Dani Neece - TLMI

Mark Andy Investment in Future Workforce Pays Off with Record Attendance at Student Open House ·

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

The annual Student Open House, organized by Mark Andy at its Technology Center in Warsaw (Poland), was a resounding success. This year’s event, which took place on April 11, gathered a record number of participants, with more than 170 students attending from print-oriented high schools and technical universities, accompanied by faculty representatives. Five institutions were represented: the Department of Printing Technology at the Institute of Mechanics and Printing at Warsaw University of Technology, the Armia Krajowa Printing and Mechanical School Complex in Katowice, the Center for Vocational and Continuing Education in Pionki, the Ignacy Moscicki School Complex in Zielonka, and Technical School No. 11 named after Piotr Wysocki in Warsaw.

You can watch a video of the event on Mark Andy’s LinkedIn profile

“Events devoted to young people entering the world of print are always special to us,” said Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy, who welcomed guests to the Technology Center. “We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s event exceeded our greatest expectations. We enjoyed record-breaking attendance, with more than 170 students and pupils visiting us in a single day. That’s 50% more than we hosted last year in two separate events.

Chmielewska-Bontron adds that the attendance reflects the growing appeal of the printing and labeling industry and an increasing awareness among educational institutions that practical experience is as important as theoretical knowledge.

Mark Andy prepared live demos for two of the narrow-web printing presses installed at its Technology Center. The presentations, led by Sales Manager Lukasz Chruslinski, introduced students to the unique features of each press. The demos included Mark Andy’s Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 – the world’s fastest hybrid UV inkjet press dedicated to label production; and Mark Andy’s ProSeries flexo model. The ProSeries demos were supported by DuPont, a partner for the event, who supplied the flexo printing plates.

Lukasz Chruslinski explained the construction of each press, their target markets and applications, and how these impact on Mark Andy’s diverse product portfolio. In his introduction, he also referred to the current trends in the label industry. “Our lives, both personal and business, are driven by constant change. We’re bombarded with stimuli and factors beyond our control. This naturally affects our behavior as consumers responding to packaging and labels. Ultimately, technological change affects production for printers and converters. That’s why we’re seeing the growing popularity of linerless labels, fueled by increased demand for food-to-go/ready-to-eat meals, and RFID tags, which are becoming standard in a wide range of retail stores.”

He adds that as a leading manufacturer of narrow-web presses and complementary solutions, Mark Andy is focused on staying ahead of these changes, aligning with its belief that ‘Your Growth is Our Growth’.

Mark Andy sales, printing, and service specialists made themselves available for several hours to engage with students, and the interest was high: “To see so many students and pupils actively engaged, asking questions, joining discussions, and looking closely at the presses made for a great day, adds Chmielewska-Bontron.” The samples of various designs of printed labels, substrates, and finishing/embellishment options also attracted huge interest. One of the highlights was real-time label printing on Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 hybrid press, with plenty of photos taken during the event.

Przemyslaw Polkowski, General Manager at Mark Andy Europe concluded: “We’d like to thank all the students, pupils and faculty staff for their attendance. Their interest, enthusiasm and engagement were of a truly high level this year. This fills us with pride and gives us hope for the future development of our industry. Training and education are key factors in this process, and we are committed to playing an ongoing role, which means we are already looking forward to welcoming print-oriented schools and universities to the next Students Open House in 2026 – so, see you then!”

About Mark Andy Inc.

Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

HEIDELBERG Technology Powers Seaway’s Industry-Leading Efficiency & Continued Success

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: Heidelberg

Kennesaw, Ga. April 15, 2025 – Recognized as one of the world’s most productive printers¹, Seaway strives to “combine technology and process automation to elevate what’s possible in print.” The award-winning producer of saddle-stitched and perfect-bound books and magazines recently relocated to a new facility in DePere, WI, effectively doubling its production capacity to support its growing business. Known for its commitment to cutting-edge technology, Seaway has become a model of automation. Recent investments in HEIDELBERG technology across all stages of production – prepress, press, and postpress – have significantly reduced manual operator interventions and improved efficiency, enabling each machine in its shop to be operated by just one person.

