By: Hybrid Software

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, a leading provider of innovative prepress and workflow solutions for the label and packaging industry announces that the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA), the only association solely dedicated to independent flexographic prepress platemakers, has appointed Mike Agness, Hybrid Software Executive Vice President, Americas, to its Board of Directors.

The FPPA is the only association solely dedicated to independent flexographic prepress platemakers, providing an open culture that strengthens connections between platemakers and supplier members. Its environment fosters continuous learning, information exchange, technological advancement, and shared best practices. By promoting connection, comradery, education, and knowledge-sharing among independent flexographic prepress trade shops and their suppliers, the FPPA foster member growth and the highest of standards within the industry. 

“Hybrid Software has played an important service to platemaking prepress, assuring that flexo platemakers and their systems deliver files that can produce the highest quality flexo plates, as quickly and easily as possible,” comments Aaron Pettijohn, FPPA Treasurer (and President Elect). “In particular, Mike has demonstrated the knowledge and creativity during FPPA meetings to help members get the most from the association and to enhance the plates they provide for converters.”

As a Board Member, Agness’s responsibilities include: 

• Aligning association activities with the purpose and core values of the FPPA

• Promoting the FPPA and attracting new members where possible

• Attending regular Board of Director meetings, and an annual strategy session at headquarters to establish goals and action items for the coming year

• Supporting the annual conference and fall workshop

• Selecting the location of the annual conference and developing its agenda

• If viable, participating as a judge of the Annual Excellence in Flexo Award program.

“I am happy to contribute a part in continuing the bright future of flexo platemaking,” explains Agness. “Flexo services continue to uniquely fulfill an important role in the packaging supply chain. The ever-changing demands on converters—and their plates—to serve brands remains a constant challenge. The collaborative knowledge sharing among FPPA members will continue to help the industry meet these needs.” 

FPPA membership is open to businesses involved in or suppling goods and services to the flexographic industry—along with organizations who provide important services to these companies. Membership information is available at flexoplatemakers.com/membership/.

About the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA)

The FPPA promotes high standards within the flexographic prepress platemaking industry, providing leadership through vision and direction, as well as comprehensive education to advance the best interests of the industry. For more information, call 413.686.9187 or visit flexoplatemakers.com. 

About Hybrid Software

With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, Hybrid Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM, Mills River, NC, March 20, 2025, 1 p.m. ET) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, will showcase its latest sustainable innovations and expanded offerings at Labelexpo Mexico 2025 in Guadalajara, booth C72. 

The company will present its Carbon Action plastic label portfolio, designed to promote circularity and reduce carbon footprint throughout the value chain. Other features at the booth include RAFNXT+, the world’s first Carbon Trust-verified labeling solution aimed at combating climate change, along with the full range of FSC™ and CarbonNeutral^® certified Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless materials.  

Additionally, UPM Raflatac will highlight its comprehensive Label Life service, which offers DEKRA-validated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations. This service provides decision-makers with essential environmental information on label materials, enabling them to make informed, sustainable choices that support their climate targets and business growth.  

Visitors to their booth can explore UPM Raflatac’s extensive graphic self-adhesive sheets portfolio for offset and digital printing, as well as the expanded Graphics Solutions product line. They will also have access to UPM Raflatac’s team of experts, who will provide customized sustainable labeling solutions, product insights and technical support. Attendees at Labelexpo Mexico can also witness UPM Raflatac’s digital and print-on-demand materials in action on digital presses located at prominent OEM booths throughout the venue. 

“We’re excited to exhibit UPM Raflatac’s commitment to sustainability and innovation at Labelexpo Mexico,” says Diddier Solano, Sales Director, UPM Raflatac Americas – LATAM. “Visitors to our booth will discover sustainable material solutions that can enhance circularity and support their business goals.”  

Labelexpo Mexico 2025 will take place at Expo Guadalajara in Guadalajara from April 1 to 3, providing a unique opportunity for media and industry professionals to explore UPM Raflatac’s innovative solutions firsthand. To find out more, make sure you stop by stand C72 to meet UPM Raflatac’s experts and learn more about how you can harness the power of the label for your products.  

