Launched in 2019 by GirlsWhoPrint.net, Women’s Print HERstory Month returns in March of 2020. Girls Who Print is mobilizing women in the industry to speak up and share their career and success stories through social media.

Women’s Print HERstory Month coincides with Women’s History Month to align the telling of stories that inspire the females of print, as well as young women and students entering or considering the industry.

This mission also is a call to action to businesses across the print industry to put the female leaders who manage teams, develop technology and shatter sales targets front and center, and to share the achievements of these women in print with the world.

There are no limits on engaging with Women’s Print HERstory Month. Participants can create or share content in any form that celebrates the amazing women in the industry and broadcast it through social media with the hashtag #PrintHERstoryMonth. Content may be sent to Girls Who Print to post on their site. The Printerverse has a Girls Who Print podcast series, and many industry organizations have ‘Women in Print’ initiatives and events worth sharing in March.

Deborah Corn at Girls Who Print said: “Women’s Print HERstory Month is about women in print refusing to be drowned out by the male voices that dominate the narrative of our industry, and taking power for themselves by standing up and shouting, ‘This is what I do!’ Everyone can show their support by following the hashtag stream and engaging with the content. A ‘like’ or a reshare or a retweet is an acknowledgement that the achievements of women in print matter.”

Women’s Print HERStory Month isn’t just for corporations: print shops also need to set examples. Kelly Mallozzi, at Girls Who Print, explained why print businesses should share their female-led stories: “Simply put, you need to tell them and we need to hear them. The newer generations in the printing industry need all the help they can get in navigating their careers, building their development plan and setting themselves up for success. The more seasoned among us need to tell their stories because it helps shape the narrative of where we’ve been, where we are now and where we’re going.”

For more information, visit printmediacentr.com and girlswhoprint.net, or join the LinkedIn group linkedin.com/groups/1969742/.

“Welcome to Texas, y’all,” was the message sent by members of the North American corporate office team at Koenig & Bauer Durst to kick off The Independent Packaging Association AICC E-Commerce Xperience. More than 100 attendees arrived in Dallas for the three-day event. The firm, which hosted the pre-reception event on Feb. 18 at its corporate headquarters, provided a spread of authentic Texas fare, the opportunity to network between corrugated converters, staff and suppliers, and a host of technical experts to answer questions.

After Koenig & Bauer received an appreciation plaque from AICC president Mike D’Angelo, the group was welcomed by Robert Stabler, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Durst.

“On behalf of the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture we are very pleased to present our new product portfolio and provide a glimpse into our unique corrugated ink jet solutions,” he said. “We congratulate you on joining this important seminar where you’ll learn more about the newest trends in e-commerce and see how our company is responding to changing demands in the corrugated board market that require rapid and flexible solutions. There is so much at stake in our quickly developing digital packaging market.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to our corporate office in Dallas and extend some genuine Texas hospitality,” said Jeff Dietz, vice president of the Web & Specialty Press Division at Koenig & Bauer (US). “This intimate setting allowed attendees to learn about our new applications and see actual print samples that will further demonstrate our unique capabilities.”

Managing director Stabler addressed attendees during the conference in which he talked about the impact of e-commerce on the corrugated value chain. He provided insight into how converters should prepare for the industry transformation.

“We thank Koenig & Bauer Durst for hosting and welcoming our attendees in Dallas,” D’Angelo said. “The goal of the AICC E-Commerce Xperience was to bring together subject matter experts, brand owners, converters and suppliers to go in-depth on how best to be successful in this dynamic market. Entrepreneurial AICC members met and learned from the disrupters and challengers of retail, design and box business status quo.”

For more information, visit www.aiccbox.org and www.koenig-bauer.com.

Manufacturer of offset and digital presses Komori Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, with US headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has announced that it has signed a basic agreement with the MBO Group, a global company based in Germany that specializes in the manufacture and sale of postpress equipment, regarding the acquisition of a 100% equity stake in the latter with the aim of making it a Komori subsidiary. This information is voluntarily disclosed by Komori, as it does not fall under Tokyo Stock Exchange’s timely disclosure standards.

Since its founding in 1923, Komori has been engaged in the manufacture and sale of offset printing presses. Although Komori has developed the offset printing press business as its core operation, it is pushing ahead with transforming its business structure under the Sixth Medium-Term Management Plan (April 2019-March 2024) in line with the plan’s key strategy aimed at expanding Komori’s range of marketing.

In particular, Komori has been focused on developing the Print Engineering Service Provider (PESP) business since 2009. To embody the PESP business approach, Komori launched the marketing of paper cutters, diecutters, blanking machines, pile turning machines and other postpress equipment that supports package printing. These products are greatly helping resolve major issues printing companies are now confronting, such as labor shortages.

