Every so often you come across a company with a difference – a business that thinks and manufactures in a different way and locates a niche market that others don’t even know exists.

This perfectly describes the situation with Baginco International, a family enterprise that began life in 1987, but took off in 1995 when husband and wife team Bruno Geens and Katrien Heylen embarked on a project that in simple terms sees paper converted into outstanding packaging, but on closer inspection sees the production of high-quality personalised paper bags for specialised applications.

These block-bottom products, which are designed to stay upright, are re-closable with a simple tin tie, can be simple or elaborately personalised, and offer a quick and affordable solution that is more ecologically friendly that anything that plastic or foil has to offer.  Available in various sizes up to a maximum load capability of 2.5kg, Baginco specialises in short to medium runs and will happily supply as few as 1000 bags, though 3000, printed in eight colours is more typical of the work at its HQ and production facility in Kontich, Belgium.

Bruno Geens explained: “When we acquired the business it had 100 customers – 98 in Belgium, one in France and one in Holland.  Today, we manufacture almost 25 million bags a year and export 80% of those to 2,800 customers in 33 countries – that’s how to grow a niche market!”  Initially manufacturing coffee bags, the company has diversified into flour, biscuits, confectionary, dry vegetables, petfood, and super fruits, as well as sugar and salt.

To meet its commitment to fast turnaround and short delivery times, Baginco retains a sizeable stock of bags, including brown and white paper bags, window bags, eco bags, coloured and pre-printed bags.  Customisation techniques include inner and outer finish and colour (up to eight-colours), windowing and grease-proofing using a new paper.  There is even a handy ‘calculator’ on the company’s website that allows you to design and define bags to your own requirements.  

Initially printing was carried out on 600mm and 800mm solvent-based CI flexo presses, but it soon became obvious that narrow web inline production made more economic sense for the run lengths in demand, typically 1500m of paper.  “I could see the way the market was changing, even before the global pandemic upset normal business trading, and spent almost three years extensively researching the inline and CI flexo technology available and testing its capability in real life situations.  Unbelievably, only one print demonstration went without a hitch, and that was at Mark Andy’s showroom in Warsaw.  The press did all we asked of it and more, and gave us the confidence to invest,” he added.  

Some of the key factors that the Mark Andy Performance Series press was able to demonstrate was the speed and ease with which it can be made ready, which, along with a short web path that reduces waste, is critical on short run jobs.  So, in 2019 Baginco installed a 430mm (17”) Mark Andy Performance Series P5E flexo press fitted with eight servo driven flexo print stations with full ProLED/UV curing.  Maarten van Bergeijk of Packtion, the manufacturer’s agent in the Benelux, outlined the press’ capabilities.  “It’s fitted with pre- and auto-register and will operate at speeds up to 230m/min (750ft/min) with VariPrint capability.  It also has a BST Powerscope vision system fitted.”  

The operator at Baginco who was familiar with narrow web technology but new to Mark Andy confirmed that the Performance Series P5E is easy to learn and handle, holds tight register, and is a great operator’s machine.  Two years later, the P5E was joined by another 430mm Mark Andy flexo press, this time an Evolution Series E5 fitted with seven-colours and full UV capability.  “Specification is very similar to the P5E – it’s seven colours not eight but is also fully servo driven and has LED/UV curing, this time supplied by GEW.  Pre- and auto register are also fitted to ensure high quality print,” said van Bergeijk.

In addition to switching to inline flexo, Baginco also had to come to terms with the move from solvent-based inks to LED/UV technology.  “We had no previous UV experience so saw little point in spending money on an arc lamp system only to retrofit LED later.  It’s clearly the way forward and has been easy to use,” said Mr Geens.  Using a paper-based substrate which has a degree of absorbency, the fact that LED/UV cures from the bottom up has proved a benefit on stocks that range from 50 to 110gsm and from simple kraft to high gloss.  One technique that the company has learned with its Mark Andy presses is to apply the lacquer in the first unit and then print.  On some of the cheaper stocks this gives a higher quality print finish without the expense of using a gloss paper.