Most Sophisticated Press to Date

Seaway currently boasts three Speedmaster XL 106s from HEIDELBERG, including its most sophisticated press to date – the Speedmaster XL 106-8P installed in 2024. Its newest XL 106 is the first in the US to feature Plate to Unit, a fully automatic robotic plate logistics system. This innovative technology, which automates both the delivery and removal of ready-to-hang plates, not only reduces the operator’s workload but also improves plate change reliability – minimizing the risk of plate scratches and helping to reduce paper waste.

The Plate to Unit process begins with Prinect Production, which manages the entire production workflow, from job creation to plate output – automating tasks like job imposition, color management, and plate exposure settings. Additionally, these systems efficiently organize and schedule plate production with Prinect Scheduler and Plate Pilot according to Seaway’s press schedule, ensuring the correct plates for each scheduled job are assigned to the right plate trolleys and then transferring this information to the press. Each plate trolley, which can hold up to ten jobs or eighty plates, is then brought to the press, where plates are automatically placed in and removed from the printing unit without operator intervention.

Seaway’s plate preparation process is further streamlined by two new Suprasetter 106 CtPs, which are equipped with automatic inline bending and punching. Prior to installation, Seaway, who processes 17,000 plates a month, frequently experienced bottlenecks due to manually bending and organizing plates. “There were touchpoints where a person wasn’t adding value to the process,” explained Vice President Ian Heslin. “The automatic bending and sorting eliminate the need for extra handling – resulting in less damaged plates.”

Thanks to the combined efficiency of Prinect and Suprasetter technologies, Ian stated that Seaway’s team has been able to go “lights out” on plate production, even reallocating one person per shift from the plateroom to more valuable positions on the manufacturing floor.

High Automation, High Achiever

Seaway’s highly advanced XL 106 is equipped with additional efficiency boosting peripherals, including non-stop pile changing in the delivery for uninterrupted production of long runs, even at high speeds; Prinect Inpress Control 3 for automatic, inline color control; and the fourth generation CutStar inline sheeter. By using rolls instead of cut sheets, Seaway eliminates the operators’ need to reload the feeder – increasing press availability by two and a half times. The company then connected its CutStar system with the new Contiweb splicer, which eliminates changeover time between rolls, and saves the company 35-50 minutes every eight-hour shift.

Pursuing even further efficiency gains, the XL 106 features Prinect Inspection Control 4, which detects and manages print defects on both sides of the sheet in perfecting mode, at top speeds. During the print run, if a sheet is found to be outside the specified Delta E tolerance or identified as waste, the waste extraction system (tied to the Device Assistant) removes the sheet into a shredding system – ensuring only perfect sheets are delivered to the final stack.

This highly automated press configuration means, without sacrificing quality or run speed, only one press operator is needed per shift. Additionally, thanks to truly autonomous production via Push to Stop, even Seaway’s newest operators can quickly reach the highest levels of productivity and quality from the press. As a result, Seaway has seen a 20% increase in productivity compared to its 2018 eight-color perfecter, achieving an Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of 70% with its newest XL 106 – well above the industry average of 25% for offset printing. This accomplishment is even more impressive given Seaway’s average run length is just 3,200 sheets, and two out of three shifts are managed by operators who have less than six months of experience.

“We designed this press so an operator never needs to be in a particular place, at a particular time to maintain productivity,” said President Kevin Heslin. “The automation creates a buffer, enabling operators to manage the overall production process while the machine handles individual tasks, such as moving the pile at the delivery or changing a roll when it runs out, without constant operator intervention.”

Efficiency – From Start to Finish

Seaway’s autonomous production continues into finishing, where it is equipped with three “Push to Stop” Stahlfolder TH-Ps that change from one folded signature to the next without operator intervention. The folders are complemented by three StackStar P robotic stacking systems (formerly P-Stackers) that autonomously move signature piles from the folder’s delivery onto a pallet.

