One of the many events scheduled by Mark Andy Europe for the first half of 2022 was an Open House for print students held at its Warsaw showroom and demo facility on 22nd April. The students, who came from the Printing Technologies Unit of the Faculty of Production Engineering at the Warsaw Technical University, took part in live demos of three Mark Andy presses: an Evolution Series E3 flexo line, a Digital Series iQ inkjet/flexo hybrid and a Digital Pro 3 toner/flexo hybrid. The sessions also included all the relevant prepress file preparation processes. Photos taken during the event were used to print labels to demonstrate the speed and flexibility of the whole digital-based solution. The day concluded with lunch and informal discussions between the students, their tutors, and Mark Andy personnel.

“We were delighted to host the print-oriented students and their teachers in our Demo Room after three-year gap,” says Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy. “It’s symbolic that a group of young people, who are the future of our industry, were the first to attend the Open Houses we have scheduled for this year. We were pleased with the attendance and interest levels in the presentations we gave.”

 

After demonstrating each press, Mark Andy operators were quizzed on the specific details of each model, with three students enquiring about work opportunities at the Warsaw offices, which was encouraging for a press manufacturer committed to supporting the development of human resources in print. “We’re increasingly active in this area, and recently began co-operating with the Technical & Electronic College in Kalisz, which was represented by a Teacher at the Open House,” she added.

Before the presentations, Przemyslaw Polkowski, Director Mark Andy Poland, welcomed the students and their tutors, underlining Mark Andy’s long history as a press manufacturer and pointing out that the company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021. He also highlighted the growing importance of digital technology in the printing industry. The presses installed in Warsaw, which included two hybrids, are confirmation of this. He encouraged the students to pursue their chosen profession and stay in the printing industry. As he said: “The development of digital technology and its implementation in printing solutions is an area that is increasingly innovative and future-oriented, especially in packaging and label printing.”

Lukasz Chruslinski, Sales Manager Mark Andy Europe, then demonstrated the three label presses installed at Demo Room. He was accompanied by print instructors and service technicians who are involved in Mark Andy’s installations around the world. Beginning with the Evolution Series E3 flexo press, which was launched at Labelexpo Europe 2019, he said that the press has attracted huge interest from label printers worldwide. “Many label converters said they had been waiting for a press that offers flexibility, modularity, and compactness. It features servo drive, and its construction offers flexo print units as well as additional options like foil stamping or die-cutting.” The initial interest at Labelexpo was very quickly confirmed by sales, and Mark Andy has since installed Evolution Series presses in many printing companies around the world.

The next presentation was devoted to the Digital Series iQ hybrid press. This newest member of Mark Andy’s digital family was launched last year and developed in a co-operation with Domino, who manufacture of the inkjet module implemented in the press. Chruslinski said that Digital Series iQ is a good example of Mark Andy’s hybrid concept: “The inkjet unit, which offers 7-colour printing (CMYKOV + W) is a central part of the whole solution. It is accompanied by typical elements of a flexo press, like printing units and finishing and embellishment options. The whole process is realised in one pass, shortening production time and delivery of the final product to the customer.”

He added that the benefits of the hybrid concept have been widely appreciated by many label printers worldwide: “The share of hybrid equipment in our total press sales continues to grow, and we anticipate it will be higher again in 2022 as many new contracts are currently being processed, with many installations scheduled before the end of the year.”

While the Digital Series iQ is a newcomer, another hybrid press presented by Mark Andy during the Open House, Digital Pro 3, has been on the market for three years. Also launched at Labelexpo Europe 2019, it is the next-generation of toner-based printing. “It has a very compact footprint and can be equipped with many additional options for the manufacture of highly processed labels,” said Chruslinski. Numerous examples of these products were displayed with printed and finished rolls.

One of the biggest advantages of digital technology is the efficient production of short runs, including variable data printing (VDP). This was the next presentation at the Open House. Photos taken during the event were quickly processed and prepared using dedicated software by Agnieszka Rapacka, Prepress Specialist at Mark Andy Poland. She showed all the steps in the prepress process that delivers high quality label printing with no errors. The processed photos were then used to print labels on Digital Pro 3. Afterwards, the participants were able to stick them to bottles of water to take home as a special souvenir of the event.

Agnieszka Rusin, a member of the teaching staff at the Printing Technologies Unit commented: “We’d like to thank Mark Andy for arranging and hosting today’s event. We really appreciate the rich and content-full agenda that was enjoyed by our 2nd-year students who were making their first visit to Mark Andy’s Demo Room in Warsaw. Observing their reactions during the demos, I could see they were really interested in all technological aspects of label production, with some of them asking about opportunities or traineeships at Mark Andy. We’re more than happy to have a partner like Mark Andy because the company is deeply involved in supporting the academic community for print. This is very important as it allows our students to learn about the latest technology in both a theoretical and a practical way.”