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

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 EUR 10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM – we renew the everyday

By: Matik, Inc.

(West Hartford, Conn.) March 18, 2025 – Matik, Inc., a leading provider of innovative industrial solutions, proudly announces the addition of Arturo Felipe to its team as a Field Service Technician. With extensive expertise in electro-mechanical systems, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, Felipe brings a wealth of experience that will enhance Matik’s commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction.

Felipe has a strong background in industrial automation and field service, having previously worked as an Electro-Mechanical Technician at Witron, where he specialized in maintaining and repairing automated systems, including cranes and conveyors. His hands-on expertise in PLC/HMI controls, industrial networking and quality control processes makes him an asset in optimizing equipment performance and minimizing downtime for Matik’s customers.

In addition to his technical acumen, Felipe’s experience as a Senior Customer Care Technician at Cornerstone Automation Systems (CASI) has honed his problem-solving skills and ability to deliver top-tier customer support. His proficiency in troubleshooting complex automation issues and engaging cross-functional teams ensures seamless service solutions for clients.

“We are excited to welcome Arturo to the Matik team,” said Steve Leibin, President at Matik. “His extensive field service experience, technical expertise, and dedication to customer success align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier service and support to our clients.”

Felipe’s role at Matik will focus on servicing and maintaining high-performance industrial equipment, troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring maximum uptime for customers in various industries. His ability to work under pressure and adapt to evolving technologies makes him an excellent addition to Matik’s growing service team.

For more information about Matik and its services, visit www.matik.com.

About Matik, Inc.

Matik, Inc. is the exclusive and leading North American supplier for premier European equipment used for acrylic/LED backlighting, commercial printing, converting, folding carton, labels, RFID and security tags, transdermal drug delivery and more. Matik’s factory-trained technicians provide preventive maintenance for equipment, and expert staff performs quality inspections, diagnosis, repairs and aftercare. Headquartered in Connecticut, Matik has been in business for over 45 years.

By: Epson

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – March 17, 2025 – Epson today announced several of its solutions received Good Design Awards, including five printers and the Auto Chart Reader portable accessory. As Japan’s only comprehensive design award, the Good Design Awards are presented annually to those designs that benefit and enrich daily lives and society. Epson received recognition for three professional imaging solutions, one business inkjet printer, one on-demand color label printer, and one professional color management tool. 

“Epson product designers and engineers strive to meet consumer expectations from the design stage, visiting customers to understand their product needs and what features would enhance daily workflow,” said Mark Roslon, vice president, North America Commercial and Industrial Marketing, Epson America, Inc. “Winning these prestigious awards underscores our team’s dedication and success in delivering products that are beneficial with exceptional functionality, aesthetic appeal, positive environmental impact, and provide meaningful impact on users’ daily lives.” 

Good Design Awards: Product Design Winners

The following Epson products received 2024 Good Design Awards:

–        SureColor^® P20570: From professional photography and fine art reproduction to graphic design, this 64” printer is the pinnacle of professional printing technology. Featuring an expanded 12-color inkset, it delivers archival quality prints and the widest color gamut in its class.¹ A high-capacity 1.6L ink pack system² eliminates the need for frequent cartridge changes, improving print shop efficiency and productivity while using up to 90% less plastic than cartridges.³ The SureColor P20570 was awarded for its unparalleled color gamut coupled with an outstanding design that is kind to the environment, while achieving the highest image quality. 

 

–        SureColor F1070: Purpose-built for both direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing, the compact, entry-level printer offers excellent image quality, ease of use and versatile performance for printing and transferring on various materials, making it ideal for garment decorators, entrepreneurs, artisans and print service provider. Awarded for its compact, square design, unique transparent upper case, as well as the surface embossing that provides a fabric-like texture, this hybrid printer’s design inspires creatives and encourages businesses to supply small-format custom textile orders. 