Germany-based MBO Group was founded in 1965 to manufacture paper folding machines, a type of machinery that performs an important postpress process. The MBO Group has operated in this field for more than a half-century, successfully commanding a considerable market share in Europe, the US and elsewhere. Today, the MBO Group boasts plants in two locations in Germany (Oppenweiler in southern Germany and Bielefeld in central Germany), as well as in Portugal. It also operates local subsidiaries in the US, France and China while maintaining collaboration with a variety of sales partners in countries around the globe. Taking full advantage of these networks, the MBO Group is currently engaged in the marketing of paper folding machines and the provision of after-sales services in more than 60 countries.

Products manufactured by the MBO Group are known for highly precise performance and superior productivity. The Group is distinguished by its technological capabilities in multiple fields, including paper folding for general commercial printing and inline processing, employing a combination of paper folding machines and digital printing systems (DPS). Furthermore, Herzog+Heymann, a subsidiary of the MBO Group, provides machinery designed to perform a complex folding process that handles thin paper and requires specialized technology unmatched by competitors. In recent years, the MBO Group also launched collaboration with robot makers, resulting in the creation of labor-saving systems as part of the MBO Group product lineup.

The MBO Group’s operations do not overlap with those undertaken by Komori. Through the acquisition of the equity stake in the MBO Group, Komori expects to be able to market unique products that will support its PESP business. Specifically, the inclusion of the aforementioned operations into Komori’s business portfolio will help it introduce postpress solutions for commercial printing, a new field for Komori. When coupled with IoT-based cloud solutions, KP-Connect that Komori is promoting on a global basis, the MBO Group’s products also will help provide customers with even more robust, seamless printing production systems that include postpress processing. Komori is also looking to develop new solutions through the combination of the MBO Group’s technologies and Komori’s DPS, offset printing presses and other key products.

For more information, visit www.komori-america.us/.

The Association for Print Technologies (APTech), Reston, Virginia, in partnership with technology company Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan, has announced the call for entries for the 12th annual Student Design Competition. This year’s challenge, “MAIL MATTERS,” focuses on the tactile component of marketing and the importance of personalization.

Well respected and frequently included in class curriculums, APTech’s Student Design Competition expands awareness and interest in the print industry and exposes the future workforce to print beyond theory. The competition encourages designers to go beyond digital renderings and showcase the use of printing enhancements to expand creativity and impact.

The theme was chosen to underscore the importance of tactile marketing; with strong studies showing that printed material offers a deeper level of involvement and response for a call-to-action. While the competition theme changes annually, the purpose of the Student Design Competition remains consistent: for the print industry to recognize the creativity and technical expertise of students around the country.

Award-winning mailers will be selected by a panel of industry judges who will evaluate the mailers based on the following judging criteria:

• Innovative (out-of-the-box thinking)
• Inspired (creative and original)
• Cohesive (design matches the personalized messaging)
• Engaging (strong call-to-action)
• Correct use of optional printing enhancements

In addition to industry exposure, students compete for six cash prizes and bragging rights. First place winners and their instructors will receive a travel stipend to attend Brand Print Americas 2020, Sept. 15-17. Additionally, the first place students will receive an award of $2,000 presented during Brand Print Americas. Second place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third place winners will receive $1,000.

All students who attend recognized secondary or post-secondary institutions in the continental US, studying in a graphic communications, printing, advertising, graphic design and/or interactive media program may enter.

Interested students can enter at www.PRINTtechnologies.org/SDC. For more information, visit www.PRINTtechnologies.org.

PRINTING United, Atlanta, Georgia, the most comprehensive expo and event showcase in the printing industry, announced that the event has already eclipsed the total square footage sold in 2019 and is on track to sell out again in 2020.

This second edition of the show — which brought the entire printing industry together for the first time under one roof in North America — will take place Oct. 21-23, 2020, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. As exhibitor space is selling quickly, sign up at https://pru20.exh.mapyourshow.com/6_0/boothsales/. View the live floor plan at https://pru20.mapyourshow.com/8_0/floorplan/.

At the Georgia World Congress Center, every printing segment — from commercial to industrial, packaging to apparel, and digital textiles to mailing and fulfillment — will be accessible to the industry at large in more than 1 million sq. ft. of show floor space. This means more technology, more innovation and more chances to collaborate in one place.

PRINTING United exhibitors have the unique opportunity to showcase a full range of their latest equipment to the industry’s foremost qualified buyers and decision makers, maximizing marketing spend. Additionally, new experiences are being added to PRINTING United to make for the best experience yet. The latest developments at the show include the Apparel Zone, Digital Textile Zone, Mailing and Fulfillment Center, and special, dedicated Community Receptions.