Wrapping up for Mark Andy, Lena Chmielewska-Bontron stated: “We’d like to thank all the students and tutors for accepting our invitation and their active participation in this dedicated Open House. As a press manufacturer, we’re committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with young people studying print-oriented faculties. The Open House is a great form of communication as it enables us to present the equipment live and have direct conversation between participants and our own staff. We promise to continue this tradition and organise similar events in the future.”

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

Elk Grove Village, IL — SCREEN announces the launch of the SC+ Chroma Package for the Truepress Jet520HD series. The comprehensive solution introduces the new SC+ ink, an enhanced version of the series’ current SC ink. Along with the new ink, the package includes professional services and upgraded hardware and software. The SC+ Chroma Package has been installed in the company’s Inkjet Innovation Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and will be available on new presses as well as part of an upgraded solution for existing owners of the Truepress Jet520HD series printers.

SCREEN announced the first version of SC ink at the international trade fair, drupa, in 2016. Designed to be printed on both standard coated and uncoated papers, the ink met printers’ needs for a quick drying ink without requiring any pretreatment of the paper. Demand for such capabilities has grown considerably since print markets continue to face ongoing challenges from paper shortages to price increases. Both the SC and SC+ inks provide flexibility when printers need to substitute paper stock at the last minute.

The SC+ Chroma Package enables printers to tailor their products to meet each customer’s specific goals whether they entail lowering costs through ink savings or enhancing the color to make it more vibrant while achieving precise spot color replication on the press. With the SC+ ink’s unique formula and expanded color gamut, printers can reach a greater percentage of standard color matching systems with improved fidelity. The package can match in excess of 96 percent of spot colors found in the industry’s solid coated reference book at a Delta E of three or less.

Essential tools and training accompany the SC+ Chroma Package so that printers may achieve excellence while operating SCREEN’s Truepress Jet520HD series presses.  

About SCREEN Americas
SCREEN Americas, a SCREEN Graphic Solutions group company established in 1967, is a leading provider of digital inkjet technology serving the commercial, publishing, direct mail, transactional, packaging, folding carton and label industries. In 2021, SCREEN Americas relocated its headquarters to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, with an upgrade that included a 14,000-plus square foot Inkjet Innovation Center.

www.screenamericas.com

How Höhn Display + Packaging uses a BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER with ACCUREGISTER to boost its market position

In the fall of 2021, Höhn Display + Packaging installed the BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER, the world’s first flat-bed die-cutter with the new ACCUREGISTER “contactless” sheet-register system. Höhn is an old-established manufacturer of games, displays, and folding boxes, and its customers believe it has set an example by putting into service this Autoplatine® die-cutter with inline blanking.

Today it’s a 2.4 mm litho-laminated corrugated board, tomorrow 100-gram paper, after that environmentally-friendly solid or recyclable cardboard – Höhn Display + Packaging GmbH works with a wide range of materials. “Our extensive product range poses a real challenge to the flexibility of our machine technology, particularly in die-cutting,” explains Markus Laepple, Operations Manager of the company headquartered in Ulm, Germany

“No matter which material the new machine is processing, the quality is consistently at the top level. The register precision and flatness of our gameboards, for instance, stands out on the market. The procurement and quality managers of our customers see the difference,” affirms Laepple, a trained offset printer who has been working in the packaging industry for more than 20 years.

A reliable path to high quality

It’s obvious that innovative technology plays a key role. Höhn considers ACCUREGISTER one of the main performance features of the NOVACUT 106 ER. “ACCUREGISTER underscores our high quality demands. And our products confirm that we really are a tad better,” states Laepple.

The new sheet-register system is based on the legendary optical POWER REGISTER, brought to market by BOBST over 20 years ago and unique to this day. For the ACCUREGISTER, BOBST has adapted the best attributes of the POWER REGISTER specifically to the NOVACUT line. The new sheet-register system thus enables very short setup times in the die-cutting process. At the same time, it minimizes stops caused by the feeder. Waste is reduced in both the setup process and during production, which also makes the production process and the products more sustainable.

ACCUREGISTER aligns the sheets at full speed, without mechanical stops, “contactless” and thus gently. Laepple: “ACCUREGISTER reliably exploits this, especially with thin paper and material laminated on both sides.” The high-performance system cameras read both printed images and marks. And if that’s not possible, the cameras simply read the sheet edges. When the sheets are fed into the machine, the system calculates within milliseconds the corrections required and automatically remedies them as the sheets accelerate; over a wide correcting range, up to ±6mm in forward direction and ±13mm in lateral direction – even with transparent material.

