In the wake of its successful launch in Montréal this spring, TC Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B) announces the expansion of raddar, the reinvented flyer, across Québec as well as in areas of Ontario and British Columbia. raddar™ is a thin leaflet folded in four that combines flyers from various retailers into a single printed product. Distributed via Canada Post, raddar™ greatly reduces the volume of paper used. With raddar™ and its digital platform raddar.ca, consumers can benefit from the best of both worlds. Between February and May 2024, raddar™ will be rolled out gradually across the province of Québec, replacing Publisac. This will add 2.8 million households to the 1 million copies of raddar™ already distributed in the Greater Montreal area.

Kodak is proud to announce Mercury Print Productions as its first customer for the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press. Mercury, based in Rochester, NY, USA, has chosen the fastest inkjet web press currently available on the market to significantly expand its high-volume digital printing capacity. Mercury has been a user of KODAK PROSPER Technology Solutions since 2011, printing up to 10 million pages per day. The renowned print service provider will use the new PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press for a wide range of print jobs, including educational, trade and children’s books, personalized direct mail, marketing collateral, transactional documents as well as short to medium-run packaging requiring variable print.

Sun Chemical has launched its new groundbreaking ‘Pace’ technology platform for sheetfed offset inks. SunPak FSP, Sun Chemical’s flagship sheetfed offset low migration ink for food packaging, will be the first ink to transition to the new technology with the launch of SunPak FSP EcoPace. The inks are designed to support optimal productivity on high-speed modern printing machines and have strong sustainability credentials. In an era marked by faster machines, lower-quality papers, cost pressures, and sustainability goals, printers are encountering more challenges than ever before. Sun Chemical recognises these challenges and, as a result, is introducing this revolutionary ink based on innovative binder technology providing higher body and lower tack. The benefit of the new technology has been proven through rigorous long-term testing to deliver the highest levels of productivity, the lowest applied cost, and the best overall sustainability benefits. Sun Chemical’s dedication to compliance and certifications also ensures that Sun Chemical’s products not only meet but exceed current regulatory requirements. Pace technology delivers Sun Chemical’s most sustainable offerings yet. This is achieved through a dual approach of selecting vegetable oil based formulations in which PTFE wax is not used. These formulations deliver the highest bio-renewable content (BRC) supplemented by exceptional performance on press that ensures minimal wastage of paper/board and subsequently reduced usage of energy and solvent wash through fewer stoppages.

*Reported revenue decreased 3.1% including impact from divestitures, while comparable adjusted revenue was flat year-over-year *Third quarter GAAP diluted EPS was ($0.18) while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.79 *Net loss of $8.0 million including restructuring and other charges in the quarter, down from net income of $14.7 million in the prior year

Kirkwood, a premier full-service integrated communications provider, and DGI Communications, a premier full-service audio visual and technology solutions proudly announce the sale of DGI’s Invisuals print division to Kirkwood. Since 1994, DGI Invisuals has been a distinguished leader in the field, and one of the largest providers of large-format and graphic solutions in New England. This noteworthy development underscores Kirkwood and DGI’s shared dedication to meeting their expanding customer requirements while maintaining a leading position in the ever-changing landscape of their core businesses. Following the transaction, DGI Communications will remain focused on growing their rapidly expanding audio-visual integration, consulting and technology business. Established in 1994, DGI Invisuals has consistently delivered high-quality visual communication products and services, serving a diverse range of industries, including retail, government, finance, education, healthcare, architecture/LEED certifications, corporate, ad agencies, museums, sporting venues, food service, vehicle wraps, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and non-profits.

*Reported Net Sales of $700 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $830 million in the third quarter of 2022, and Net Loss of $3 million in the third quarter of 2023, or $0.06 diluted loss per share, compared to Net Earnings and diluted earnings per share of $14 million and $0.27 in the third quarter of 2022, respectively. *Increased Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities by $71 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. *Increased Free Cash Flow by $61 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, including $27 million of Free Cash Flow generation in the third quarter of 2023. *Reduced Net Debt by $132 million over the last 12 months to end the third quarter with a Debt Leverage Ratio of 2.36x, which is within the company’s long-term targeted leverage range of 2.0x – 2.5x.