“Installing the StackStar P made us realize the extent of the operators’ time spent offloading materials from the folder onto pallets,” said Ian. “It had an even bigger impact on our finishing operations than we anticipated.”

The combination of the two technologies enables Seaway, who folds over 100,000 signatures per shift per folder, to run all its folders and stacking systems with only two operators. He added, “Now that the operators are free to monitor and adjust the folders, we can truly maximize running speeds.”

Innovation is Key to Competitiveness

The Heslins’ keen focus on investing in the latest technology has contributed to the company’s consistent 15-20% growth each year for the past decade. To keep up with its growing business and incoming requests from new customers, Seaway recently built a new facility nearly twice the size of its former space with an additional twelve acres for future expansion. The move doubles the production capacity for both the company’s offset and digital inkjet businesses.

According to Kevin, “Ongoing investment in automated technology is essential for staying competitive in the market and achieving our growth and profitability goals. Without it, reaching our productivity targets – particularly on the short-run work that has become our specialty – wouldn’t be possible.”

This focus on automation has not only helped the company tackle the labor shortage in the market but has also attracted a younger, more technologically inclined workforce. “We’re not going out of our way to recruit a younger crew,” explained Ian, “but when people come in here and see the new equipment, they’re more excited to work here than other manufacturing jobs in the area.”

Looking ahead, Seaway continues to identify new ways to streamline efficiency in its shop and works closely with HEIDELBERG’s R&D department on new technologies. The company recently started using a new multi-dot screen technology that both reduces the amount of ink used during the press run and creates a sharper dot. The first in the US to use the technology, Kevin said it has helped the press get to color quicker and keeps color more stable on press.

In all, running a highly productive plant helps Seaway lower its manufacturing costs and enables the company to achieve turnaround times on jobs that would prove challenging for most of its competitors. The Heslins said, “HEIDELBERG machines are unmatched in day-by-day production and have been proven to hold up to consistently running at their limits. HEIDELBERG is always very willing to listen to our recommendations for improvements and has been extremely helpful in helping us get the most out of our machines.”

Based on data collected from connected HEIDELBERG presses worldwide

About Seaway

Seaway is a world-class producer of printed and bound products and has been a trusted industry partner for decades. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Seaway specializes in producing publications, books, booklets and manuals for publishers, associations and national distribution partners. As a print leader in the U.S., Seaway Printing is a G7 Master Printer, the industry’s top certification for credibility, quality, and consistency.

About HEIDELBERG:

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years. With a clear focus on growth, HEIDELBERG as a total solution provider is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions and the lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency.

The company is also focusing on expanding into new business areas such as high-precision plant engineering with integrated control, automation technology and robotics as well as the growing green technologies. With a strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its around 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China and the USA and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is well-positioned for future growth.

www.heidelberg.com

XAAR REBASELINES SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS FOR IMPROVED ESG ROADMAP

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: XAAR

Cambridge, 15^th April 2025 – Xaar is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability with the announcement of a rebaselined ESG Roadmap, setting ambitious yet achievable targets to drive meaningful environmental, social, and governance impact.

The Group’s first Sustainability Roadmap was launched in 2020 and Xaar has made considerable progress in the five years since, being on track to hit its target of a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Following a review of the requirements to complete Scope 3, the business has extended its timeline to 2050. In addition, all activity undertaken will be stated in Xaar’s ESG Report reflecting the broader canvas of the Group’s current and future activity.

The decision to rebaseline signifies Xaar’s learnings during this period, as well as acknowledging recent regulatory and market changes. “Our research indicates that the majority of governments and companies have publicly set 2050 as their end date, and even those that are promising an earlier timeframe don’t go sooner than 2040,” said Graham Tweedale, Xaar’s Chief Operating Officer.

“Our revised target aligns with industry best practices and ensures a pragmatic, achievable approach to reducing emissions, by prioritizing the areas – such as energy and waste – that will deliver the biggest impact, soonest.”