BOBST offers various options for the NOVACUT line to make the processing, and thereby the register precision, of different materials even more flexible. Höhn Display + Packaging uses the antistatic device for processing paper, and the heavy boardequipment for processing sheets that are not entirely flat.

Crucial competitive advantages

Laepple: “High register precision is increasingly important. For instance, just recently a customer carefully checked the accordance of braille embossing on the front and back sides of a box. But we do not have to worry about register precision since using ACCUREGISTER.” During the alignment of the cut-to-print register the system even compensates for print tolerances.

“The list of audit questions our customers ask is getting longer. Their queries typically concern conventional errors which we have eliminated by using the NOVACUT 106 ER in our die-cutting process. Our customers realize this and adapt their audit questions accordingly. This means that we no longer address certain issues in future audits,” Laepple boils it down. In other words, the new die-cutter has further increased customer confidence in the reliability of Höhn Display + Packaging’s production process.

“We proactively communicate the benefits of our new technology to the market and explain which errors can no longer happen in our process,” says Laepple. Customers are glad to take Höhn up on that. “A frequent question, for example, is whether the high register precision of ACCUREGISTER means layouts and fonts can be set closer to the rills. The NOVACUT 106 ER has indeed made that possible.” In a nutshell: When it comes to product design, customers have a bit more freedom.

Quick production changeovers

Production runs at Höhn Display + Packaging range from 700 to 600,000 sheets, at an average of 9,000 sheets. For efficient execution of large orders, the company has selected a NOVACUT 106 ER with an hourly output of up to 8,000 sheets. Today, the machine runs in three shifts and depending on the job, the machine is changed over several times a day.

For repeat orders, Höhn’s NOVACUT 106 ER requires now only about one half-hour setup time, although currently one of every two die-cut jobs is a new order. Laepple: “We are working on optimizing setup times.” Höhn is using various options BOBST has provided for the die-cutter. Examples include the Setup Time Reduction Pack and the Chase Changer.

The ease of use of the NOVACUT 106 ER user interface (HMI SPHERE) also supports short setup times. It features a largely self-explanatory guided menu. “We needed only two days training for it,” Laepple recalls. Another reason for the short setup times is that Höhn Display + Packaging acquires its die-cutting tools only from manufacturers certified by BOBST. This ensures high tool quality. Höhn furthermore has its tools fitted with TooLink. This means that chips are built into the die-cutting tools which then register the data of every die-cutting job. The next time the tools are introduced into the machine, the data is read directly into the HMI, allowing for immediate identification of individual die-cutting jobs and automatic setting of HMI values.

Looking at the big picture

Considering the wide range of products and the size of the print runs, Laepple believes that currently Höhn Display + Packaging can hardly use a highly automated die-cutter like the EXPERTCUT to capacity. If the day comes when greater capacity is needed, space has been left between the three BOBST flat-bed die-cutters for a format 6 machine, or for a “fast machine” fully equipped with logistics. “When it comes to investment decisions we take a holistic view of our suppliers. The result clearly supported further stepping up our partnership-based cooperation with BOBST,” calculates Laepple.

He believes BOBST has its finger on the pulse with a view of industry that builds on the pillars of digitization, automation, connectivity, and sustainability. This will always open new perspectives for process optimization, and is particularly true for the BOBST Connect platform. In addition to the remote technical support Helpline Plus, Höhn Display + Packaging is already using the productivity apps Remote Monitoring and Downtime Tracking. They help to fully exploit, and continuously boost, the performance of its new die-cutter by using data-based analyses.

Höhn Display + Packaging
Höhn Display + Packaging GmbH was founded as a newspaper and book printing office in 1910 by Dr. Karl Höhn. The highly diversified company has about 180 employees and specializes in the manufacture of board games, displays, and packaging. To maintain firm control over the quality of its products and ensure on-time delivery, Höhn Display + Packaging relies on a high level of in-house production. On April 1, 2019 the division Displays+Packaging, formerly of HÖHN GmbH, was acquired by the Ludo Fact Group, the second-largest manufacturer of games in Europa.

About BOBST
We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries.

Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 production facilities in 11 countries and employs more than 5800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.563 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.

www.bobst.com

With its new SICURA Litho Pack ECO series, Siegwerk adds another sustainable ink solution with a high share of bio-renewable content further expanding its offering in line with a Circular Economy.

