Following successful market validation in Europe, Asia, and Canada, XSYS is now launching the high-performance ThermoFlexX Catena-E exposure technology into the US. This will allow customers in the region to benefit from precise image reproduction, higher reproductivity, and greater flexibility in flexo platemaking.

Willstaett, Germany. 27 April 2023 – XSYS has announced the market launch of the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 T exposure unit in the United States. “The arrival of Catena-E is extremely timely, because the flexo industry is facing pressing needs for higher definition imaging, increased speeds, and more sustainable ways of making photopolymer printing plates,” said Dan Rosen, Sales Director National Accounts for North America. “On the back of having thoroughly tested this innovative technology throughout Europe, Asia, and Canada, where we have seen tremendous success, I’m very pleased to say that XSYS is now bringing Catena-E to the US.”

LED technology offers consistent output for higher quality and lower operating costs with LEDs that are instantaneously stable, which also means that no time is wasted waiting for the machine to warm up. “With increasingly automated production, the flexo pre-press industry is looking to LED as the next evolution in platemaking. Unfortunately, the options available have been extremely limited until now,” Dan continued. “What XSYS is bringing to the market is a completely open and much more efficient Hybrid exposing system with higher processing speeds and significant sustainability benefits in terms of less plate waste and lower energy usage.”

The ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 T unit uses high-intensity precision LED’s for the Main Exposure process offering exceptional reproduction of even the finest relief elements and highest possible print quality. Suitable for nearly all types of plates on the market, the system eliminates oxygen effects, which allows customers to transition into flat-top dot exposure with standard plates or to process plates with inherent flat-top dot technology. This includes the nyloflex® FTV Digital, a new LED optimized plate from XSYS, which is aimed specifically at the high-end flexible packaging segment.

Visitors to the recently expanded XSYS technical center and demo facility in Charlotte, NC, will soon be able to experience the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 T live in action. The new unit will be set up in the technical lab to run in-line with a ThermoFlexX TFxX 80 imager to demonstrate fully automated plate imaging and exposure in one simple process. This is enabled by a unique interface with a rover plate moving system and bridge combined with intelligent plate transport and smart run-off, eliminating all the risks associated with manual handling. 

“Having the Catena-E 80 T unit in our demo center will allow people to test their own files and evaluate the operation of the equipment and the high speed benefits in real time. When they can see the operation up close, they will better understand the fail safes, the design quality, and the engineering that went into the development,” said Eric Gibbs, Managing Director for Plates. “We are excited for customers to bring their own production staff, so they can experience the big operational efficiency gains that are available to them with our very competitive solution.”

Across the border in Canada, two early adopters are harvesting the benefits of ThermoFlexX Catena-E technology. Tempo Flexible Packaging in Innisfil, north of Toronto, Ontario, installed a Catena-E 48 unit and quickly witnessed a big difference in the productivity of the plate room. The company needed to replace an older conventional bank exposure unit that was causing some quality issues. “Right away, the Catena-E solved our problems and there was a dramatic improvement in the print quality,” reported Craig Labossier, Print Technical Services Manager at Tempo.

Flexoleed in Montreal, which serves customers in all of the Quebec province, has also recently moved from bank exposure to LED technology. Dominic Desgagnés, Technical Director, expressed the company’s great satisfaction with the new equipment, saying, “We are very happy with the stability of the new ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80; the details are sharp, and the plate floors are even. The transition from our old exposure unit was also well executed and we found the whole process to be quick and efficient.”

For XSYS North America, the arrival of the Catena-E 80 T in the US represents a crucial step in the plan to install a fully automated ThermoFlexX Catena+ end-to-end platemaking line, which is due to be available for live demonstrations at the Charlotte facility later this year. Dan concluded, “As XSYS, we are investing heavily in operations across the globe to allow customers full access to our wide portfolio of solutions and to give them the opportunity to speak face-to-face with our experts. Now that pandemic restrictions are a thing of the past, it is full steam ahead for XSYS North America.”

ABOUT XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Silver Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

Schaumburg, IL – April 26, 2023 – Anticipation is building for the annual Craft Brewing Conference, being held May 7-10 at the Music City Center in Nashville. As the craft beer industry matures, it continues to grow and become more competitive. INX International Ink Co. (booth 363) has a solution that is proving to be the best way to successfully produce a new can design for the marketplace.