With the business growing well, Baginco has opened a sales and production facility in Spain to serve the Iberian market.  Located near to Gerona, it adds 800sqm to the 2,000sqm at Kontich.  “We’ve enjoyed an upturn in recent times as people engage their ‘green conscience’ and reject the proliferation of plastic packaging, but we’ve also seen raw material and energy costs rise to a point where prices are now some 20-30% above pre pandemic levels,” he concluded.

With more than 40 different bags in stock, which can be purely functional or promotional, or for gift use, Baginco keeps a close eye on the ongoing research into improved types of paper that means it is now possible to pack all sorts of products that require characteristics such as greaseproof, damp-proof, impermeable, or non-translucent.  In particular, foodstuffs need to be protected against exterior influences.  For example, Baginco offers paper packaging with OPP foil to keep products fresh so that they can be stored longer.  

With such a diverse range of bags and a growing demand for its personalised products, Baginco appreciates the flexibility and performance of its two Mark Andy presses that offer plenty of scope for future development.

High-resolution images/file can be found here

Picture 1: Bruno Geens and Maarten van Bergeijk with the Mark Andy presses at Baginco

Picture 2: A small selection of the diverse range of personalised bags produced at the company’s plant in Belgium

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For additional media information, please contact Lena Chmielewska-Bontron marketing@markandy.com 

Midlothian, TX. June 19, 2023 — Ennis, Inc. (the “Company”), (NYSE: EBF), today reported financial results for the first quarter ended May 31, 2023.  Highlights include:

• Revenues were $111.3 million for the quarter compared to $107.7 million for the same quarter last year, an increase of $3.6 million or 3.3%.

• Earnings per diluted share for the current quarter were $0.45 compared to $0.45 for the comparative quarter last year.

• Our gross profit margin for the quarter was 30.6% compared to 31.6% for the comparative quarter last year.  

Financial Overview

The Company’s revenues for the first quarter ended May 31, 2023 were $111.3 million compared to $107.7 million for the same quarter last year, an increase of $3.6 million, or 3.3%.  The increase includes revenue contributions of approximately $4.1 million from School Photo Marketing, an acquisition completed on November 30, 2022, and Stylecraft Printing Company, an acquisition completed on May 23, 2023.  The increase from acquisitions was partially offset by an otherwise slight decline in sales volume as purchasing patterns have normalized since last year’s tight paper market.  Gross profit margin was $34.0 million, or 30.6%, as compared to $34.0 million, or 31.6%, for the same quarter last year.  Net earnings for the quarter remained flat at $11.6 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, as compared to $11.6 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.  Our recent acquisitions contributed $0.04 in diluted earnings per share for the quarter.

 

Keith Walters, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented by stating, “Our results for the quarter were within our expectations.  Our gross profit margin for the quarter of 30.6% is within our target range and showed improvement of 300 basis points from 27.6% in the sequential quarter ending February 28, 2023 and declined 100 basis points to 30.6% compared to 31.6% in the same prior year quarter.  Our EBITDA remained relatively stable at $20.5 million or 18.4% of sales compared to the sequential quarter, $20.5 million or 19.9% of sales and compared to the same quarter last year $20.5 million or 19.1% of sales.

 

“We incurred additional expenses this quarter in which we anticipate the benefits to be recognized in future quarters. We relocated one of our leased facilities into an existing location with excess capacity.  The lease renewal would have been an increase of 70% and the move to an existing location is anticipated to reduce future costs and improve our operational efficiency.  We incurred additional legal expenses during the quarter related to a case against Wright Printing Company, its owner Mark Wright, and CEO Mardra Sikora.  In April 2023, we were awarded $5.0 million in actual and punitive damages but the judgment award has not been recognized in our financials to date.  These additional expenses for the quarter resulted in a decrease of $0.03 to our diluted earnings per share.

 

“Our recent acquisitions contributed $4.1 million in sales during the current quarter; however, the real impact of our latest acquisitions is expected to be seen in the remainder of fiscal year 2024.  Stylecraft Printing Company in Canton, Michigan expands our product lines and geographical footprint, as well as adds a well-known brand that has been serving the distributor channel for more than 50 years.  UMC Print, a leading trade-only printer acquired after the quarter close, June 2, 2023, will add strategic locations & capabilities to drive growth with our distributor partners.  We will continue to explore acquisitions that make sense and hunt for new sales in new markets and new channels.  As part of our regular course of business we continue to monitor incoming order volumes so that we can proactively adjust our costs accordingly.

