said 2007 was more profitable than 2006. Most of those expecting growth in 2008 expect it will be from 5%-14%.

More than half of respondents attribute most of their expected 2008 growth to digital technology. Also contributing to growth predictions are new product offerings, hiring more sales staff, and offering more customer services, including new or improved websites and additional marketing efforts.

The survey summary is available online at www.sgia.org.

AT WORK

Gidue Is Active Globally

TURATE, ITALY

Gidue reports its new agent in the UK and Ireland is Global Print Services. Also, Gidue Sales Australia and New Zealand now is known as Universal Print Partners.

Gidue says its presses are becoming popular in Poland. Masterpress, a company that includes shrink sleeve labels in its output, has seven presses at work.

Another Polish converter, Drukarnia Malysz, uses its Gidue 370 eight-color E-Combat press to produce shrinkable sleeves for the beverage sector.

Mal-Pol has two Gidue presses and reportedly is considering a third. Eko-Rol, in Poznan, Poland, runs a 370 eight-color S-Combat.

Gidue | www.gidue.com
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