INX Color Perfection is a highly effective brand and color management program designed to build brand consistency, ensure color accuracy, and produce significant cost savings. It combines advanced digital proofing, color management tools, and a free educational platform with the first ever INX Color Catalog. A powerful tool, it incorporates over 600 removeable color swatches produced on metal and includes a digitized color library.

Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX, says having these color management resources provides brand owners with advantages in getting their cans to market quicker. It also increases shelf appeal with accurate and consistent color that is available anywhere in the world.

“Interest in the INX Color Catalog grows year after year, and having so many metal color swatches to choose from allows design teams to get really creative. Its market penetration is at an all-time high with nearly 350 catalogs in the marketplace, and more than 50% of those belong to brand owners,” acknowledged Schouten.

“Many of the brand owners, including some large breweries, participate in our annual Colored By INX Can Design Contest. But it was a craft brewing company that repeated as our champion last year, and I think they are going to try for a three-peat.”

Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland won the contest in 2021 and defended their title last year with an award-winning design for Tropicoastal Tropical IPA beer. Jameson Campbell, the creative leader for Great Lake’s design team, said the INX Color Perfection program is a tremendous asset that is helping them market products to their customers.

“The INX Color Catalog continues to be instrumental in serving the beautiful illustrations and designs on each of our cans, and appealing to customers with exciting visual appeal on the shelf,” remarked Campbell. “It helps us best match the color, capacity, and transparency of inks to maximize the boldness of each can’s final appearance. INX has helped us deliver each beer’s unique story and flavor promise to our customers, reach new drinkers, and build even stronger brands.”

Schouten said INX experts will attend the Craft Brewers Conference. They are available to talk to or schedule a meeting with in booth 363 to discuss all of the components of the INX Color Perfection program. They can also answer questions about the Colored By INX Can Design contest, where all eligible participants, including designers, metal decorators, and others have until May 31 to enter their designs. 

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.

Two-Day Event Offered Training on Label Printers, Label Design Software, Complementary Solutions, and Media  

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – April 24, 2023 – Epson and ScanSource recently hosted the spring “Label Summit” event, a ColorWorks® training event for partners. The two-day event was held in Indianapolis, Ind. from April 18-20 and was centered around equipping ProFocus resellers with the application and solution information to empower them to more effectively identify and sell ColorWorks solutions to their respective customers. The event included a tour of Epson’s Indianapolis Distribution Center, allowing all attendees to see first-hand how the transition from traditional thermal printers to Epson ColorWorks has yielded significant improvements in operating costs and operational efficiency.

“The event was a great setting to uncover new opportunities for growth and success with our partners, and showcase the innovative color labeling solutions, tools and programs that can benefit businesses of all sizes,” said Ansley Hoke, senior vice president of marketing, ScanSource, Inc. 

The event included training sessions from Epson ColorWorks partners UPM Raflatac, FoxIV, BarTender®, and DTG. The educational event was designed exclusively for value-added resellers and offered a deep dive into the Epson ColorWorks on-demand color label printer products and how color can elevate productivity and results.  

“It was exciting to welcome our reseller partners to Indianapolis for concentrated, in-depth, hands-on training with our leading label printers, complementary solutions, software, and media,” said Victor Gomez, director, Industrial Labels, Epson America, Inc. “This unique event also provided an inside look at Epson’s Distribution Center where ColorWorks printers are used for all warehouse labeling.”

The event specifically offered training for Epson’s ColorWorks on-demand color label printers that are designed for any business looking to eliminate two-step printing, bring color label printing in-house, add color to existing labels, or simply produce more consistent and better-quality black-and-white labels. Products demonstrated at the event included Epson’s newest ColorWorks C4000 compact printer and the ColorWorks CW-C6000-series industrial label printers with auto cutter and peel-and-present models. For additional information about Epson’s ColorWorks on-demand color label printers, visit www.epson.com/colorworks.

About ScanSource, Inc.

ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC) is a leading hybrid distributor connecting devices to the cloud and accelerating growth for customers across hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud. ScanSource enables customers to deliver solutions for their end users to address changing buying and consumption patterns. ScanSource sells through multiple, specialized routes-to-market with hardware, SaaS, connectivity and cloud services offerings from the world’s leading suppliers of point-of-sale (POS), payments, barcode, physical security, unified communications and collaboration, telecom and cloud services. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, ScanSource was named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in South Carolina and on FORTUNE magazine’s 2023 List of World’s Most Admired Companies. ScanSource ranks #773 on the Fortune 1000. For more information, visit www.scansource.com.

