Supplier News

FUJIFILM North America will bring together five operating divisions: photo imaging products, including digital photo processing equipment and services supplying commercial and consumer customers; graphic systems products and services supplying the printing industry; consumer digital cameras; motion picture films; and the Canada Division (operating as FUJIFILM Canada Inc.), which markets multiple Fujifilm product lines.

Smurfit-Stone Container to Close Two U.S. Mills

CREVE COEUR, Mo. and CHICAGO—Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. announced plans to permanently close its Ontonagon, Mich., and Missoula, Mont., mills, effective December 31.

"These decisions were made to ensure the company's long-term growth and profitability and do not reflect on the hard work and commitment of the employees at the Ontonagon and Missoula mills," says Steve Klinger, president and COO.

He adds, "We recognize that closing facilities is always difficult on our employees, their families, and the communities, and we will work with our employees, union representatives, and public officials during these transitions."

The company expects to incur a restructuring charge of approximately $284 million, of which approximately $246 million is non-cash, in 4Q 2009.

EskoArtwork Opens Development Center in India

GENT, Belgium—EskoArtwork has strengthened its systems integration development and E-support operation by opening new facilities in Bangalore, India. The 6,000 sq. ft. office will enable EskoArtwork's team of programmers, software developers, and application engineers to extend the systems integration capabilities and E-support services to customers around the world.

EskoArtwork has been active in India since 1996. In 2007, the company established the Global Resources Center (GRC), which concentrates primarily on providing support for systems integration projects that mainly originate in Europe and North America.

"The enlarged Bangalore operation represents a next phase in EskoArtwork's growth strategy," comments Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork. "India is one of the world's fastest-growing business territories, so it's vital we have a strong presence in the region—not just from a sales perspective, but also from a development and global support standpoint. The new premises underline our commitment to investing in the Global Resources Center. We're dedicated to attracting the region's talented IT professionals and providing customers worldwide with exemplary technical support."

"Our Bangalore operation gives us a number of significant benefits," explains Dinesh Chandra, managing director of EskoArtwork's India Subsidiary. "India is a significant market, and by expanding our office we're perfectly placed to develop new commercial opportunities in the region. India is, furthermore, a sophisticated IT hub, and with anticipated continued growth of EskoArtwork we will now be in the position to recruit additional IT professionals."

Arjobex America has appointed Mike Dispenza to the position of Northeast regional sales manager. He brings extensive knowledge and experience in both the printing and paper segments of the graphic arts industry to the position.

Müller Martini recently appointed Carrington Herbert to the position of national sales director for print finishing products. Herbert, who has been part of the company's sales team for 27 years, assumes responsibility for leading the management of its national sales force.

Tim Fox has joined Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) as a sales engineer for its flexographic printing machinery, with a concentrated focus on customers in Central and Northeastern United States and Canada.

Peter Medlicott has retired from his position as president and COO of Comexi North America. He will continue working with the Comexi Group on specific projects. John Ferreira, who joined the the company last September as vice president of Comexi North America, will assume full responsibility for its American and Canadian markets.

Martin Automatic appointed Gavin Rittmeyer as vice president of sales and marketing. He replaces David Wright, who retired after 31 years with the company. Rittmeyer, who joined Martin in 1990, has served in product management and sales positions. In his new position Rittmeyer will be responsible for the global sales and marketing activities of the company.

Don Bogardus was recently named West Coast sales manager for Bobst Group North America. He brings 12 years of industry knowledge to this position.

Amir Dekel has been appointed corporate marketing vice president at AVT. He joined the company in 2001 as marketing manager with special responsibilities to develop AVT's business in the labels market.

ACTEGA WIT, Inc. recently added Diego Romero and Eric Knowles to its technical sales staff. Romero will serve as its international sales representative with responsibility for sales of the company's complete line of water-based and UV inks and coatings in Mexico, Central, and South America. Knowles is responsible for sales of ACTEGA WIT's complete line of water-based, Safer UV, and UV rotary screen inks and coatings in North Carolina and Virginia.

Domenic DiRenzo has joined KBA North America as the Northeast regional sales manager for its sheetfed division. He will be responsible for overseeing customer accounts in upstate New York and the New England states.

Tyler Harrell has joined Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. as manager of training and technologies. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company's pre-sale and post-sale technical service and support. This includes defining and designing customer and employee training programs; customer support procedures and practices; maintaining technical relationships with A&V suppliers and partners; and networking with industry organizations. pP