The updated roadmap has been created with the support of the wider Xaar organization, and input from stakeholders across the business’ supply chain.

To make it as robust as possible, Xaar undertook an extensive materiality analysis to determine exactly what internal and external stakeholders deemed most important and substantive. Amongst the groups Xaar consulted were customers, suppliers, STEM and charity partners, and its employees.

This was supported by a deep dive into historical data to deliver the best possible understanding of Xaar’s sustainability during the baseline year, 2019.

Workshops were attended by representatives from across the business – with 341 ideas shared and used to clarify and refine the roadmap.

“Based on such a thorough process – and with five years of learnings since the original roadmap – we’re confident that the rebaselined ESG Roadmap is accurate, achievable, and better aligned with the needs of our business, employees and customers,” said Graham Tweedale.

While the timeline may have changed, Xaar’s ESG Roadmap goes beyond regulatory requirements in order to future-proof the company’s ability to offer best-in-class, sustainable technologies to customers. “As a key player in the supply chain of many industries, we are playing an active role in supporting customers’ own sustainability initiatives – for example, through inkjet innovations that reduce waste or require less energy,” confirmed Graham.

This thinking is embedded in the four pillars established by Xaar in 2020 – Environment, People, Innovation and Community. The latest Roadmap adds a fifth pillar, Governance, to reflect the increasing weight attached to this area.

To download Xaar’s new ESG report: https://www.xaargroup.com/media/e0nh0af4/esg-report-2024-full.pdf

About Xaar
Xaar is an inkjet innovator, providing printheads and technologies for OEM and UDI customers worldwide.

By helping customers lay down precise volumes of inks and fluids with absolute pin-point accuracy, time after time, Xaar’s inkjet printheads and technologies meet the needs of numerous markets. Covering graphics, labelling, direct-to-shape, packaging, textiles, coatings, product decoration, ceramic tile and glass decoration, décor, and outer case coding applications – as well as printing with specialist functional fluids for 3D and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Collaboration is at the very core of its business. Xaar works as a trusted partner from sites in Europe and China, providing expert insights and technical support every step of the way.

With over 30 years’ experience, around 200 patents registered or pending, and major ongoing R&D investment, Xaar’s digital printhead and precision jetting technologies create infinite opportunities for today’s sustainable manufacturing innovation.

Wausau Coated Products Announces Relocation of Las Vegas Facility

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: Wausau Coated Products

Wausau, WI – April 14, 2025 — Wausau Coated Products Inc., an independent family-owned and operated, leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is excited to announce the relocation of its Las Vegas Facility to a larger and more advanced space. The new facility, located at 2600 W. Carey Ave, Building D, North Las Vegas, NV 89032 part of Windsor Commerce Park, will occupy 46,000 square feet, significantly expanding its operational footprint.

“We are excited about this move as it represents a significant milestone in our growth journey,” said Ben Reif, President and CEO of Wausau Coated Products. “The larger facility will enable us to better serve our customers with the same great service they have come to expect from us, as well as expand our capacity for slitting and distribution. This relocation is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients.”

The new facility will allow Wausau Coated Products to enhance its production capabilities, slitting capacity, increase storage space to grow with our customers, and streamline operations, ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality products efficiently. The move is set to take place May 12th – May 16th.

This relocation underscores Wausau Coated Products’ ongoing growth and commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our valued customers.

About Wausau Coated Products:

Wausau Coated Products, Inc. is an independent family owned and operated manufacturing company with distribution facilities located throughout the USA and Mexico as well as distribution channels throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Australia. As a leading manufacturer of adhesive-based products, Wausau Coated is a one-stop resource worldwide for premium quality stocked products and custom engineered constructions to meet customer specific applications and end user needs. For more information on Wausau Coated Products, visit our website: http://www.wausaucoated.com.