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.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

• Precise image reproduction and fine relief elements for exceptional print quality

• Increased productivity thanks to powerful LEDs and full coverage back exposure

• Sustainable operation due to low waste and enclosed exposure environment

• Excellent performance supported by latest technology high-power LEDs

Willstaett, Germany. 24 April 2023 – Building on its market-leading portfolio of platemaking equipment, XSYS has announced the introduction of the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 48 unit for LED exposure of flexographic printing plates for the label, folding carton, and flexible packaging markets. The new addition to the Catena product family is a compact solution that delivers highest quality flat-top dot plates at an impressive level of productivity, coupled with low cost of ownership.

“Catena-E LED exposure technology was first introduced to the market in 2020 and the larger Catena-E 80 model for wide web applications was quickly adopted by platemakers and printing companies serving the global flexible packaging and corrugated board markets,” said Christophe Lievens, Global Sales Director XSYS Prepress. “Now with the Catena-E 48, narrow and medium web printers active in labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging can enjoy the same excellent plate quality with faster LED exposure and consistent operation which will boost their business.”

Exposing plates in a maximum size of 900 x 1200mm (35 x 48”) and up to 6.35mm (0.250”) in thickness, the Catena-E 48 has been built to match the high speed of the TFxX 48-S plate imager from XSYS, which offers an output of 6m2/hr. Exposure takes less than 15 minutes and the unit can be fitted with an automatic plate loading door as an option. Like the Catena-E 80, the new model is also perfect for plates with the finest surface microstructures, such as ThermoFlexX Woodpecker Nano

Powerful, simultaneous main and back LED exposure ensure excellent plate quality and exceptional productivity, while the enclosed temperature-controlled combined with water-cooled LED modules (fully tested for 20.000+ operating hours) guarantees consistent production of high quality flexo plates. For energy efficiency, the back exposure adapts to the plate loaded, only illuminating LED according to plate size.

To maintain maximum uptime, Catena-E 48 features comprehensive remote support capabilities for calibration, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Replacement of the LED modules, which are reasonably priced, is simple and easy to carry out with basic training or remote guidance from the XSYS engineers.

Excellent feedback is already coming back from early market adopters, such as Tempo Flexible Packaging, which is the first customer in Canada to install the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 48. Bought to replace an older bank exposure unit, the new LED system is allowing the Canadian flexible packaging specialist to improve the quality of its flexo printing and increase its overall productivity.

Craig Labossier, Print Technical Services Manager at Tempo, praised the print quality enabled by the Catena technology, commenting, “With the Catena-E 48, we can hold much smaller minimum dots, and they stay clean throughout the print run, so we can print for longer, which improves productivity and reduces waste. Our customers are also noticing the much cleaner print they’re getting.” He added, “With higher productivity, better quality and increased sustainability, we have truly taken our flexo production to the next level.”

Christophe Lievens concluded, “At XSYS, we continue to expand the offering to the flexo market with solutions that enable printers to be brilliant and serve their customer with best-in-class products. The Catena-E 48 harnesses all the innovative technologies that have placed XSYS at the very forefront of developments in plates and platemaking, and we look forward to witnessing the huge benefits it will bring to the narrow and medium web market.”    

ABOUT XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Silver Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

Label and Package Printing Expert Mark Middendorf to Discuss the Future of High-Definition On-Demand Color Labeling 

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – April 20, 2023 – Epson today announced label and package printing expert, Mark Middendorf, product manager for Epson’s line of ColorWorks® on-demand color label printers, will be presenting at the upcoming White Label World Expo. Held May 3-4 in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the White Label World Expo brings together industry experts, suppliers and buyers from the retail, e-commerce and selling/supplying industries.

“The future of high-definition on-demand color labeling is here now, and I’m excited to share insight on how businesses of any size can amplify their brand by easily and affordably printing their own eye-catching color labels,” said Middendorf. “This session will cover how businesses can be empowered to avoid the lead times, minimum order quantities and high per-label costs associated with short run pre-printed color labels. It will also cover the tools needed to create and print labels in-house.”

