R&D, Sales, Service and Repair Center will increase customer support for growing market

Mumbai, India – Maxcess International, a global leader in automated web handling solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility strategically located just west of Mumbai. The facility will house Sales and Service support, Global R&D resources, a repair center, and administrative offices for the APAC region supporting the Maxcess’ portfolio of brands, including RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, MAGPOWR, Webex, Componex and Maxcess Vision Systems.

“I wanted to be here to celebrate this important Maxcess milestone and we are thrilled to invest in our new Maxcess R&D, Sales, Service and Repair Center in Mumbai,” said Odd Joergenrud, CEO of Maxcess, in Mumbai for the opening ceremony. “India and the Asia Pacific market are of great strategic importance to Maxcess, and this expansion allows us to bring our industry leading end-to-end web handling solutions to more people in the region. Additionally, adding to our global R&D team locally brings us closer to our customers to create even better solutions. With this facility, we aim to further enhance our sales and technical support, improve regional response time, create new innovations, and achieve greater productivity and efficiency for our customers.”

The new multipurpose facility is designed with a focus on delivering world-class services to the Maxcess customer base. The new offices will have over thirty dedicated employees for the India and Asia Pacific region. Equipped with the latest technologies and staffed by skilled professionals, the facility is poised to meet the growing demands of the region’s web handling segments, including printing, tag and label, packaging, medical, towel & tissue, tire and rubber, metals, and many other converting applications.

“The Mumbai R&D, Sales, Service and Repair Center will offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of customers in the region,” said Niraj Muni, General Manager of Maxcess India. “Our customers will notice faster turnaround time on repairs, increased tooling efficiency and durability, which reduces scrap and waste to be more sustainable, improved technical and support in the places our customers do business. I am excited to help Maxcess grow in this important part of the world.”\

By combining Maxcess’ extensive product portfolio with an exceptional customer service experience, the center will function as a hub for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing in the region.

Maxcess has a strong commitment to ensuring customer success through a global network of sales, service, and support centers. The addition of the Mumbai facility now has expanded the footprint, complementing existing centers across the world.

Visit www.Maxcessintl.com or call 1-844-MAXCESS to learn more about our solutions to help you work better, faster, and smarter

Press Contact:  Keith Laakko – Global Vice President Marketing & Business Development

klaakko@maxcessintl.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

 Irvine, Calif., June 1, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters, 3D milling machines, and other digital imaging technologies, has announced three key personnel changes within its Service Department.

Jack Pozorski, a sign and graphics industry veteran who has held several different service and support positions at Roland DGA since joining the company in 2004, has been promoted to Director of Service. In his new role, Pozorski will be responsible for overseeing Roland DGA’s entire service department, ensuring that customers and resellers throughout the Americas continue to receive the level of world-class support the company is known for. He will also serve as the main contact with Roland DGA’s third-party service providers, looking for new ways to optimize those relationships and increase customer satisfaction.

Francisco Alvarado, who has held a variety of positions at Roland DGA over the past 25 years, serving most recently as Roland Care Support Manager, has been promoted to Roland Care Manager. Alvarado’s responsibilities will be centered around establishing new ways the company can support end users as well as the dealer channel.  In addition, he will oversee the company’s network of Roland Care Engineers throughout North and South America.

Kevin Rosen, who worked for Roland DGA from 2015 to 2021 – starting out as a Technical Support Representative and later serving as Application Specialist – has been rehired and will replace Alvarado as Roland Care Support Manager. In his new position, Rosen’s primary responsibilities will include oversight of Roland DGA’s team of technical support specialists and day-to-day management of the service depot.

“These experienced, talented individuals will work together to make sure Roland DGA maintains its well-earned reputation for providing the best service and support in the industries we cater to,” said Roland DGA’s Vice President of Services, Ron Ball. “We congratulate them on their new, expanded roles within the company and look forward to their important contributions, which will help us continue to exceed the expectations of our customers.”

To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

West Sussex, England – 31st May, 2023

Print industry user group Automate Print, a collection of the leading print solution providers is holding its first UK session, at the iconic Kia Oval cricket ground in London, 21st June, 2023.

The Automate Print collective, which consists of Infigo, PrintIQ, Enfocus, and Esko, was created as a platform to collaborate between print industry professions to learn how they can streamline their workflow, capitalise on personalisation and significantly reduce overheads with innovative technology.