–        SureColor V1070: Designed to bring the power of UV printing to small businesses, the SureColor V1070 desktop flatbed UV printer delivers exceptional quality, vivid colors, and fine details, at less than half the cost of comparable models.⁴ Making in-house customization easier than ever, it prints directly on a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic and a large range of promotional products, and integrated maintenance features streamline operations. Recognized for its compact design, rectangular footprint and transparent upper case, this UV printer’s design generates opportunities for customers to implement a customization factory within a retail location. 

–        WorkForce^® Enterprise AM-C400: Delivering powerful business productivity, the AM-C400 is engineered to streamline workflows by reducing maintenance and minimizing downtime for businesses while touting low energy consumption and waste. With a newly angled printhead and shortened paper path, the A4 color multifunction printer achieves high performance with print speeds of 40 ISO ppm (black/color)⁵ and a reduced footprint. The AM-C400 was awarded for its compact, aesthetically pleasing office design that naturally guides the eye to key areas, and better environmental performance when compared to laser printers of the same size. 

–        ColorWorks^® CW-C8000: Purpose-built for on-demand, mid- to high-volume batch runs, the 4-inch color label printer is engineered to deliver exceptional print quality, reliable performance and high-speed printing. The CW-C8000 was awarded for its design, with easy front loading ink and media, as well as its advanced connectivity and networking capabilities, versatility and innovative replacement ink pack system allowing for fewer interventions and offering low cost per milliliter and low consumable waste.

–        Auto Chart Reader Accessory: The portable automated table accessory extends color management capabilities of the Epson SD-10 Spectrophotometer for Epson Edge^® Print customers, delivering a comprehensive color management workflow that creates color profiles and quickly verifies and calibrates color, helping print shops save time and resources by avoiding reprints due to color inaccuracies. The Auto Chart Reader was awarded for its portable design and precise responses to the needs of printing professionals, offering maximum precision with minimal resources offering great social significance. 

For more information about the Good Design Awards, visit https://www.g-mark.org/en.  

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

By: Heidelberg

Kennesaw, Ga. March 10, 2025 – Nearly four years ago, Heidelberg USA (HEIDELBERG) re-launched its Apprenticeship Program in response to the growing shortage of skilled labor in the country. The vocational training initiative, designed to cultivate a new generation of field service technicians, has already proven successful, with several graduates now employed full-time by HEIDELBERG. Currently, the program is training 25 apprentices across its sheetfed, postpress, and Gallus product lines – its largest group to date. With plans to hire an additional eight apprentices within the year, the program is not only filling a critical skills gap but also serving as a model for how companies can invest in their future workforce.

The Future Workforce

The HEIDELBERG Apprenticeship Program spans eighteen to thirty-six months and combines classroom instruction at the company’s Print Media Performance & Training Center (PMPTC) in Kennesaw, GA and hands-on field training alongside a journeyman mentor within HEIDELBERG’s extensive network of service technicians. Apprentices are hired throughout the year, often beginning in the field and returning as a class to the PMPTC for a Fundamentals Training Course that covers every operating, electrical and mechanical function on a HEIDELBERG press in addition to pneumatics, software, and application. 

“Bringing them in as a group helps build camaraderie and even friendly competition,” said Kimberly Wicker, Skills Development Supervisor for HEIDELBERG. “This dynamic empowers them to rely on each other. Even as they move across the country, they frequently connect to share tips and troubleshooting challenges together.”

HEIDELBERG brought Wicker on board eighteen months ago to support its Apprenticeship Program and other training initiatives. In addition to assisting with the hiring process, Wicker serves as a liaison and mentor for apprentices once they are hired. Her role helps apprentices – many of whom are new to both the company and the print industry – build a strong connection to HEIDELBERG. With retention critical to the program’s success, Wicker’s partnership with Training Manager, Rogers English, represents a new approach for HEIDELBERG.

“They really rely on Kimberly, especially in the early stages, for approval to ensure they’re meeting requirements,” said Mike Koeberlein, Vice President of Lifecycle Operations for HEIDELBERG. “She keeps everything on track and ensures service managers stay engaged with the apprentices.”

Apprentices are paid throughout the entire training period along with receiving per diem for travel and food, their own set of tools, and the ability to qualify for a company-paid car. Each apprentice is able to graduate the program at his or her own pace. After demonstrating mastery of a pre-defined list of technical skills, the apprentices will begin as trained service technicians specializing in one of HEIDELBERG’s many product areas with the opportunity to have lifelong career growth with the company.