Epson ProFocus partners will be showcasing Epson ColorWorks printers on the show floor, demonstrating the benefits of eye-catching labels and helping booth visitors understand how on-demand color labeling can help to save time and labor in operations. General Data/Color Label Solutions will have live demos of the ColorWorks C4000, C6000A, C6500A, and C6000P integrated with its PAC5 label applicator solution at booth #7129. Loda Enterprises, Inc. will showcase the ColorWorks C4000 and C6500A integrated with the Eclipse MINI+ die-cut finisher at booth #4173.

The White Label World Expo in Las Vegas is designed for global leaders, entrepreneurs, online sellers, retailers, and distributors to come together with business, e-commerce and startup owners. The event will offer multiple summits, specialized co-located events and networking and investment opportunities with the goal of helping businesses learn from industry experts and grow their potential.

Middendorf’s session, “Affordably Elevate Your Brand – Print Your Own Color Labels” will be held in Keynote Theater 3 on Wednesday from 1:15-1:45 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.whitelabelexpo.com/speakers/mark-middendorf/.

About ColorWorks On-Demand Label Printers

The Epson ColorWorks on-demand desktop color label printers are simple and affordable solutions for producing durable, high-quality color product labels, color coupons and even shipping labels with cross-promotional color ads. For more information, visit www.epson.com/colorworks. 

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.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Schaumburg, IL – April 20, 2023 – Following a six year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interpack returns May 4-10 in Dusseldorf, Germany. INX International Ink Co. and parent company, Sakata INX, are ready to help packaging brand owners with a full complement of reliable, efficient, and cost effective sustainable inks and coatings solutions on display in Hall 18 at Stand F12.

Environmentally friendly inks that improve recycling, low energy inks for increased efficiencies, and functional inks and coatings for consumer safety, food preservation, and brand protection purposes, are the types of solutions INX believes packaging stakeholders can benefit from today.

“The packaging world is much different than the last time interpack was held. Since then, we have worked together with Sakata INX on our longtime mission to deliver new and innovative solutions that drive sustainability through the value chain for our suppliers and customers,” said Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX.

“The demand for the sale of pre-packaged food has increased substantially since 2020 and is projected to continue through 2026,” added Schouten. “Our commitment to sustainability performance filters into the process of how we develop all new products for the benefit of brand owners, customers and consumers. Besides seeing the products in our stand, attendees should visit us in the Sustainable Packaging Showroom on May 8 for a better understanding of how this will help them.” 

In partnership with Comexi, a leading manufacturer of flexographic printing presses for the flexible packaging industry, INX will participate in the day-long event in Hall 10, Room 10.1A. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., samples of INX GelFlex-EB – a gel-based lightweighting surface print ink system for CI flexo printing – will show superior print quality similar to gravure. The crosslinked, durable ink film eliminates the need for a lamination layer that reduces costs and package weight and improves recyclability. 

“From 2 to 5 p.m., there will be seminars on sustainable packaging to educate everyone on how printing offset and flexo together with electron beam curable inks can help reduce solvents for more sustainable and recyclable packaging. Jonathan Graunke, our Vice President of UV/EB Technology and Assistant Director of R&D, is presenting and will be available to talk to at the networking session from 5 to 6 p.m.,” said Schouten. She noted registration for the Sustainable Packaging Showroom is required and attendees can schedule a meeting in the INX Stand.

INX has long been a proponent of natural-based inks in favor of replacing traditional, petro-chemically derived ingredients. When INXhrcÔ reached the market in 2017, it was a water-only flexo product that has since expanded to include solvent, oil, and energy cured formulations.

Subsequent improvements by the INX R&D team have resulted in some INXhrc product applications now exceeding 90% bio-renewable content. It is available for applications ranging from food service packaging and corrugated and folding cartons, to flexible paper and envelope and narrow web tag and label printing.

INX will also feature high performance inks formulated to improve recycling, and functional inks and coatings for food preservation, mono-material packaging, and brand protection. The list begins with GenesisÔ washable inks that are de-inkable from cPET films and floatable with roll-fed OPP labels where ink is typically required to stay attached in the recycling process. With minimal bleed in the caustic wash solution and a reduced impact on recycled PET discoloration, new clear bottles can be produced from the circular reuse of recovered material.

INXShield is formulated with BioCote® antimicrobial technology that protects the coating by inhibiting the growth of odor and staining microbes on its surface. Validated and quality control tested on a regular basis by an independent testing facility using the ISO 22196:2011 test method, INXShield UV Flexo is suitable for application over dry water-based and cured UV inks. INXShield GS Slip is a solvent-based gravure coating for use on shrinkable film labels.  