The full day event will include interactive sessions and demonstrations as well as drinks and canapés, on the rooftop terrace, for an evening of networking with industry peers. This follows the first highly successful Automate Print held at Top Golf in Las Vegas, in October 2022

The packed day begins with an introduction to each partner (and the part they play in the workflow), including a demonstration to show how an automated web-to-print workflow can be created when the platforms are fully integrated.

This will be followed by an interactive customer panel, Q&A sessions and individual breakouts with the four partners. This means that attendees can see how the platforms work together but also gives them the opportunity to drill down into granular detail on the individual platforms.

The event will be hosted by personalisation expert, Richard Askam, the visionary behind Coca- Cola’s ground-breaking “Share a Coke” marketing campaign.

Richard said: “Personalisation is critical to consider as the print industry continues to evolve. Most consumers expect the ability to personalise their product or packaging, with the same turnaround time or faster. Automating your web-to-print workflow to accommodate this is imperative.”

In short the event will enable users to learn more about automation and integration, discover how their solutions can be integrated further, learn from other customers and get 1-1 time with their solutions provider in a casual setting. So don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to speak to the decision makers that are shaping the future of web-to-print, discover how to fine tune your automated workflow and discuss the future features you’d like to see on the platforms you use daily.

Spaces are limited, so make sure you register now.

Greg Young, Head of Customer Success, Infigo, says: “I look forward to any opportunity to meet up with customers and partners but this is one I’m particularly excited about.

“To get all these experts and our users in the same room is an achievement in itself but to have the entire day for customers to ask whatever they want about the individual platforms is a highly unique opportunity.

“When we first held a similar event in Vegas last year, we were blown away by the feedback, so we’re highly excited that our UK and European customers will be able to get the same insight and grill the leading providers in print automation.

“The fact that there is such a variety of sessions, run by those that are the forefront of developing and integrating the platforms and driving print automation, I think we are all going to learn a lot about the current and future opportunities around web-to-print and where the industry is going.”

George Folickman, Sales Director, Phoenix Software, for Esko, says: “The key to any successful technology company is a keen awareness of the underlying challenges their customers face. More sophisticated automation and integration is required to enable the short runs and fast turnaround times being demanded of our industry, all while strictly managing their overhead.

“Yes, it takes investment, but when you integrate the right platforms, then all of this is possible. We can’t wait to hear more from our clients and how we can help them thrive in challenging conditions. It’s an honour to follow up our event in Las Vegas with our partners who all prioritise automation, open platforms, and connectivity – three drivers that we see as being a requirement for modern technology.”

Rachel Keenan, Channel Manager for DistributorX Solutions Ltd, the Enfocus distributor for the UK & Ireland, says: “The print businesses that have met the challenges over the last few years, have been the ones that have implemented and experimented with automation.

“When you have these different platforms that can be integrated, it reduces the need for rekeying information, cuts down on unnecessary phone calls and emails with clients, reduces errors across the workflow and speeds up the overall turnaround of jobs.

“This is an incredible opportunity for users of all our products to get together, compare notes, share what’s working for them and obviously ask us experts about how different software providers work together and specific points around each platform.”

Rob Thurston, Sales Manager, for PrintIQ, said the day would provide invaluable information for printers in a range of sectors.

He said: “The ability to be flexible with your offering, and your workflow, is imperative to growth. Not only does integrating these platforms help reduce overhead, streamlining the workflow and provide a quicker turnaround than ever before, but it also gives you better oversight and control of how efficiently your business is running.

“With these different platforms you can really drill down into the products, sectors and geographies that are proving to be most popular (and the ones that aren’t) to take a more strategic approach and maximise opportunities.”

For more information about the event, please visit https://www.automateprint.net/.

Irvine, Calif., May 30, 2023 – Large-format imaging leader Roland DGA has announced the addition of two new, uniquely designed media offerings – SoftSign™ Fabric Banner and HeatSoft™ GLAM heat transfer material – to the wide selection of substrates it currently offers for print professionals.

New SoftSign Fabric Banner (RCM-SSFB) is an addition to Roland DGA’s current SoftSign textile line. It’s a heavyweight, 15-mil, 100 percent polyester fabric with an Oxford weave that’s perfect for a variety of banner and décor applications. Compatible with eco-solvent, UV, and resin inks, this 10-ounce fabric allows for a higher-end look and feel than a standard glossy scrim vinyl banner. It’s also easy to work with, hangs beautifully, and doesn’t curl in retractable banner stands. Available in 20” x 75’, 30” x 150’, and 54” x 150’ rolls.