 

“We believe we have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry, with no debt and significant cash.  Our profitability and strong financial condition will allow us to continue operations and fund acquisitions without incurring debt. Given those strengths, we also anticipate timely access to credit should larger acquisition opportunities materialize.  We continue to focus on delivering profitability and returns to our shareholders.”

 

 

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

To provide important supplemental information to both management and investors regarding financial and business trends used in assessing its results of operations, from time to time the Company reports the non-GAAP financial measure of EBITDA (EBITDA is calculated as net earnings before interest expense, tax expense, depreciation, and amortization).  The Company may also report adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per share, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  

Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors as a supplement to reported GAAP financial information.  Management reviews these non-GAAP financial measures on a regular basis and uses them to evaluate and manage the performance of the Company’s operations.  Other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than the Company, which limits the usefulness of the Company’s non-GAAP measures for comparison with these other companies.  While management believes the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company, when this information is reported it should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute or an alternative for, or superior to, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.  These measures should be evaluated only in conjunction with the Company’s comparable GAAP financial measures. 

The following table reconciles EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended May 31, 2023 to the most comparable GAAP measure, net earnings (dollars in thousands).

 

In Other News

On June 16, 2023 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 25.0 cents per share on the Company’s common stock.  The dividend is payable on August 7, 2023 to shareholders of record on July 7, 2023.

About Ennis

Founded in 1909, the Company is one of the largest private-label printed business product suppliers in the United States.  Headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, Ennis has production and distribution facilities strategically located throughout the USA to serve the Company’s national network of distributors.  Ennis manufactures and sells business forms, other printed business products, printed and electronic media, integrated forms and labels, presentation products, flex-o-graphic printing, advertising specialties and Post-it® Notes, internal bank forms, plastic cards, secure and negotiable documents, specialty packaging, direct mail, envelopes, tags and labels and other custom products.  For more information, visit www.ennis.com.

 

Safe Harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements that may be contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “preliminary,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for such forward-looking statements.  In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements.  These statements are subject to numerous uncertainties, which include, but are not limited to, the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions, the erosion of demand for our printer business documents as the result of digital technologies, risk or uncertainties related to the completion and integration of acquisitions, the limited number of available suppliers and variability in the prices of paper and other raw materials, and operational challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, including logistical challenges, protecting the health and well-being of our employees and potential plant closures.  Other important information regarding factors that may affect the Company’s future performance is included in the public reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023.  The Company does not undertake, and hereby disclaims, any duty or obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, although its situation and circumstances may change in the future. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

 

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Keith S. Walters, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

Ms. Vera Burnett, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Dan Gus, General Counsel and Secretary

Ennis, Inc.

2441 Presidential Parkway

Midlothian, Texas 76065

Phone: (972) 775-9801

Fax: (972) 775-9820

www.ennis.com

Chesterfield, Missouri USA – June 16, 2023   Mark Andy Inc., a global leader in innovative digital and flexo printing equipment, announces an agreement with Maxcess International to offer their recently introduced Tidland RD AutoScore to the narrow web label and packaging industry.  For a limited time, Mark Andy is the preferred integrator of Tidland RD AutoScore for new flexographic presses. 

The new Tidland RD AutoScore was designed by Maxcess to deliver automatic and repeatable trim width and cut depth positioning for score blades to further optimize job setup, improve safety, reduce pressroom downtime, and increase running speeds across more types of material.  The customer needs addressed by this innovative new product have been a long-standing pain point of press operators. 

“At Mark Andy, we are both humbled and excited to work together with Maxcess to bring the new RD AutoScore to market globally.  The productivity improvements for setup and quick blade changes, combined with added safety and faster running speeds, aligns with our mission to help converters drive productivity and profitability on their presses and in their overall operations. It is a truly a pleasure to work with a global leader like Maxcess and find synergies where it makes good sense for label and converting businesses,” remarked Greg Palm, Senior Vice President for Mark Andy Inc.