Momentum Builds in Mexico Following Mark Andy’s Standout Presence at Labelexpo Mexico

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, April 14, 2025 – Mark Andy, the leading global printing and labels solutions company, is celebrating a successful return to Labelexpo Mexico 2025, held April 1 – 3 in Guadalajara. The show marked a significant milestone for the company with a packed booth, a dynamic open house event, and the official launch of its enhanced service model in Mexico.

Mark Andy welcomed visitors to Booth C65, where attendees experienced live demonstrations of the Evolution Series E5 flexo press and a full lineup of finishing equipment from Rotoflex, including the VSI 330, VPM 200 Plate Mounter, and Anilox Roll Cleaner. Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) representatives were also onsite, showcasing the company’s growing portfolio of pressroom consumables and supplies.

“Our presence in Mexico is stronger than ever,” said John Vigna, LATAM Sales Manager for Mark Andy. “From the traffic in our booth to the energy at our customer event, we saw firsthand the enthusiasm for Mark Andy technology and support.”

To kick off the show, Mark Andy hosted a “Tacos & Drinks” Open House on April 1 at the facility of long-time customer and partner Etipress. Guests were treated to an exclusive demo of the Digital Series HD press in a production environment and heard directly from CEO Duane Pekar and other company leaders on the company’s commitment to the region, including new initiatives to enhance customer experience in Latin America.

One of the key highlights of Labelexpo Mexico 2025 was the formal announcement of Mark Andy’s new service organization in Mexico, powered by a strategic partnership with Canvitech. This move introduces a locally based, Mark Andy-trained technical team, providing in-country parts availability, faster response times, and expert support across flexo, digital, and finishing solutions.

“This expansion is about putting customers first,” said Duane Pekar, CEO of Mark Andy. “We’re investing in the people, resources, and infrastructure needed to deliver faster service and greater peace of mind for converters across Mexico.”

About Mark Andy Inc.

As the world’s leading printing and labels solutions company for over 75 years, Mark Andy provides smart, cost-effective, high-quality products and 360-degree service and support to the printing industry and converters – large and small. From pre-press to finishing, Mark Andy is committed to helping its customers grow through solid technology, a complete line of parts and supplies, and a strong portfolio of brands, including Rotoflex, Arpeco, Comco, Kluge, Presstek, and A.B. Dick. Based in Chesterfield, Missouri, Mark Andy serves customers in over 90 countries with the same vision: Your Growth is Our Growth. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Channeled Resources Group to Exhibit at PSTC Tape Week

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: Channeled Resources Group

Chicago, IL, April 11, 2025 – Channeled Resources Group (CRG), an industry-leading manufacturer of custom release liners, blank shipping labels, and pressure sensitive roll label stock, as well as one of the world’s largest suppliers of reprocessed, coated, treated, and laminated papers and films, will exhibit at the upcoming PSTC Tape Week 2025, taking place May 5 – 8 in Rosemont, IL.

At Booth #505, CRG will highlight its extensive portfolio of siliconized release liners designed for pressure-sensitive applications across industrial, medical, graphics, and tape markets. Known for fast lead times, deep technical expertise, and responsive customer service, CRG is a trusted partner for converters and manufacturers seeking tailored release liner solutions.

This year, CRG will also introduce its newest offering: A Barrier Coated Kraft (BCK) release liner. This next-generation substrate offers several performance and environmental advantages over traditional poly-coated kraft (PCK). It delivers higher thermal resistance, making it ideal for demanding tape and label processes, while offering excellent layflat properties for smooth converting. Unlike PCK, CRG’s BCK liner is fully recyclable and boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint, up to 56% less, based on recent comparative data. The product is available in multiple calipers, including 58#, 74#, and 83#, allowing customers to choose the right fit for their specific application needs.

“The new BCK offering demonstrates our continued investment in innovation and sustainability,” said Cindy White, President of Channeled Resources Group. “We’re excited to share this product with the tape industry and explore new ways to support customers with customized, cost-effective solutions.”

As a third-generation, family-owned, women-led business, CRG continues to evolve with the needs of the industry, backed by state-of-the-art wide-web coating technology and a commitment to personalized service.