New HeatSoft GLAM (ESM-HTGLM) is a 7.5-mil heat transfer vinyl that is made of white polyurethane film with silver sparkle flecks encapsulated in the film for a smooth, printable surface. It features a heat-activated adhesive that allows for application to different types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and poly/cotton blend. As HeatSoft GLAM is a thick, heavy media, it’s best applied to thicker fabrics and garments like sweatshirts, denim, aprons, caps, hats, and tote bags. This media can also be used on T-shirts, but it’s recommended that T-shirt application be limited to small sections or as an accent piece. Designed for use with eco-solvent inks, HeatSoft GLAM is CPSIA certified and Proposition 65 compliant. It’s offered in 20” x 30’ and 30” x 30’ rolls.

“In the case of SoftSign Fabric Banner, customers asked for it and we listened,” said Lily Hunter, Roland DGA’s Senior Product Manager. “We now have an environmentally friendly fabric banner to satisfy a wide range of Roland DG printer users – from owners of VersaSTUDIO desktop devices to TrueVIS large-format customers. We’re equally excited about adding HeatSoft GLAM to our popular HeatSoft heat transfer family. It’s a truly unique media that’s sure to add a little ‘bling’ to your life.”

New SoftSign Fabric Banner and HeatSoft GLAM heat transfer material are available for purchase with a few clicks of the mouse at the Roland DGA Online Store, or through authorized Roland DGA resellers.  

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. 

For Immediate Release

SATO Holdings Corporation announces that its consolidated subsidiary SATO International America, Inc. has acquired Stafford Press, Inc., a Redmond, Washington-based company. Stafford Press is a pioneer and market leader in the on-demand tag and labels business for inkjet color on-demand horticulture tag and labels market in North America. The acquisition positions SATO to deliver on-demand tag and label solutions to other industries as well.

Established in 1992, Stafford Press is a pioneer in the field of inkjet horticulture tagging and labeling, boasting the highest market share and a strong customer base in the United States. The retail vertical market, which includes horticulture, is a key focus for SATO’s U.S business, and the company has been providing barcode labels and printers to this segment since 2006.

The acquisition aligns with SATO’s investment strategy within its current medium-term business plan to solidify its business footing in overseas markets for sustainable growth. There are three main objectives to the deal. Firstly, SATO aims to further expand its horticulture label business in North America. Secondly, SATO aims to add inkjet printing as a new option to its existing range of thermal, laser and RFID-based horticulture labeling and tagging solutions.  Lastly, SATO will further grow its auto-ID solutions business by establishing a labeling manufacturing base on the west coast.  

Steve Sundstrom said, “Stafford Press is an excellent addition to the SATO family. They complement SATO America’s business, provide new avenues & markets for growth, and provide us coverage on the west coast. Dave and Kim Long have built a great company with a great team at Stafford and I believe they will fit well with our business and provide significant growth opportunities.”

Stafford Press, which comprises label and tag printing brands SameDay and WestHort, will be operated alongside SATO America, LLC, as it is integrated into SATO. SATO America president Steve Sundstrom will oversee the newly acquired company. 

About SATO

SATO (TOKYO:6287) is a global auto-ID solutions provider for leading companies in manufacturing, logistics, retail, food & beverage and health care. SATO tags every ‘thing’, making them knowable in real time for a connected world of productivity, safety, reassurance and sustainability. An industry pioneer with a focus that is grounded on site, SATO engineers hardware and integrates solutions to streamline the entire supply chain and capture and visualize data from factory to consumer. SATO has 83 years of expertise and a presence in 26 countries with a workforce of 5,637. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, it reported revenues of 142,824 million yen ($1.05 billion*).

 More information about SATO can be found at www.sato-global.com

(UPM, Helsinki, 30 May 2023 at 13:00 EEST) – Finnish beauty brand LUMENE is the first to launch a biobased packaging application with both the jar and label made with UPM’s innovative wood-based material, further processed by SABIC.