In today's printing industry, the concept of innovation is wide in definition, but rather narrow in its goal. Leading companies grasp many tools to define themselves, increase profitability, and differentiate themselves. They utilize new technologies, systems integration, novel human resources practices, diversification, exemplary customer services, and so much more. The six companies included in the 2023 class of Printing Impressions’ Innovators of the Year were nominated by printing industry experts and consultants who identified them as notables. The business tactics and philosophies they employ may provide some inspiration to take your company to similar, greater heights. The summary of Bradford & Bigelow that follows shares what makes this company innovative, interesting, and exceptional. The insight it presents may provide the inspiration you need to take your company to a new level, or in a new direction.

Tweddle Group has been named a 2023 Top Workplaces winner. The Top Workplaces program—administered by Energage—boasts a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating organizations that have built people-first workplace cultures. Energage surveys companies nationally and across 60 regional markets to identify the best for each industry sector. Their 2023 Top Workplaces win identifies Tweddle Group as one of the best places to work in the Technology Industry. “We’re proud to see our work environment recognized,” said Tweddle Group President Todd Headlee. “The Tweddle Group team operates at a very high level and has been doing so for nearly 70 years now. They show a tremendous spirit while offering one of the broadest solution suites available to our manufacturing clients. It’s a rare combination. This award is a testament to the quality of our people.”

The Sheridan Worzalla printing facility, which specializes in high-quality children’s books, cookbooks, and hardcover best sellers, is celebrating the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer. This is the 18th book from the #1 international bestselling series Diary of a Wimpy Kid by author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney, and published by Abrams. Sheridan Worzalla has been the domestic manufacturing headquarters of the popular series since the first book. “We are proud to be entrusted to print the next installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series,” said Paul Bozuwa, President of Sheridan. “With our dedication to maintaining quality printing standards, we cannot wait for Wimpy Kid fans to get the latest edition in their hands.” Publisher Abrams announced No Brainer in the spring of 2023 so that Sheridan Worzalla could plan for the production of millions of copies of the 224-page hardcovered young adult fiction book.

Etimark, a label and package printer based in Switzerland, has made the switch from mercury to UV LED curing for its presses after adopting Flint Group’s EkoCure® Dual Cure ink range. Etimark, known for its customised package printing solutions, made a milestone decision to start using LED curing ink after realising how it could increase print speed, process security, and sustainability while reducing maintenance requirements. Since installing its first LED press in 2020, the international specialist in customised packaging printing transitioned all its production to the EkoCure® Dual Cure ink system in just one year and is now reaping the benefits of this innovative technology. Etimark’s transition to using EkoCure® Dual Cure ink across its LED presses is detailed in a new video that can be found with this link: https://bit.ly/3F126tx

Q3 2023 • Revenue of $1.65 billion, down 5.7 percent, or 7.4 percent in constant currency. • GAAP net income of $49 million, or $0.28 per share, up $432 million or $2.76 per share, yearover-year, respectively. • Operating cash flow of $124 million, up $132 million year-over-year. • Free cash flow of $112 million, up $130 million year-over-year. • Announces Reinvention, expected to deliver improvement in adjusted operating income of at least $300 million by 2026.

PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, announces that AlphaGraphics has joined the association. AlphaGraphics is a franchised chain of 270 independently owned and operated marketing service providers with full-service print shops. The partnership was officially signed at PRINTING United Expo, taking place in Atlanta on October 18-20. For more information about Alliance membership, visit: www.printing.org/membership. The Alliance serves industry professionals with preeminent education and training through its unparalleled iLEARNING+ online learning platform; comprehensive workshops; highly-sought after research; legislative and regulatory advocacy; HR-related issues; environmental, health, and safety resources and guidance; as well as impactful content through its leading powerhouse media brands. Joining the Alliance provides AlphaGraphics franchisees across the United States with immediate access to all of these premier member programs and services.

At PRINTING United Expo this week, Ashley Roberts, managing editor at PRINTING United Alliance, ran an informative panel session taking a closer look at driving direct mail results using embellishments. She was joined by Tim Armstrong, the founder of Flowcode; Scott Evans, president and CEO of Kenmore Envelope; and Chris Matthews, account manager for Scentisphere. In general, the panel agreed that if there is one thing attendees can take away from the session, it’s that direct mail is a powerful way to connect to individual consumers, forging connections that an online presence alone simply can’t match. But to take direct mail even further and drive response rates up to 30% or more, embellishments are the way to go. Evans noted that “the big trends we’re seeing right now are that embellishments are real, and the drive real response.