Recently, Aaron Powers, Global Product Manager at Maxcess commented, “We’re excited to launch the RD AutoScore, which offers a new level of automation and efficiency for our customers.  With decades of knowledge working with pressure sensitive materials through our RotoMetrics brand, we understand that reducing setup times while maximizing line speeds is paramount to a successful label or specialty converting application. Along with the product’s ability to underscore filmic liners, we believe the Tidland RD AutoScore provides significant value to our customers and will enhance their press productivity and operator safety.”

The new Tidland RD AutoScore offers several benefits including repeatable, quick and precise setup, resulting in less material waste and consistent underscoring of all liner materials, now including films.  Safety is also improved by eliminating the need for on-press adjustments during production. These attributes allow faster running speeds while reducing downtime as well as addressing material variations from job to job.  The RD AutoScore delivers improved and superior performance.  Finally, the Return on Investment (ROI) of this new design is less than a year when compared to manual score systems.  Maxcess’ new Tidland RD AutoScore is a valuable addition to any narrow web printing or converting production floor. 

For more information about this new RD AutoScore offered exclusively by Mark Andy for a limited time, please visit https://go.markandy.com/e/990852/equipment-rd-autoscore-/b34hc/127019014?h=NBQrkkRX5WBiqzQ23effGHlDwxQFCum5zQ5nZ2jdAC0

About Mark Andy Mark Andy has been a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry for more than 75 years. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, Mark Andy supplies leading brands, including Mark Andy, Presstek and Kluge 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 our customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. www.markandy.com

About Maxcess: Maxcess saves you time and money by optimizing your peak output performance. We do this by leveraging the world’s best web handling brands, offering customized, automated, end-to-end sustainable web handling solutions. Maxcess helps its customers maximize productivity through innovative products and services worldwide by combining global service and support across the storied product brands of RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, MAGPOWR, Webex, Valley Roller, Componex and Maxcess Vision Systems, Maxcess offers an unrivaled network of application experts and end-to-end web handling solutions to help you work better, faster, and smarter. Visit them online at www.maxcess.com

High-resolution images/file can be found here

Picture 1: RD AutoScore Image

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The company continues to pioneer circular and sustainable solutions for packaging.

Siegburg, Germany, June 19, 2023. – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has been shortlisted in two categories of the Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards and is also in the running in three categories of the Sustainable Packaging News Awards. 

In the Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards, Siegwerk was selected as a finalist in two categories: the Recyclable Packaging category for a deinking and delamination primer solution, and in the Recyclable Packaging Pre-Commercialized category, where Siegwerk and Henkel are finalists for a co-developed oxygen barrier coating for food packaging.

This follows on the success of last year’s awards, when Siegwerk won three awards, including being selected as the overall winner of 2022.

“Siegwerk is fully committed to enabling sustainability across the value chain. This confirms that we are on the right track,” said Alina Marm, Siegwerk’s Global head of Sustainability and Circular Economy.

In the Sustainable Packaging News Awards, Siegwerk’s solutions are included in three categories: the Resource Efficiency category for the UniNATURE barrier coating with 100% natural content, in the Circular Economy category for a printable tunable light barrier coating that can be tailored to work with existing recycling streams, and in the Recyclable Packaging Innovation category for a recyclable pouch co-created with ExxonMobil, Henkel, Kraus Folie, and Windmöller & Hölscher.

The award winners for both competitions will be announced in November of 2023.

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs – from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a sixth-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com

Media Contact:
Nathalie Müller-Samson
Manager Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 2241 304-237
E-mail: press@siegwerk.com

Franklin, TN – June 15, 2023 –  Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions announced it has acquired Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company (PLLC). Located in Simi Valley, CA and Winston-Salem NC, PLLC is a premiere manufacturer of printed inserts, labels, and packaging components for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device manufacturers.

PLLC will combine efforts with the recently acquired MedLit Solutions to expand and strengthen RLG’s national capabilities for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Kevin Grogan, CEO of MedLit Solutions will lead the combined teams.