LUMENE’s new jar and the self-adhesive label originate from renewable UPM BioVerno™ naphtha, produced by UPM in Finland. The naphtha is processed into certified renewable polypropylene by SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, and then converted both into commonly recyclable cosmetics containers and product labels printed on UPM Raflatac Forest Film™ label material.

LUMENE, a Nordic pioneer in circular beauty for over 20 years, chose to use biobased raw material in order to reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging.

“By cooperating with UPM and SABIC we are taking the next important step in our sustainability journey and driving transition to renewable resources. LUMENE’s ambition is to have 80% of its packaging made from recycled and biobased plastics by 2025,” says Essi Arola, Head of R&D Packaging and Sustainability at LUMENE.

“We are committed to replacing fossil-based feedstocks with renewable ones. This collaboration with LUMENE, SABIC and UPM Raflatac is an excellent example of a future beyond fossils, which is a key driver for UPM going forward,” explains Juha Rainio, Sales and Marketing Director at UPM Biofuels.

Joint effort to reduce fossil-based plastic in packaging

This pioneering cooperation, in which both LUMENE’s jar and film label are made with renewable raw materials, reduces the need for fossil-based plastics by over 60 tons per year while also reducing the packaging’s carbon footprint significantly in 1,5 million jars annually.

The process begins when tall oil, a residue of the pulping process, is used to produce UPM BioVerno™ by UPM Biofuels. The wood-based renewable naphtha can be used to replace fossil raw materials in various end uses.

UPM BioVerno is then further processed by SABIC to make certified renewable polypropylene from their TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio. These certified renewable solutions, specifically resins and chemicals from biobased feedstock, are not in direct competition with the food chain and can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

“We firmly believe that collaboration and innovation are driving the sustainable transformation of our industry. SABIC’s certified renewable materials demonstrate how our TRUCIRCLE solutions can contribute toward our shared goals for carbon neutrality. We are delighted to work with our value chain partners LUMENE and UPM Biofuels as a further step towards creating a more circular and sustainable economy for plastics,” tells Lada Kurelec, General Manager, PP & E4PS Business at SABIC.

By applying the mass balance approach1, LUMENE’s jar producer is able to create commonly recyclable jars from the certified renewable polypropylene with a reduced environmental impact. This innovative package is topped with UPM Forest Film™ – a world’s first film label material made with wood-based biomaterials.

“It’s inspiring to work with passionate brands with ambitions to go beyond fossils. LUMENE took a holistic view of the whole package – using renewable fossil-free feedstocks in the primary plastic as well as the label. Both are critical to the brand experience and integral to the circularity and climate performance of packaging,” adds Eliisa Laurikainen, Business Development Manager at UPM Raflatac.

All parties in the supply chain have ISCC PLUS sustainability certification and a verified amount of biobased feedstock is put into the manufacturing process to produce the certified renewable plastic packaging.

LUMENE’s new moisturizer jars will have a reduced carbon footprint while using both a biobased jar and product label.

Reducing the use of fossil materials is a worldwide challenge and one of the best ways of tackling it is collaboration in the value chain. LUMENE, SABIC and UPM have joined forces to drive change in the packaging industry.

Irvine, Calif., May 25, 2023 – Wide-format imaging leader Roland DGA will be hosting a special open house event at its Atlanta Imagination Center on June 27, 2023, making it easy for print professionals within the region to see the very latest Roland DG technologies in action. Roland DGA will be conducting live, hands-on demonstrations of recent product introductions such as the TrueVIS™ LG Series UV printer/cutters, TrueVIS™ AP-640 Resin printer, VersaOBJECT™ CO Series flatbed and hybrid UV printers, and new Rotary Rack attachments for printing directly on cylindrical objects with Roland DG flatbeds. In addition, the Atlanta Open House will enable attendees to get a firsthand look at larger Roland DG products that are not commonly found in reseller showrooms, like the IU-1000F high-volume UV flatbed printer. 

Those attending the event will also have an opportunity to discuss their business needs with Roland DGA’s product managers and obtain expert advice on which Roland DG solutions best suit their specific requirements.  With the opening of its Atlanta office just a year ago, Roland DGA now offers resellers and potential customers in the region a place for product demonstrations on a regular basis – without the need to travel to or wait for industry events – while hosting trainings and special events as well.

“With this open house taking place in our Atlanta office, it will be convenient for prospective customers in the Southeastern U.S. to attend, get familiar with our newest products, and discover how these amazing devices can help build their respective businesses,” said Roland DGA’s Vice President of Sales, Dan Johansen. “Along with the informative product demos and one-on-one consultations, there will be food, drinks, and plenty of excitement.” 

