Printer News

Superior Lithographics a G7 Master Printer

LOS ANGELES—Superior Lithographics has been named G7 Master Printer by IDEAlliance, which develops specifications and best practices to improve the speed and efficiency of information across the digital media supply chain. Receiving this status means the company passed testing required to manage the neutral gray scale that ultimately can improve print quality and consistency, shorten makeready times, and reduce paper and ink costs.

"Fine-tuning our processes and print controls to international standards enables us to produce repeatable, consistent color and images that reflect the best color management available today," says Doug Rawson, founder and CEO of Superior Lithographics. "Earning our G7 certification is an important part of our mission to deliver the highest level of service to our customers."

According to Joe Fazzi, vice president of print media at IDEAlliance, G7 is based on the International Standards Organization's printing standards, and employs new technologies that calibrate printing presses and proofing systems to give operators better control of the visual appearance.

Colbert Packaging adds perfector

LAKE FOREST, Ill.—Colbert Packaging Corp. has added a 7-color Mitsubishi 3000TP Tandem Perfector. The 40-inch dedicated perfector, installed at the firm's headquarters, is configured for folding carton applications.

"We needed the capability to print the front and reverse sides of heavy-caliper board in one pass," explained Steve Sifrer, pressroom supervisor. "Conventional perfecting presses have a spotty record when it comes to printing packaging board. We also sheet our own stock, which can produce slight variations in sheet size that conventional perfectors tend not to handle well. Between the heavier stock and sheet size variations, the Tandem Perfector offered the best advantages in terms of print quality and production efficiency."

Bemis acquires Alcan Food Americas operations

NEENAH, Wis.—Bemis Company, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Food Americas operations of Alcan Packaging, a business unit of international mining group Rio Tinto plc for $1.2 billion. Under terms of the agreement, Bemis will acquire 23 Food Americas flexible packaging facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand. These facilities produce flexible packaging for the food and beverage industries.

"We are very pleased to add Alcan Packaging's Food Americas business to the Bemis organization," says Henry Theisen, Bemis president and chief executive officer. "Both Bemis and Alcan Packaging have strong, collaborative relationships with renowned food and consumer products customers. We each have a long history of dedication to outstanding quality and manufacturing excellence. In pooling our resources, we will diversify our existing technologies and product lines which will broaden our product offering and augment our technical capabilities. This acquisition provides value from all angles and is a prudent investment in Bemis' future."