Third year Electrician Apprentice Avery Maples joined the program with a background in automotive mechanics, electrical work, and heavy equipment operation. Compared to his previous roles, Maples said, “I enjoy the level of autonomy that we are given, as if it’s a test to see how we will perform in our career after graduation.” With no previous printing experience, he added, “While I specialize in sheetfed presses, I’m eager to learn about all areas of printing, from postpress to prepress, and how essential printing is to our daily lives. I’m excited to become a valuable asset for the industry and for HEIDELBERG.” 

Developing Well Rounded Technicians

As the availability of printing-focused programs in high schools and technical schools shrinks, HEIDELBERG is now targeting individuals with backgrounds in fields such as electrical, telecommunications, and automotive mechanics for its Apprenticeship Program. In addition to be technically inclined, candidates for the program must have a strong aptitude for problem solving. 

For second-year Electrician/Mechatronic Apprentice Devin Gill, this combination of technical skill and the critical thinking was a key factor that drew him to the Apprenticeship Program. He explained, “Over the years, I’ve realized the true satisfaction that comes from applying skill and knowledge to physical tasks.” With a background as both a painter and technician for a major telecommunications company, Gill said, “HEIDELBERG recognized my work ethic and passion for technology and innovation. They saw my potential to expand my knowledge and experience while contributing to the growth of the company’s passionate workforce.”

Gill’s background exemplifies HEIDELBERG’s mission of developing well-rounded technicians who not only understand the technology but also embrace the continuous learning required in the field. While apprentices apply to work within a certain product area during the hiring process, Koeberlein said that the program offers flexibility if an apprentice develops a passion for working with a particular type of equipment during training.

A Strong Example

Currently, Heidelberg USA boasts twenty-five apprentices at varying stages of completing their training. Of that, nine new hires are set to begin their Fundamentals Training course at the PMPTC in April. While the classes continue to grow, HEIDELBERG remains proactive in its efforts to refill its diminishing service force with a goal of having two classes of ten students per year. Koeberlein added, “The workforce is different today. People don’t often stay someplace for 20 or 30 years anymore, so we’ll need to continue to refine our program based on that dynamic as well.”

Prior to the start of the Apprenticeship Program, many HEIDELBERG customers were fearful of service continuity after their experienced technicians retired. Now, they are reassured seeing the apprentices in their plants. In the future, HEIDELBERG hopes to partner with its customers in its training and development efforts. “There are very few apprenticeship or even training programs available in the printing industry,” Koeberlein said. “I believe the industry is counting on us to set a strong example.”

HEIDELBERG is looking to hire an additional eight apprentices this calendar year. To learn more about the program or apply, visit https://www.heidelberg.com/us/Apprentice

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

By: SOMA

Lanskroun, Czech Republic, March 6, 2025 — SOMA (www.soma-eng.com), a global leader in flexographic printing technology, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of 2024, marking another record-breaking year for the company. Despite global challenges in recent years, SOMA has achieved continued growth in turnover for five consecutive years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, SOMA set new benchmarks across multiple key performance indicators:

• Record turnover, driven by robust demand for its innovative technologies.

• An all-time high in repeat sales, reflecting strong relationships with existing customers.

• A record number of contractual agreements, paving the way for a promising start to 2025.

2024: A Year of Innovation and Global Expansion

As a drupa year—the “Olympic Games” of the printing industry—2024 was pivotal for SOMA. The company proudly introduced several groundbreaking innovations, including:

• The Optima2, a 10-color flagship flexo press showcasing advanced bounce control and automation features for enhanced operational efficiency.

• The Intelligent Printing Unit (IPU), a pioneering solution for single-pass operations that boosts efficiency in package print production.

• The Proxima, an efficient flexo press combining simplicity with sophisticated technology.

• The Pluto III.2, SOMA’s top seller slitter rewinder featuring an integrated waste management system.

Each of these launches underscored SOMA’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability in the printing industry.