Jason Laurence, President of PLLC, stated “Our team at PLLC is highly committed to providing industry leading quality and service that instills confidence with our global customers. We are excited to join the team at Resource Label Group and MedLit Solutions as they share that same focus and commitment. Their expanded capabilities will enable PLLC to bring even more value to our customers.”

“We are delighted to welcome PLLC to the Resource Label Group family,” added Mike Apperson, President and CEO of Resource Label Group. “The pharmaceutical and healthcare segments require a deep expertise and constant innovation to ensure the safety of their products. The combination of MedLit Solutions and PLLC further strengthens RLG’s pharmaceutical business and commitment to providing customers an exceptional full-service, national solution to support their increased needs and requirements.” 

Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company represents the 28th acquisition for Resource Label Group.

About Resource Label Group

Resource Label Group, LLC is a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions with a diverse product offering which includes pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, RFID/NFC technology, sustainable product solutions, scent activation technology, pharmaceutical packaging and fulfillment services. Resource Label provides products and services for the food, beverage, chemical, household products, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries. With twenty-seven locations across the U.S. and Canada, Resource Label Group provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems, and creative solutions that customers require. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, they employ over 1900 associates in the U.S. and Canada. Resource Label Group is a portfolio company of Ares Management Corporation. For additional information, visit www.resourcelabel.com

Media Contact:

Marsha Frydrychowski, (224) 315-4851

marsha.frydrychowski@resourcelabel.com

In a wide ranging interview, Nick Coombes spoke with New Jersey converter Custom Labels Inc about its ongoing investment in Mark Andy technology at the production facility in Fairfield

I spoke first with Abraham Rubin, CEO and President of the company:

NC: Tell us how and when it all began for Custom Labels

AR: My father was an offset printer back in the 1960s and I grew up as a print broker in the label sector.  I spent about eight years learning how to run machines and set up business in 1999 with a $100 used press that I bought off the back of a truck!  The second press cost a bit more, $38,500, but when I bought it, I had nowhere to put it and when it did go into production it had registration problems.  That’s when I became aware of what Mark Andy had to offer.

NC: What was your first Mark Andy press?

AR: It was reconditioned 4120, seven-color press and was such an improvement that I bought two more and used one for spares.  I had to buy the drying units separately, but this allowed the business to grow and for a few years all went well.  But eventually we reached a stage where the old presses could not keep up with demand and became less cost effective.  It was time to look at what new technology could offer.

NC: What did you buy?

AR: We looked at all options but decided to stay with Mark Andy and installed a 13” Performance Series P5 in 2015.  It was a revelation compared with the older presses and importantly allowed us to target the shrink sleeve market where we saw great potential for growth.  Pouches are another sector that the new press allows us to compete in.  We added a second P5 in 2018.

NC: What are you planning next?

AR: We desperately need more floorspace so a move to larger premises will help us maximize on the machine and labor capacity we have.  I’m also looking at wider web presses, maybe 22” or even 26” that can be dedicated to shrink sleeve production.  I believe we can triple sales with our current set-up if we can become more efficient.

I then spoke with Tony da Silva, VP of Sales and Product Development at the company:

NC: What’s your background in print?

TdS: I joined Custom Labels in 2020 with 40 years of international print industry experience behind me.  Abraham still runs the day-to-day business, and my task is to develop our portfolio for new markets and innovate new products.  We currently supply the personal care, household goods, agriculture, chemical, and beverage sectors, but we know there is huge potential for growth elsewhere.

NC: Tell us about the recent addition of digital print technology here

TdS: As you know, we are very pleased with our Mark Andy flexo presses so when we started to look at digital technology, we wanted to know what they could offer.  That’s when we decided that the best approach for us would be a hybrid press that combined flexo and inkjet technology, and we settled on a Digital Series HD, which was installed last year.  We like the concept of digital print with flexo embellishment options, and it’s allowed us to take the shorter runs off our P5s and produce them more cost-effectively with no loss of quality.

NC: Has it been easy to assimilate the DSHD in your production?

TdS: Yes, remarkably easy.  The inkjet engine allows us to go straight from pdf to print and CtP does the same for the flexo element that we already know well.  It’s opened new markets for us, especially jobs with multiple SKUs, and it’s equally at home running paper or film.  In fact, since the pandemic, which created supply problems with paper substrates, we’ve switched more to BOPP film, and I don’t see us going back.  In terms of efficiency, I estimate it has cut turnaround time by 50% or more and is a great complement to our existing flexo capacity.

