by Ryan Thompson, Murphy Company As more corporations respond to an anemic world economy by putting capital improvement programs on a starvation diet, the age-old question asked in every cyclical downturn surfaces anew - "Is cutting capital improvements the right decision?" In some industries, the answer is "yes," but for many, it is not. There is a strong case to be made … [Read more...] about Investing in Energy-Saving Improvements
Articles
Stability and Service at Vulcan Information Packaging
by: Dianna Brodine Since 1947, Vulcan Information Packaging has been a force in loose leaf binder and packaging industries. Beginning as Vulcan Binder & Cover (the name was changed in 1997), the company was christened for the 55-foot-tall statue of Vulcan - the Roman god of the forge - that stands tall at the top of Red Mountain in Birmingham. Its reputation as a premier … [Read more...] about Stability and Service at Vulcan Information Packaging
Using Electrostatics to Increase Speed and Quality in the Bindery – Providing solid magazine and catalog bundles without slowing down your line
by: By Ken Troemel, Andy Grzesik, and Mark Blitshteyn, MKS Ion Industrial The newest saddlestitchers and perfect binding machines are capable of high production speeds. Yet a common problem faced in the bindery department is not being able to run their lines at the rated speed. Incline Stack Tacking Challenges One of the bottlenecks in the bindery is compensating stackers. … [Read more...] about Using Electrostatics to Increase Speed and Quality in the Bindery – Providing solid magazine and catalog bundles without slowing down your line
Binders Gone Wild: What Do Custom Loose Leaf Manufacturers Do When Good Binders Go Bad?
by: Jeff Hunter, Federal Looseleaf The world of custom-made ring binders is a world where the smallest detail, if overlooked, can come back at a manufacturer faster than your employees run for the parking lot on a sunny Friday afternoon. And in Minnesota, the land of nine-month winters, that's pretty fast. "Binders Gone Wild" has happened to all of us to one degree or another, … [Read more...] about Binders Gone Wild: What Do Custom Loose Leaf Manufacturers Do When Good Binders Go Bad?
Surviving a Recession: Keeping Profits Up When the Economy is Down
by: Hugh Pinkus, Proudfoot Consulting Recession, the "R" word - it's everywhere. Anytime conditions are favorable for an economic downturn, it becomes as dirty a word as anything heard on "The Sopranos." The difference is that network television can and will often use this term. You can't surf through MSNBC, CNN, or even the local news without hearing a reference to the … [Read more...] about Surviving a Recession: Keeping Profits Up When the Economy is Down
Innovations In Collating Equipment
by: Renée Varella To meet customer demand for greater value, the quest for creative paper-handling and finishing technologies continues to accelerate. Advanced levels of automation remain key, shortening changeover times, reducing errors and labor costs, and providing more flexibility. Increased collaboration between conventional post press vendors and manufacturers of digital … [Read more...] about Innovations In Collating Equipment
10 Steps to Providing Fulfillment Services
by: Tom Quinn, Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association (MFSA) In the Summer 2008 issue, I discussed the potential benefits that might be realized through the addition of mailing and fulfillment services to a bindery operation. This article outlines the "How To" - a step-by-step process to starting a fulfillment operation. The following steps are presented in what is … [Read more...] about 10 Steps to Providing Fulfillment Services
80 Years Young at Dekker Bookbinding
by: Dianna Brodine The printed word has staying power. It can convey thoughts and action through the simple process of putting pen to paper, with ideas enduring for centuries - or as long as the paper remains undamaged. However, in the process of binding paper together, a series of thoughts and actions can be created "a story can be told" generations can be affected – and the … [Read more...] about 80 Years Young at Dekker Bookbinding
Cover Materials Go ‘Green’
by: Dianna Brodine Concern grows daily over the state of our natural resources and the impact is being felt in the printing industry. Driven by consumer desire for products that are "green," companies are taking action to utilize forest and water resources in a responsible manner. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) advocates for sustainable forestry and is leading the … [Read more...] about Cover Materials Go ‘Green’
Cutting for Efficiency
by: Rob Kuehl, Director of Product Management, Heidelberg USA, Inc. Don Quixote had Sancho Panza. Batman had Robin. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto in his hour of need. Like these famous pairs, automated cutter workflows are more efficient and more productive with a partner - paper-handling peripherals. Nothing is more fundamental to the success of a job than the efficient … [Read more...] about Cutting for Efficiency