Strengthening Global Presence

2024 also marked substantial progress in expanding SOMA’s service and sales network:

• Opening of a service center in Latin America, bringing local support and faster service to customers in the region.

• Expanding service support in North America through an expansion of our local team, ensuring enhanced responsiveness and customer satisfaction across the region. 

• Strengthened presence in the Middle East, Balkan region, and parts of South America, through strategic partnerships with key local representatives.

Expansion at Home

At its headquarters in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, SOMA continued its growth by completing its third manufacturing hall, Hall C. This new facility includes a state-of-the-art paint shop, further increasing SOMA’s production capacity and operational efficiency.

Looking Ahead to 2025

“This year has been a testament to the strength of our team, our commitment to innovation, and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the global market,” said Pavla Kusá, Commercial Director. “As we move into 2025, we remain dedicated to our mission, as envisioned by the founder of SOMA, to humbly continue supporting our customers in overcoming new challenges. We are committed to providing solutions that empower them, staying true to our promise of delivering exceptional technology, support and value to those we serve globally.“

About SOMA (www.soma-eng.com)

Founded in the early 1990s, SOMA is a leading manufacturer of flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, plate mounters, and die cutters. All products are designed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in-house, ensuring the highest quality standards. SOMA serves a global market from its headquarters in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, supported by a robust network of sales representatives and distributors.

By: XAAR

Cambridge, March 6^th 2025 – Leading inkjet technology group, Xaar is revolutionizing corrugated packaging printing, delivering flexo quality and a reduced cost per print alongside digital customization and personalization benefits in a single pass.

Thanks to Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology, its Aquinox printhead can jet fluids of up to 1000 centipoises (cP) at ambient temperature (approx. 100 cP at jetting temperature), which has enabled chemists to develop inks that overcome many of the barriers inkjet has previously faced in the corrugate sector. These new high viscosity formulations minimize ink absorption into corrugated surfaces to produce unbeatable opacity and color vibrancy, ensuring both visible appeal and durability for corrugated packaging.

By absorbing less ink into the board, the same print quality is achieved with less ink, enabling faster printing and significantly reducing production costs as well as the total cost of ownership. Printing with the new water-based high viscosity inks developed by Nazdar easily meets the demands of even the fastest corrugated packaging production lines.

In addition, with less substrate penetration, high-viscosity inks can remove the need for primers, simplifying the printing process and improving sustainability by reducing drying energy and fluid usage – resulting in brighter, more vibrant prints on uncoated and unprimed corrugate boards. Xaar’s technology also significantly decreases cost per job alongside delivering flexo-level print quality, meaning digital print is more relevant than ever before.

Independent research conducted by the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University clearly demonstrated that using Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology increases color density by up to 60 per cent, expanding the color gamut and boosting productivity. In addition, by reducing water in the inks, less energy is consumed in the drying process, lowering operational costs and aligning with corrugated packaging manufacturers’ sustainability goals.

Reliability is key in any print application, and the Xaar Aquinox’s higher throw distance prevents any substrate-induced damage through collisions with the printhead, and accommodates varying gauges of cardboard. Xaar’s TF Technology eliminates potential nozzle blockages from cardboard dust, and fast printhead recovery minimises ink waste and downtime during production starts and stops. Optimal ink conditions can be maintained throughout long print runs by a Megnajet fluid management system ensuring uniform print quality when using high viscosity inks.

Xaar’s Business Development Manager, Neil Cook said: “Historically, inkjet printing has not been able to provide the quality, reliability or speed that corrugated packaging print required. Now, thanks to our Ultra High Viscosity Technology, we can deliver the high print quality standards demanded while reducing the cost per print.”

Xaar is focused on building inkjet’s growth within the corrugate sector, highlighting its benefits to attract more customers. Neil concluded: “Alongside the intrinsic advantages of customization available from digital print, with its impactful colors, reduced cost per print and sustainability benefits, Xaar Technology is providing a game-changing shift in corrugated printing. This innovation is redefining what’s possible for users, unlocking new opportunities in print and setting a new standard for the industry.”