NC: How do you view Mark Andy as a company?

TdS: As much more than a technology supplier – they are more like a business partner that we can consult and exchange information with on a two-way basis.  Whether it’s hardware or supplies, we see them as our ‘go to’ source for everything we need – we have four of their presses for a good reason!  We believe that a close cooperative partnership benefits both parties – we feed them with market information that helps with R&D, and we reap the benefits of the latest technology they develop.  Our mutual growth and success are both based on trust – and it works.

NC: How do you assess the current state of the market?

TdS: I’d say it’s still settling down after the huge effect that the pandemic had on all aspects, from consumer buying habits, to transport and mobility, to raw material supply and costs.  There is no doubt that sustainability and the environment are challenges that we will all have to overcome, so lean production, reduced waste, lower power consumption, more automation, improved training, and skill retention are all key elements in running a successful business going forward. 

NC: And looking ahead, what do you see?

TdS: I see us specializing in shrink sleeves and pouches on wider web presses.  We’ve already switched from solvent and water-based inks to UV, which suits our portfolio well.  Brand owners expect more from their packaging these days, so the growth in demand for more embellishment techniques will continue – and that’s where the scalability of Mark Andy presses is so important.  Print is a very dynamic industry – if you stand still, you are going backwards!  Custom Labels will continue to innovate new products and explore new markets sectors – it’s the only route to success.

High-resolution images/file can be found here

Picture 1: (left to right)Che Santiago, Joe Hamway (Mark Andy) and Tony da Silva with Custom Labels’ new Mark Andy DSHD hybrid press

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Irvine, Calif., June 13, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, printer/cutters, vinyl cutters, and other innovative digital imaging technologies, has announced the release of new Roland DG Connect version 3.0, offering users additional options, features, and operational capabilities.

Roland DG Connect is a cloud-based app that helps users create a more productive and efficient print operation environment with Roland DG devices, providing tools to improve workflow, visualize analytics, and optimize profitability. Additionally, Roland DG Connect makes it easy for users to access support documents and updates, remotely track machine status or usage, and download media output profiles.

While the “Standard” Roland DG Connect app is available to owners of compatible Roland DG devices free of charge, two new subscription-based plans – “Professional” and “Premium” – are now available that further expand the app’s capabilities. All free and subscription-based plans include, among other features, “Printer Monitoring,” a “Device Dashboard,” and a “Business Dashboard,” which enables multidimensional analysis of a variety of data. This feature allows customers to quickly visualize detailed information on the ink consumption of multiple printers, printing time, output in square meters, usage time, and the achievement of target operation rates.

Now included in both the Professional and Premium plans is a “multi-user function” that allows customers to view information on devices at locations that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access directly. For example, if a company has multiple locations, the headquarters can manage information on printers at each location in one place. This can be useful in formulating company-wide operational plans, improving the efficiency of ink ordering by centrally managing ink consumption, and increasing operation stability by better understanding maintenance status of each device.

The new Professional and Premium plans also include an “Automatic Backup Function” that automatically saves print settings within Roland DG VersaWorks® RIP software and restores them at the touch of a button when needed, allowing for smooth resumption of operations in the event of PC malfunction, addition, or replacement.

The Premium subscription service includes all the functionality and benefits of the Professional plan, plus even more advanced workflow and business management features, such as the exporting of detailed data for more in-depth analysis and the ability to share device information with up to 10 accounts.

“Requirements are changing, operations are diversifying, and trend cycles are shortening, making it more important than ever to deliver value in a timely manner,” notes Roland DGA’s Software Product Manager, Scott Burgess. “At the same time, we’re seeing a notable increase in on-demand printing that’s requiring businesses to purchase different types of inkjets, or multiple printers, to satisfy the diverse needs of their customers. Roland DG enables print professionals meet these challenges by providing a wealth of useful information about their devices and operations.”