Ennis, Inc. is pleased to announce its acquisition of Eagle Graphics, Inc. from Annville, PA and Diamond Graphics, Inc. from Bensalem, PA. Since 1976, Eagle Graphics has specialized in fulfilling the commercial printing needs of its customers. Some of Eagle Graphics capabilities include 8-color UV web printing, digital printing, security printing, jumbo rolls, traditional forms and direct mail. Diamond Graphics, founded in 1999, specializes in Direct Mail printing and has a combination of presses that allow for flexibility. Diamond is known for their Direct Mail printing and the high-volume padding done for the non-profit industry.

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced the new upcoming1 varioPRINT iX1700 B3+ size inkjet digital sheetfed press, designed to deliver an exceptional combination of high print quality and fast, efficient production for the demanding commercial, in-plant, and direct mail print markets. Introduced as an expansion of Canon’s broad digital press portfolio, the varioPRINT iX1700 color inkjet production press joins the varioPRINT iX-series within Canon’s sheetfed inkjet portfolio, combining the flexibility of sheetfed printing with production inkjet. Engineered for reliable, high productivity and consistent, high quality, the new press will be based on a compelling blend of brand new and proven Canon technologies.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is pleased to announce an upcoming1 product, the LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press, which is being designed to serve the surging demand for digital, high-quality label converting. This inkjet press implements many newly developed Canon technologies highlighted by high-density aqueous ink, printhead, advanced fixing system and a variety of automation features to support efficient production. The entry into the U.S. label printing market is a natural evolution to support current multi-discipline print providers and expand into new markets. Our entry is built on the success of delivering high quality roll-to-roll and sheet-fed inkjet solutions via a network of strong customer support.

SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd. announces its cooperation with KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc. in the development of the Truepress JET S320, an A3 sheetfed digital inkjet printer. The Truepress JET S320 prototype will make its debut at PRINTING United Expo October 18–20, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. In recent years, especially in the commercial printing and publishing markets, there has been a shift toward businesses utilizing digital printing technology. This change is driven by a broader societal shift toward businesses that leverage digital data. In contrast to the traditional production of broadcast-style advertisements and prediction-based mass production, there is now a demand for data-driven targeting and personalized advertising materials. This shift has resulted in a move toward production that involves printing only the necessary quantity at the required time, often with targeted messaging.

In the dynamic world of printing and finishing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. One remarkable achievement in this quest is the completion of our training on the Primera Pro Saddle Stitcher, a significant milestone for our team here at Schumann Printers, Inc. (SPI). This state-of-the-art machine has been an investment in both technology and skill development, and we are proud to announce that it is now up and running, ready to elevate the quality and efficiency of our printing and finishing processes. The Primera Pro Saddle Stitcher is a high-performance finishing machine that combines precision, speed, and versatility. It is designed to handle various print finishing tasks, but its primary function is saddle stitching. Saddle stitching is a binding technique that is commonly used for booklets, brochures, magazines, and catalogs. With the Primera Pro, we have not only embraced this technique but also have the capability to execute it flawlessly.

Tweddle Group announced a new vendor agreement with Harbinger, a leading manufacturer of best-in-class electric vehicle (EV) technologies, allowing Harbinger clients to offer a cost-effective solution for adding EV options to their commercial medium-duty EV and RV product lines. Tweddle Group will provide Harbinger with service manual content, labor operations development, body builders guide, incomplete vehicle manual, electronic parts catalog content, a web-accessible parts catalog interface, and a vehicle service web portal to house and distribute product information.

When brother and sister duo Fuzzy and Tami Marek took over their father’s business, they dove headfirst into an industry they weren’t the most familiar with. Fast forward almost 20 years later and the siblings have transformed the family business into an industry leader in field sales effectiveness and marketing execution services. If you ask Fuzzy Marek, CEO and co-owner of Waukesha, Wisconsin-based The Marek Group, he says that if his father were to see the company today, he wouldn’t recognize it — but that’s not a bad thing. “My father started the company in the early '70s. It was primarily a very small, couple person lettershop in Milwaukee. He started it and grew it over time, but it was primarily in the commercial print and fulfillment space,” Marek says.

Two UK newspapers have found a way of coping with ever-rising print costs. News UK and DMG Media propose to form a joint venture to combine their printing operations. This would include the printing operations of Newsprinters (News UK) and DMG Media printing sites in Thurrock (Essex) and Dinnington (South Yorkshire). A new company would be created to run the combined print operations. Specifically, the three current Newsprinters sites in Broxbourne (Hertfordshire), Knowsley (Merseyside) and Eurocentral (Glasgow) would be retained. This could mean closure of the DMG Media sites in Thurrock and Dinnington.