Neil Cook, Business Development Manager at Xaar will be participating in CCE International, taking place from 11-13th March in Munich, Germany. He will be presenting “Is inkjet now able to revolutionise digital printing of corrugates?” on Tuesday, 11th March at 10:30am, discussing how high viscosity inks and Xaar’s printhead technology can drive the next evolution in digital corrugate printing. Tomas Cerny, Principal Engineer at Xaar, will also present “More secrets of inkjet printing” on Wednesday, 12th March at 11:30am, exploring the distinct advantages offered for end users looking to incorporate digital printing into their production processes.

For more information on Xaar’s high quality corrugate printing technology, visit: https://www.xaar.com/campaigns/corrugate_colour/

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.

By: Peczuh Printing & Paperbox and Heidelberg

Kennesaw, Ga. March 5, 2025 – Peczuh Printing & Paperbox, one of Utah’s largest commercial and packaging printers, is set to install its first Speedmaster XL 106 from HEIDELBERG next month in its Lindon facility. The new press is anticipated to significantly boost the company’s efficiency and capacity, supporting its continuous growth and demonstrating its long-term commitment to the commercial print sector.

Looking Forward While Honoring the Past

Since starting business in 1962, Peczuh has expanded to three locations throughout Utah and grown into one of the region’s most successful printers, thanks to its leadership’s innovative style and strategic diversification into folding carton, wide format signage, and flexography. Even as the company, now in its second-generation of ownership, has grown, it still maintains a family-oriented approach throughout its operations.

“At Peczuh, we continue to look forward while honoring our past,” said President Paul Lynaugh. “Innovation for us isn’t just about investing in new technology – it’s how our team, from leadership to production, drives change. We’re always improving – for our customers, our team, and the future.”

While the company continues to look for new ways to innovate, the core of its business remains rooted in commercial printing, a segment it maintains growth in year after year – despite many competitors shifting away from it. According to CEO Frank Peczuh, “We keep growing by staying relevant, addressing challenges efficiently, and focusing on taking care of people. We’re committed to spreading the good word about the value of commercial print – from direct mail to catalogs to publications and beyond.”

This passion for commercial printing and its dedication to its customers is why the company decided to invest in a new Speedmaster XL 106-8P+L from HEIDELBERG. The new press, scheduled to replace a press from a competitive manufacturer this Spring, is equipped with HEIDELBERG’s latest technology including Push to Stop, AutoPlate Pro, Prinect Inpress Control 3 and the HEIDELBERG UX, featuring AI-powered press assistance systems. Once in full production, the company expects the increased capacity from the XL 106 to allow for the removal of an additional press.

“Thanks to the efficiency, automation, and advanced technology of the XL 106, we fully anticipate that we will be able to print more than we ever have,” said Peczuh.

Substantial Key Differentiators

With HEIDELBERG’s AI-driven Intellistart 3, all steps required for job changes are defined without any operator intervention for all active and queued processes. This enhanced automation, paired with automatic plate changing with AutoPlate Pro, means Peczuh saves time not only during press start-up but also in between jobs. With some days requiring almost 25 plate changes, Lynaugh said the time it takes from job end to job beginning was “a substantial key differentiator” when selecting the Speedmaster XL 106.

Another key factor was HEIDELBERG’s Prinect Inpress Control, the industry’s leading inline spectrophotometer that measures, controls, and registers color on the fly at any speed – meaning sheets can get up to color and in register in as little as 60 sheets. Although the company’s previous presses featured in-line color technology from a competing manufacturer, Peczuh stated that Inpress Control represents “a big step forward from what we’ve done in the past” by using eight spectrophotometer heads in each Inpress Control bar. This automatic color adjustment is crucial as the company looks to further refine its color processes while working with more discerning clientele.

To maximize the efficiency of its print production, Peczuh opted to equip its new XL 106 with LED technology, along with a modular mercury lamp that can be moved between the first four press stations. This setup ensures that commercial work – ranging from materials for the craft industry to direct mail, short-run publications, and catalogs – cures instantly, while also allowing the company to use the press to produce packaging work as needed. Previously equipped only with conventional presses at its Lindon plant, Peczuh will greatly improve throughput by eliminating the need to wait for sheets to dry before finishing.