Ecostage GB-XA is a recent addition to the INX product line-up that addresses food safety and preservation issues, and improves sustainability and recycling efforts. The oxygen barrier coating allows for mono-material packaging to replace multi-layer packaging for specific food applications, making it easier to recycle the package. A transparent coating, it is chlorine and metal-free and a genuine alternative to expensive barrier films. 

INX’s level of protection for brand owners extends to proprietary security inks using the latest technology. VerifyInkÔ security inks are specially formulated inks and integrated into VerifyMe’s variable overt and covert authentication, serialization, and track and trace technology to help reduce counterfeit products in the marketplace. It can be printed onto paper and flexible packaging labels including shrink, apparel and fabric, metal caps, rigid plastic, glass or direct-to-object such as wine bottles using conventional and digital printing methods.

INX International offers an extensive line of energy curable inks and UV coatings for LED, EB, and UV printing of commercial and packaging applications. These solutions are formulated for high speed printing and package converting, with excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates.

The INXCure line of low energy inks are formulated to cure using LED bulbs and the new iron-doped additive lamps being offered by the top press manufacturers. They are 100% reactive and provide an excellent cure response to print at maximum press speeds. The inks cure with as little as one LED UV or low energy lamp, consuming less electricity while nearly eliminating the heat and odor associated with traditional UV curing. The inks are suitable for a variety of coated and uncoated paper stocks, coated board stocks, foil stocks and metallized paper.

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

April 2023:  Flint Group, a leading supplier of consumables and equipment for the print and packaging industries, has confirmed its commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

The SBTi is designed to ensure companies commit to combating climate change by agreeing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with science-based targets. Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they align with the decarbonisation goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Steve Dryden, Flint Group CEO, comments: “Committing to the SBTi process is a significant step for Flint Group, which is accelerating its progress towards a more sustainable, lower-carbon future. The benefits of committing to a science-based target are numerous for our customers, our suppliers and Flint Group. Not only is it the right action to take for the planet, but it’s right that we support our partners deliver on their own commitments.”

As a leading supplier to the print & packaging industries, Flint Group continues to innovate to find novel ways to reduce the environmental impact of its products. Increasingly, services are playing an important role in helping customers optimise their production processes and reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. By designing inherently circular products, which oftentimes utilise bio-renewable materials, the company is confident it can make a meaningful difference across the industry.

Steve concludes: “Reducing carbon emissions in line with the 1.5ºC scenario set out in the Paris Agreement cannot be done in isolation. We are embracing the SBTi process because we are passionate about proactively collaborating with customers and suppliers in a pragmatic and measurable way to reduce overall emissions.”

For more information on the Flint Group Sustainability Strategy, please visit https://www.flintgrp.com/en/sustainability/

Kennesaw, Ga. April 19, 2023 – After a successful start-up of its comprehensive operator training programs, HEIDELBERG USA has introduced two new courses designed to turn its customers into “first responders” when it comes to mechanical and electrical maintenance issues on press. HEIDELBERG cites industry demand for the courses that stems from years of unavailable press maintenance and repair training at technical schools. HEIDELBERG’s new certified trainings will teach technicians how to assess, fix, and avoid press problems to prevent unnecessary downtime.

Currently available for the Speedmaster XL 105/106 and 145/162, HEIDELBERG’s Sheetfed Mechanical Maintenance and Sheetfed Electrical Maintenance courses are multi-phase training programs offered in the company’s Print Media Performance & Training Center (PMPTC) located at its North American headquarters in Kennesaw, GA. Depending on the course, participants will develop a baseline understanding of the multiple mechanical and mechatronic systems or electrical control systems throughout the press. Each course lasts five days and will have a maximum of six participants to ensure proper comprehensive training. Level 1 trainings are designed to introduce the basics of mechanical and electrical training while Level 2 is designed to turn participants into “first responders” to address press maintenance issues. “We’ve been asked by our customers about how they can better develop their workforce,” said Mike Koeberlein, Director, Global Solution Center for HEIDELBERG USA. “This type of training – specific to press repair and maintenance – has been a real need across the industry for years.”