Attendees can also explore CRG’s online product builder, now live at channeledresources.com/siliconized-release-liner, where users can configure their own liner and begin the quoting process directly from the site.

About Channeled Resources

Channeled Resources Group (CRG) is a women-owned, third-generation, family-owned and operated company. From our facilities in Chicago, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, and Ontario, CRG is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of release liners, blank shipping labels, and pressure-sensitive roll label stock. We are also one of the world’s largest suppliers of reprocessed, coated, treated, and laminated papers and film. Channeled Resources Group is in business to serve our customers above all else.

To learn more about CRG visit www.channeledresources.com

UPM Raflatac becomes first labeling business to offer product footprints in customer quotes

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM, Helsinki, April 10, 2025 at 16:00 EEST) – UPM Raflatac has set a new labeling industry standard by embedding product footprint data directly into customer quotes. These product footprints, known as product passport prototypes (PPPs), provide label converters with transparent environmental data, helping them to make informed material choices and to reduce Scope 3 emissions* at source.

The PPPs are automatically linked to UPM Raflatac quote documents, giving its customers a full assessment of their label material’s environmental impact. Each PPP offers an array of environmental metrics over the entire lifecycle of the label, enabling converters to assess and minimize their footprint, even at the early purchasing stage. With raw materials accounting for 70–90% of converters’ total environmental impact, access to real-time footprint data is critical for helping them make more sustainable decisions. PPPs also give converters a competitive edge by helping them respond quickly to customer inquiries about sustainability.

“We use UPM Raflatac’s PPPs to provide data-driven insights to our customers to help them meet their sustainability goals. By providing this clear and easily understood documentation, we can ensure we are confidently selecting materials that not only align with our own sustainable procurement policies but also support our customers in their sustainability journey,” says Milissa Bergman, Corporate Procurement Manager of Inovar Packaging Group, a leading packaging solutions company in the United States.

The PPPs featured in quotes are generated by UPM Raflatac’s LCA service Label Life, which has been externally validated by DEKRA.

“The PPPs already cover over 90% of UPM Raflatac’s label products by sales volume globally. We are proud to offer this exclusive service in our customer quotes as the first player in the labeling industry,” says Flora D’Souza, Manager, Label Life, UPM Raflatac.

*According to the GHG Protocol, “Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.” These include emissions from purchased materials, transportation, processing, and disposal.

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 14 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,200 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1,6 billion (USD 1,7 billion) in 2024. Read more: upmraflatac.com

Follow UPM Raflatac on LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

UPM
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

UPM – we renew the everyday
Read more: upm.com

Durst Grows Software Division, Hires Industry Veteran David Bentley

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: Durst Group AG

Rochester, NY – April 2025: Durst is pleased to announce that David Bentley, a distinguished print software professional, has joined the North American software division as the Segment Manager for both Durst and Lift Software. In this role, Bentley will bring his years of experience and knowledge to continue the growth, development, and implementation of the durst software suite.

“Software is at the heart of our business, and the strategic hiring of David Bentley underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing and expanding our offerings, driving innovation, and solidifying our position in our industry.” Tim Saur, President, CEO and Managing Director of Durst North America continued, “David brings strong leadership and a wealth of expertise to this role, and with it he will foster strong customer relationships to elevate our software business to new heights.”

Bentley joins the Durst North American Group with over 15 years of print service experience, with the last 5 years focusing on pairing workflow and software solutions with print service providers who would benefit most from automated and streamlined processes.

“It’s really very exciting to be joining the Durst team at this point in their growth,” commented David Bentley. “I’ve had the opportunity to become very familiar with the needs of the print industry over the last 17 years. Trends, technology, and customer expectations continue to change and evolve, but the need to grow your business and be as efficient as possible stays the same. Great software is making the difference for these print shops, and I’m thrilled to be on the team making it happen.”