According to Vice President, Tim Peczuh, “On the commercial side, it’s all about speed and quality. We earn business because we can complete jobs much faster than our competitors while maintaining a high standard of quality. By improving that efficiency even further, we can provide added value to our customers, ensure consistency, and continue to differentiate ourselves in the market.”

Concurrent with installing the new press, Peczuh plans to migrate to HEIDELBERG’s Prinect Production Manager to take full advantage of its comprehensive production reporting. Additionally, the company is excited to have a dedicated HEIDELBERG service technician nearby in-state, a notable improvement over its previous provider. While Peczuh has purchased multiple POLAR cutters, a Promatrix 106 die cutter, and two Stahlfolders in recent years, the Speedmaster XL 106 represents the most significant press investment the company has made with HEIDELBERG of late.

“Ultimately, the Speedmaster XL 106 was the best fit for our needs,” concluded F. Peczuh. “We evaluated each press’s features and benefits without considering pricing to ensure we made the best decision for our business. The XL 106 aligns with our growth objectives and provides the most user-friendly automation that will make a real difference for our press operators.”

About Peczuh Printing & Paperbox

Founded in 1962 in Price, Utah, Peczuh Printing has grown from a small local operation into one of the largest commercial printers in the state, now operating three production facilities across Utah. As second-generation stewards of the company, Frank and Tim Peczuh continue to lead with a commitment to innovation and excellence. Equipped with the most advanced printing technology on the market, Peczuh Printing & Paperbox provides end-to-end solutions, from digital file to final delivery. Most importantly, the company prides itself on its passion for print—its ability to communicate, inspire, and endure. Print has the power to move people, and Peczuh Printing honors that legacy with an unwavering attention to detail and a relentless drive for perfection.

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

By: Nobelus

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, March 3, 2025 – Nobelus, a leading supplier of finishing solutions for flexible packaging, prime labels, and commercial print, is stepping into flexible packaging structures with EcoElement™ PE Thermal Sealants. This line of polyethylene sealants enables thermal converters to downgauge their packaging structures and access high-quality sealants without committing to large order quantities.

The thermal sealants are constructed entirely of extruded PE with three layers that consist of different polyethylene blends. Layers include a sealant for shaping and sealing, a structural core, and a thermally activated adhesive designed to bond with print web film. The adhesive and sealant layers activate at different temperatures, allowing thermal converters to process the film on their existing laminating equipment. The line includes clear and white versions, both of which are available with or without EVOH to give packaging moisture and oxygen barrier properties as needed. 

While they are compatible with most print web materials, these thermal sealants can also be paired with a PE print web to create fully recyclable packaging using thermal lamination. Roy Langlois, Product Manager at Nobelus, states, “Historically, thermal converters have struggled to offer sustainable solutions due to the limitations of EVA adhesives. This line of PE thermal sealants directly addresses the thermal market’s needs by making it possible to downgauge structures and offer fully recyclable flexible packaging without solventless lamination.” Mono-material PE flexible packaging is currently accepted for recycling across the United States at a variety of drop-off facilities, including participating grocery stores and retail locations. 

Nobelus expects the EcoElement PE Thermal Sealant line to fit seamlessly with the unique supply chain needs of digital flexible packaging converters across a range of markets. “These products open up a whole new path forward for any converters that use thermal lamination for their packaging,” says Angie Mohni, Nobelus VP of Marketing. “They complement the strengths of the digital packaging space perfectly by giving thermal converters quick access to sealants at the low quantities they need for the very first time.”

EcoElement™ PE Thermal Sealants are part of the Nobelus Foundations Collection. Consultations are available through Nobelus for converters who are interested in recyclable flexible packaging.

Nobelus distributes a variety of specialty laminates and films along with the highest quality laminating systems in the industry. We serve a wide range of clients across the print, publishing, photo, packaging, and prime label markets by providing industry-leading service and support. Nobelus solutions are driven by continuous innovation, ingenuity, and a desire to see our customers succeed. In every endeavor, we are committed to enhancing people, partners, and the world’s brands. More information is available at nobelus.com.