PRINTING United is the industry venue that draws in audiences the world over, across all industry verticals, together under one roof. There are countless opportunities for collaboration with OEMs, suppliers, printers, media, analysts and more. Exploring business development opportunities together ensures long-term growth and success for the entire industry.

“We knew that something special was born at PRINTING United last October when we haven’t seen a bit of slowdown by the community in the desire to be a part of this year’s upcoming event in Atlanta,” says Mark J. Subers, president-exhibitions and events, SGIA/NAPCO Media. “It is still early in 2020, and the show floor has already surpassed our space in 2019. We are committed to delivering the best possible experience for the entire industry and are excited for what’s to come.”

For more information, visit www.PRINTINGUnited.com. If you are interested in joining the PRINTING United movement, please visit printingunited.com/exhibit or email exhibit@printingunited.com.

API Americas Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of foils, laminates and holographic materials, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code on Feb. 2, 2020, to facilitate asset sales and/or orderly wind-downs of business.

API Group businesses had been working to manage significant adverse changes within their industries and the loss of major customers. On Jan. 31, 2020, API Group Limited and certain of its affiliates commenced administration proceedings in the United Kingdom. API Group also announced that for API Americas Inc., they were continuing to explore strategic alternatives.

Information for vendors and customers regarding API Americas Inc., its Foils and Laminates business units, and the Chapter 11 case can be found at http://cases.stretto.com/api.

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), Fairfax, Virginia, has announced that longtime printing industry marketing and sales executive Jack Noonan has joined the organization as vice president of business development. In this newly created role, Noonan will oversee PRINTING United exposition exhibitor and sponsorship partnerships for SGIA, strengthen existing communities, develop dedicated postal and packaging sector participation, and help explore new business opportunities for the annual event in the combined graphic arts industries.

PRINTING United is the most comprehensive printing industry expo and event showcase in the Americas and takes place in Atlanta on October 21-23, 2020.

“Jack has been a major supporter of SGIA and NAPCO Media for years,” said Mark J. Subers, president – exhibitions and events, SGIA/NAPCO Media. “While we’ve always considered him an extension of our team, we are pleased to be able to officially welcome him on board. His knowledge of the industry, extensive relationships and business acumen will help in our collective efforts in continuing to serve the industry and build a future of new opportunity for everyone in the marketplace.”

Noonan’s industry experience extends from entrepreneurial Adobe-funded Silicon Valley ventures to enterprise roles with organizations such as Eastman Kodak. He most recently worked with MGI and global partner Konica Minolta on international marketing and business development initiatives. He has held positions in the printing and packaging industries for over 20 years. He also co-founded a postal intelligence and mailing data analytics firm called “Is It There Yet?” that, for 10 years, worked closely with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Noonan also serves on the USPS Mailers Technical Advisory Committee and the TLMI Marketing Committee, among other industry association involvement.

“It is an honor to join the nonprofit, mission-driven SGIA organization at such a vital time in our industry,” said Noonan. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with both the SGIA and NAPCO Media teams throughout my career. So, this is a natural evolution of participating in their vision and strategy for the printing marketplace. SGIA and NAPCO Media brought the printing industry together last year with PRINTING United in an unprecedented way. With our team’s support, I hope to grow the audience and establish strong, long-term alliances, particularly across the postal and packaging segments.”

For more information, visit www.SGIA.org.

Synthetic paper manufacturer Yupo Corporation America, Chesapeake, Virginia, was recognized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA), the New York-based graphic arts industry magazine, with a national industry award for design creativity and technical printing excellence. The American Graphic Design Awards™ recognizes outstanding work of all kinds across all media.

Yupo received the 2019 award for its branded 2020 desk calendar. Gordon Kay, editor and publisher of GDUSA, said roughly 10,000 entries were submitted, yet after a highly selective process, less than 10% were recognized as award winners. Given annually to clients, vendors, suppliers and friends as a holiday gift, Yupo’s calendar is known for its use of striking illustrations and eye-popping photography enhanced by textured applications, finishes and print processes.

For more information, visit www.yupousa.com.

Baumer hhs GmbH, Krefeld, Germany, a manufacturer of industrial gluing systems, announced that it has successfully defended its patented Plug & Glue system.

The methodology, developed in 2006, allows hot melt units to configure themselves automatically. Baumer hhs was granted patent protection for the system under patent EP 20 547 85 B1 in Europe, CN 101506751B in China, JP5436210B2 in Japan and US9840643B2 in the US. Nordson Corporation later filed a notice of opposition on the EP patent.

The European Patent Office in its first-instance decision confirmed the patentability of the innovation, in response to which Nordson filed an appeal. On Nov. 2, 2019, a decision in favor of Baumer hhs was issued, upholding the validity of a modified version of the European Patent.

For more information, visit www.baumerhhs.com.