To celebrate the launch of new Roland DG Connect version 3.0, Roland DGA is offering a special promotion to those who subscribe to the Professional or Premium plans now through December 31, 2023. During this period, customers can take advantage of special pricing and receive a free 30-day trial of the Premium version.

For more information on Roland DG Connect and the new subscription service, including plan options and pricing, visit http://www.rolanddga.com/connect-app. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com. 

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DG Americas serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

Schaumburg, IL – June 13, 2023 – Voting for the fourth annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest will be held for three days beginning this Wednesday, June 14. An independent panel of five judges has selected the five finalists and the can contest designs can be viewed online. The winning entry will be announced on the INX International website and social media platforms on June 22.

Public voting will be conducted via INX’s Facebook page and LinkedIn page and will count as one vote. Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland won the last two contests and has a chance to three-peat. Below are the finalists the judges and public will vote for:

 

·  Ballast Point Brewery, Hazy Sculpin India Pale Ale submitted by Ball Corporation

·  Lagunitas Brewing Company, Island Beats Tropical IPA submitted by Lagunitas

·  Miller Brewery, Miller Lite Grill submitted by Ball Corporation

·  Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ruby’s Revenge Imperial Grapefruit IPA

         submitted by Great Lakes Brewing Company

·  Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner Texhex Bruja’s Brew IPA submitted by Ball Corporation

 

The entries were created by designers who produced a commercial can design before January 1, 2023, and used two colors from the INX Metal Color Catalog, the metal decorating industry’s only true color standard. The judges determined the finalists based on originality, overall design aesthetics, best use of the color palette, and the project statement indicating how their color choices influenced their final design.

 

“We received an exceptional amount of creative entries from a wide assortment of brand owners, design agencies, marketers and metal decorators,” said Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX. “When we exhibited at MetPack and the Craft Brewers Conference last month, we had a good idea this contest was on the minds of many people. A good majority of them followed through and submitted entries.”

 

The contest winner earns bragging rights, an engraved trophy and other industry recognition, including a feature story in INX’s widely acclaimed Color Perfection magazine.

 

 

About INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America, with full-service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of Sakata INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services. To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

 

Malcolm Rae, founder of UV curing systems manufacturer GEW, has been announced the winner of this year’s Global Achievement Award. The award is the most prestigious accolade in the annual Label Industry Global Awards and recognizes ‘an individual who has made a key contribution to the promotion and growth of the label industry and has been a high-profile industry influencer and motivator’.

The Label Awards panel, which consists of the heads of major label industry organizations around the world, commented: ‘Malcolm Rae is a worthy winner of the Global Achievement Award. This recognizes his unique contribution, through GEW, the company he founded, to the narrow web industry’s transition to UV curing and to the subsequent technological development of the UV curing industry.’

Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director at Tarsus, congratulates Malcolm Rae on his

Global Achievement Award.

Malcolm Rae founded GEW in March 1991, creating what was to become the largest supplier of UV curing equipment to the narrow web label industry worldwide. Over a 35-year career, he has helped enable the transformation of label printing from primarily water-based to majority UV ink by forging long-lasting preferred supplier relationships with almost every major printing machine provider in the narrow web industry.

Still family owned, GEW employs over 150 people worldwide, at three UK manufacturing sites and two satellite offices, with sales, service and distribution serving over 60 countries.

A chartered mechanical engineer, Rae holds 21 international patents covering GEW’s key products, including the ubiquitous E2C, which is installed on 30,000 label print stations globally.

His inventions have helped to pioneer the commercialization of many, now commonplace, UV technologies such as UV cassettes, electronic power supplies and exclusively air-cooled lamps. More recently, Rae steered GEW towards a strong focus on UV-LED curing, making the lamps exchangeable with arc UV lamps to help converters make the transition to UV-LED technology.

Rae is renowned worldwide as an expert on UV curing, having presented, exhibited and lectured at label associations, shows and conferences over his 35 years in the business. Under his stewardship GEW has won a number of label industry awards and the Queen’s Award for Export.

Rae was nominated for the award by many influential figures from across the global label community, which is testament to the fact that he is held in high regard as a leader, role model and mentor to many people across the industry.

The award will be presented at a gala awards evening on the first day of Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Brussels.