About Durst:

Durst Group AG is a leading manufacturer of professional digital imaging systems. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Brixen, Italy, and Lienz, Austria, and has major offices in North America, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Singapore. Durst’s reputation for quality, precision, innovation, sustainability, and reliability spans more than 80 years.

CONTACT: For information on Durst products and services, contact Sydnie Shepland.

Email: Sydnie.Shepland@Durst-Group.com

Phone: 585-486-0340

Durst U.S. online at: www.durstus.com

Chespa unleashes fully automated plate processing with Catena+

Dani Neece on April 17, 2025

By: XSYS

When Chespa set out to increase automation in its flexo platemaking operation, the company chose to implement ThermoFlexX Catena+ from XSYS. This end-to-end, one-touch solution has boosted efficiency, improved plate quality and minimized human errors, helping to reinforce Chespa’s position as a prepress innovator.

Willstaett, Germany, 8 April 2025 – Headquarters in Chorula, Poland, Chespa sp. z o. o. comprises 18 companies in seven countries, offering a wide range of products and services for the printing industry, including reprographics, photopolymer plates and packaging management, as well as graphic inks and cutting dies. The award-winning prepress expert supplies flexo plates to printers across Europe, utilized to produce high quality flexible packaging and corrugated boxes for numerous global brands.

Chespa is a close industry partner for XSYS, supporting technology development, such as the nyloflex^® FTL plate, and participating in collaborative print trials. Over the past 20 years, the two companies have worked together to drive innovation in flexo and find targeted solutions that address evolving market demands. The installation of a ThermoFlexX Catena+ line at Chespa’s in Chorula/Poland site allows the company to continue leading the way in flexo platemaking and bring higher value to its customer base.

“We have great faith in XSYS as a technology partner, having established a close cooperation over many years. Our latest project has been the implementation of full automation with the Catena+ plate processing line which I can safely say has established a highly efficient production process for us,” said Marek Siekiera CEO of the Chespa Group. “We chose this particular solution to address a variety of challenges, such as diversity of production machines and lack of process automation, knowing it has been proven in the market under real production conditions, with great success.”

Unifying platemaking in a connected workflow, ThermoFlexX Catena+ includes the ThermoFlexX TFxX80 Laser, the Catena-E LED exposure unit, and Catena-WDLS washer, dryer and light-finisher, with Catena-R rotating the plates between the two. As such, Catena+ is a true hands-off solution without any operator intervention required from initial loading to the collection of the final print-ready plate at the finish. Furthermore, the system is very easy and intuitive to run, with the ThermoFlexX Graphic User Interface displaying all the key parameters and information on a full HD touch-screen.

“Our main objective was to increase productivity and minimise the risk of human errors made by operators at various stages of the process. This has been achieved with the Catena+ solution. The operation of the new instalation has translated into higher productivity and more efficient raw material management of the photopolymer plates” explained Marek Siekiera CEO of the Chespa Group. “In addition, the upgrade from our previous traditional system to Catena-E with UV LED exposure is delivering better image reproduction and consistent high plate quality, which allows our customers to run their presses faster with less stops needed for cleaning.”

To ensure a smooth transition at Chespa, the installation ran concurrently with the existing systems without disruption, as technicians efficiently completed all implementations. The XSYS team was involved from the very beginning, first by offering advice during the decision-making, then with technical support throughout installation, and finally with training of the operators as the new system came online.

Marek Siekiera CEO of the Chespa Group stated, “An important aspect of this investment is that the Catena+ solution gives us an entire system developed by a single supplier, not a combination of different modules from various sources. The installation proceeded smoothly, and we are highly satisfied that we have made the right decision by installing fully automated plate processing with this stable and low-maintenance system. We’re already contemplating the possibility of purchasing our next Catena+ line from XSYS.”

“We treasure the great working partnership with Chespa because they bring a huge amount of experience to the table, and we’re honored that they have reaffirmed their trust in XSYS’ technology. As a leader in the market, they understand the high value Catena+ offers and we can already see the huge impact this innovative technology is having on the business,” commented Ralph Johannpeter, Sales Manager DACH.