For additional details on the Roland DGA Atlanta Open House, or to register online to attend the event, click here.

To learn more about Roland DGA 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 – May 24, 2023 – INX International Ink Co. today announced the hiring of Paul Edwards as the new Vice President of the Digital Division. A longtime and successful printing industry executive, he reports to President and Chief Executive Officer Bryce Kristo.

Edwards joins INX after serving as the Vice President of Ink Technology at EFI since 2011. He directed a team of more than 60 chemists while leading the product development effort and maximized innovation for several business units, including display graphics, ceramics, textile, corrugated, wood and labels. He also managed the print-head technology and analysis group.

He was promoted to that position after serving as the Senior Director of Ink Research & Development for nearly three years. All told, Edwards was at the company for 19 years after beginning as the Director of Development at Jetrion in 2004. He began his career in the U.K. as a Project Manager and worked in technical positions at Domino Printing and Flint.

“We are very excited to have Paul Edwards join the INX International Ink Co. team,” said Kristo. “He brings with him over 30 years of leadership and technological experience within the analog and digital imaging field, both from a fluids and printing system perspective. We are focused on digital printing as a primary growth platform. His extensive experience in executing strategy within this market space will greatly help us drive this growth effort successfully in the future. 

“The Sakata INX Group has a long and successful history of providing quality inks and technology. I am excited to be part of the INX family and be able to create differentiated and high performing digital products for our customers,” said Edwards. “For much of my career, I have been involved with driving the analog to digital revolution in print, and in the development and commercialization of digital inks, coatings, and printing systems. Over the last few years INX has embarked on a digital journey for their customers, and I know my skills and experience can help accelerate the progress made by the team.” 

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 the website.

STOW, Ohio – May 24, 2023 – Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, is acquiring Label Supply, headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Label Supply has been servicing the Canadian roll label market for more than three decades. 

The acquisition is expected to close June 1, 2023, and consists of an established, turnkey facility with 11 finishing assets, a comprehensive transportation/shipping fleet, robust laboratory and technical resource group, and an in-house ink partner. With the added support of Mactac, Label Supply benefits from a larger customer base, capital access, information technology, and broad, consistent product supply. 

The acquisition expands the geographic reach of both companies in the Canadian market, creating a unique service and product offering that provides specialty products, service, and large quantities to more customers throughout Eastern Canada. 

“Label Supply runs a highly successful business that is fast, agile and customer service centric.  They excel at meeting small to medium converters’ needs within Ontario, Canada, particularly the greater Toronto region,” said Ed LaForge, Mactac President and CEO. “This acquisition, like others we’ve made within the past two years, will build upon the proven success of Label Supply. We will enhance what they do by broadening service throughout Eastern Canada and providing additional equipment and technology solutions that will also meet the needs of the region’s larger customers.”

Expanding the operational and commercial capabilities of Label Supply, Mactac will invest in the facility’s resources, technology, and equipment, including adding high-volume slitting assets designed for larger material rolls. Mactac will expand product offerings, adding LINTEC high-performance products and others, while ensuring supply stability. 

“Adding additional commercial resources, product portfolios and assets to a talented Label Supply team is an exciting opportunity for the Canadian market,” said Kevin Clunie, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Mactac.

“The way Mactac does business aligns with our business values,” said Jake Rempel, Founder of Label Supply. “We chose Mactac because they have a large international footprint, but they value and appreciate customers and employees. We look forward to being part of the Mactac team and are excited to see Label Supply grow with the support and backing of Mactac.” 

Mactac continues to invest and expand within the North American label market through recent asset expansion and strategic business acquisitions, including Duramark Products (formally Ritrama USA), Spinnaker Coating, LLC, CSI – Southern California and now Label Supply. Mactac is committed to delivering the roll label market and its customers enhanced products, services and technology, supply chain continuity, added reliability and unmatched value. 

As one of the largest, diversified global pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) suppliers, with 16 slitting and distribution sites across North America, Mactac is positioned to provide industry leading service to the North American market. Mactac and its parent company, LINTEC, a global leader in the field of adhesive materials, will continue to heavily invest in R&D, operational enhancements, and market growth. 

For more information, visit www.mactac.com.