Printers warn on growing paper shortages (ft.com)

Goss International’s printing press business and manroland web systems, both manufacturers and service providers of web offset printing systems for newspapers, commercial products and packaging, are planning to combine their complementary businesses. The combined company will benefit from the companies’ complementary geographic footprints, create extensive synergies, ensure long-term viability, and provide value-oriented solutions, especially in the area of aftermarket services. In the future, the new entity will be a strong business partner to all international web printers. Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed by the middle of 2018. The Contiweb business of Goss International is not included in this transaction (see below for additional details on Contiweb). Click Read More below for additional information.

Quad/Graphics, Inc. announced it will promote Dave Honan to Chief Operating Officer from Chief Financial Officer, and Tony Staniak to Chief Financial Officer from Vice President of Finance. This announcement, part of a planned executive transition process, precedes the retirement of current Chief Operating Officer Tom Frankowski, who will depart Quad on December 31, 2021, after a 42-year career with the Company. “Quad has incredible bench strength on our executive leadership team to continue driving forward our growth and success as a marketing solutions partner,” said Joel Quadracci, Quad Chairman, President & CEO. “Over the past many years, Dave Honan has been deeply involved in developing and guiding our remarkable transformation strategy. He led the design of our capital structure and corporate development activity that positively shaped our transformation and put us in a position of increased strength. In his new role, Dave will draw on his previous operations experience in the manufacturing and service industries. He will focus on connecting our entire operational organization to take advantage of the momentum building in our Sales and Marketing efforts. I look forward to Dave’s leadership and contributions, especially in bringing together our people, processes and products to drive performance. He recognizes the key drivers of success for our business, which include engaging and retaining employees, and perpetually innovating to drive top-line revenue and productivity enhancements across our entire integrated platform. Through our continued partnership I am certain we will create a better way for all our stakeholders.”

When Tonya Kowa-Morelli took over the reigns at Huston Patterson, her family’s privately owned package printing business in August 2013, the industry as a whole was still rebounding from economic and digital challenges. But in those past four years, she has re-shaped and re-invigorated the company to compete effectively and efficiently posting double-digit sales and demonstrating that the next generation within the family has the leadership chops to continue its fast-paced growth. Kowa-Morelli, the third generation to operate the business, was named president of the firm after serving in various sales, marketing and leadership roles for nine years. In her first year as president, her sales team notched a 30% increase while reducing spoilage and seeing increased efficiency in the pressroom. Under her guidance both Illinois facilities---Huston Patterson in Decatur and Sigma Graphics in Ottawa---continue to add the latest technology to benefit their clients. This month under her watchful eyes, Kowa-Morelli signed a contract for a new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164 64-inch eight-color press with coating to be installed later this year at its 110,000 sq ft Decatur facility. Click Read More below for additional information.