By becoming a “first responder,” participants will be educated on how to address certain mechanical and electrical issues before needing to call HEIDELBERG service. This approach will help printers reduce downtime waiting for a service call and/or eliminate service costs. Participants of the training will also be better equipped to speak with HEIDELBERG’s Technical Help Desk about issues as they arise. While other operator training courses offered at HEIDELBERG’s PMPTC are free, there is a nominal charge for the Sheetfed Mechanical & Electrical Training programs. “We looked at the cost of a service call and the customers’ downtime,” said Koeberlein. “With suction head repair, for example, the best-case scenario is a part arrives to the customer, and the service tech arrives for installation next day. They’ve already lost 12-14 hours. If we can talk someone through the repair that’s been through training, they’ve saved a half day of production, which is a huge return on investment.”

Looking ahead, HEIDELBERG intends to offer Level 3 classes as participants complete the initial two levels. The company is also looking to add maintenance training courses for its line of press peripherals, UV presses, and potentially, smaller press sizes based on demand and availability. Private classes for larger groups of participants from the same company are available upon request. “This isn’t a ‘one and done’ type of thing,” said Koeberlein. “We want a developmental approach for our training so people can continue to grow in their skills.” 

 To register for available training dates, please contact your local Heidelberg Sales Representative or visit https://www.heidelberg.com/HUS_Maintenance_Training

Midlothian, TX. April 14, 2023 – (NYSE: EBF)  On April 12, 2023, a Nebraska jury rendered a unanimous verdict against Wright Printing Company, its owner, Mark Wright, and CEO Mardra Sikora for a total of $5 million in actual and punitive damages.  The lawsuit was filed by Crabar/GBF, Inc., a subsidiary of Ennis, Inc., which purchased Wright Printing Company’s Folder Express and Progress Publications folder businesses for $15 million in 2013. 

The jury found that Wright Printing Company, Mark Wright and Mardra Sikora misappropriated confidential information and trade secrets regarding customer lists, customer sales data and specifications regarding Crabar’s entire Folder Express and Progress Publications custom folder line to launch competing folder brands called Pocket Folders Fast and Bandfolder Press. Wright Printing Company launched the competing business in the same facility that Crabar had recently vacated after Mark Wright told Crabar that he was selling the building and Crabar had to vacate. 

Efforts to duplicate the Folder Express and Progress Publications product lines were assisted by the theft of detailed product specifications, manufacturing references and files, as well as folder templates.  Former Folders Express employee Alexandra Kohlhaas took an external hard drive when she left Folders Express to go back to work for Wright Printing Company and its startup folder businesses in 2016.  When Wright Printing Company’s prepress manager, Jamie Fredrickson, received a copy of a spreadsheet from Kohlhass containing the manufacturing specifications for every Folder Express and Progress Publications folder design, she forwarded it to Mark Wright and Mardra Sikora with her observation that the spreadsheet was “incredibly useful.”  Ultimately, Wright Printing Company duplicated all of the Folder Express and Progress Publications top-selling products. They then launched a direct marketing campaign targeted at the top customers of Folder Express and Progress Publications that Mark Wright and Mardra Sikora culled from the confidential customer data that Wright Printing Company had sold to Crabar with a covenant never to use in the future. 

After a two-week trial, the jury unanimously found in favor of the Ennis subsidiary on all counts as to all defendants.  In addition to awarding Crabar more than $3.75 million in actual damages, the jury assessed more than $1.25 million in punitive damages among Mark Wright, Mardra Sikora, Jamie Fredrickson and Alexandra Kohlhass for what the jury found to be clear and convincing evidence of willful and malicious misappropriation of trade secrets.  As requested by Ennis’ representative at trial, the jury apportioned only modest amounts against the employees Fredrickson and Kohlhass to impose accountability for their wrongdoing without imposing extreme hardship for actions taken for the benefit of Wright Printing Company and Mark Wright.

Ennis, Inc. CEO, Keith Walters, provided the following comment on the jury’s verdict. 

The jury’s verdict that defendants willfully and maliciously misappropriated our trade secret information affirms the importance of Ennis’ property rights.  Ennis filed this lawsuit because it owes its shareholders a duty to protect their investment and to recapture the substantial losses caused by defendants’ misappropriation of confidential information to gain an unfair advantage in the market. Ennis is satisfied that the jury’s verdict is a just outcome for it and its shareholders.    

For a more detailed version of this press release, please visit https://www.ennis.com/2023/04/14/ennis-announces-verdict-in-lawsuit-against-wright-printing-company/