PRINTER NEWS

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Hammer Packaging won nine awards in the 35th International Gallery of Superb Printing competition, produced by the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC). The IAPHC awards are recognized globally as high honors given in the graphic design and print industry.

Hammer Packaging received the following awards: Gold—Fruitopia, JoJo Energy, and Chadwick Bay Grape Juice; Silver—Ovaltine, Cell-Nique, and Nika Water; Bronze—Snapple Tea; Honorable Mention—XO Energy and Arctic Power.

Kevin Keane, president of IAPHC, states, "Our event has been the beneficiary of seeing the growth of Hammer Packaging in terms of technical execution, range of product and services, and an avid embrace of leading with excellence for many years. We salute the team at Hammer Packaging and we congratulate them on their nine International Gallery awards celebrating their world-class graphic arts prowess."

Spear Wins Spectrum of Awards

MASON, Ohio—Spear announced an array of recent awards it has won in competitions around the globe. At the European-based label association, FINAT, Spear was awarded Best in Show, Best in Printing Process (Group Winner), and Best Combination Printing for its Crabbie's Green Ginger Wine label. Desperado's Red was also awarded first place in the Screen Printing category.

At the North American Tag and Label Manufactures Institute (TLMI), Spear received first prize in the Gravure—Line and Screen/Tone Prime Label category for its Bud Light entry. In addition, Spear won the TLMI Environmental Leadership Award for, "consistently demonstrating a commitment to progressive environmental practices across a range of areas including solid waste reduction, recycling, waste and energy recovery, clean process technology, and the implementation of an education program," according to TLMI.

Spear's Amstel Light label was commended in the European Gravure Association (ERA) awards and at the PrintWeek Label Printer of the Year awards in the UK.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Flextec Corp. has appointed Peter C. Schambs as its national accounts manager. Schambs brings with him more than 20 years of experience with various printing processes, along with extensive knowledge of labeling applications, equipment, and systems.

SANDY HOOK, Conn.—Curtis Packaging Corp. has appointed Donald R. Droppo, Jr. as president and chief executive officer. He previously served as senior vice president, responsible for marketing, sales, innovation, and environmental stewardship. In this new role, Droppo will be responsible for all aspects of the company.

WEST ST. PAUL, Minn.—Tapemark has promoted Steve Rau to vice president, technical operations. In his new role, he is responsible for engineering and operations functions for the company, and reports directly to Andy Rensink, president and COO. pP