Siegburg, Germany, and Annemasse, France – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, is now offering a new sustainable UV offset ink series for non-food paper and board applications: SICURA Litho Pack ECO. The new product range is formulated with a high bio-renewable content, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to standard UV inks.

The formulation of the new SICURA Litho Pack ECO series consists of more than 40% of renewable and vegetable-based components showing a four times higher share of bio-renewable content than the average standard UV ink. Furthermore, the series is free of TMPTA, Benzophenone as well as CMR CAT. 1 and CMR Cat. 2 components. It is a low odor ink series and especially designed for all kinds of paper and board substrates. SICURA Litho Pack ECO is suitable for all non-food packaging applications where special attention is paid to the packaging’s environmental impact and circularity. The series shows excellent ink performance and a high color strength. Next to high dot gain sharpness and an excellent flowability, Siegwerk’s new UV offset range offers a very stable ink/water balance even during long runs as well as a good film flexibility for post-processing. The product range contains four color process inks according to ISO, Pantone colors, base inks, special colors as well as flexo OPV.

“With SICURA Litho Pack ECO we deliver once again on our commitment to drive the change towards a Circular Economy by supporting the development of circular packaging with innovative and eco-friendly inks and coatings,” says Mustafa Guler, Vice President BU Sheetfed EMEA at Siegwerk. “With 40% bio-renewable content, it is not only comparable to certain conventional oil-based inks, but it also represents a new eco-friendly alternative for UV offset printing. Its formulation is particularly designed for recycling and therefore for not impacting the recyclability of paper and board substrates at all.” Test runs regarding the series’ deinkability are currently under way to further determine its potential to also improve recycling of UV-printed paper and board packaging.

According to Siegwerk, increasing the bio-renewable content in inks can support the de-fossilization when sensibly used. Bio-renewable materials also come with challenges for example regarding sustainable sourcing and the preferred end-life concept of packaging.

That’s why the company only works on bio-renewable inks and coatings that support a circular end-life solution like recycling. “We generally support the ambitions to increase bio-renewable content where possible and in line with the three levers of a Circular Economy – reduce, reuse and recycle,” adds Guler. “Not all raw materials can be replaced by bio-renewable one’s going forward. However, increasing the amount of these materials in our solutions plays a significant role in meeting our goals, and close a gap where there are inevitable material losses and leakage.”

Although, it is widely discussed that bio-renewable resources own the potential to complement a Circular Economy as a non-fossil raw material source, there is neither a standard definition of the term “bio-renewable raw material” nor a universal consensus on how to calculate bio-renewable content in printing inks. That’s why Siegwerk has decided to build up a definition of its own, taking into consideration current scientific and political discussions and arguments. According to the company’s experts especially raw materials either of vegetable, animal or microbial origin that underwent material utilization for the production of chemicals, basic materials and other bio-based products are of interest to be used in ink formulations. Water or materials embedded in geological formations are in turn explicitly not considered as being bio-renewable. “When calculating the bio-renewable content of our inks we focus on the actual share of raw materials with bio-renewable origin that are present in the respective ink formulation, taking all constituents into consideration,” explains Alina Marm, Head of Global Sustainability and Circular Economy at Siegwerk. “Thereby, our calculation refers to the sum of all components present in a raw material, also taking into account substances and solvents – except water – that are excluded in the methods commonly used so far, such as ASTM D6866, EN 16640 and NAPIM.”

Transparency plays a key role in creating sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, that’s why Siegwerk provides detailed data about the bio-renewable content of each of its formulations. To make the information even more relevant for its customers, the company differentiates between wet-ink and dried-ink content when calculating the bio-renewable content of its inks. The wet-ink value considers all ink components and indicates the bio-renewable content of the ink product as such. In turn, the dried-ink value only considers the solid content without solvents and other volatile components that evaporate during drying. This indicates the bio-renewable content of the ink on the final print product and is therefore especially relevant for converters and end users. To be able to calculate the bio-renewable content for all its formulations, Siegwerk collected and analyzed the bio-renewable share of each raw material strictly considering the molecular level to be able to differentiate between bio-renewable and fossil components. Today this information requirement is also part of the company’s comprehensive Raw Material Introduction Process enabling a continuous overview of all used raw materials and their corresponding bio-renewable shares.

Sustainability means progress to Siegwerk. That’s why assessing ways of enhancing the ecological footprint of its inks with no loss of performance is one of the company’s key R&D goals since decades. Here, the company strongly believes in the benefits of a Circular Economy and focuses its development efforts on inks and coatings that concretely enhance the performance and recyclability of packaging and thereby enabling the design of circular packaging solutions. Further extending the company’s portfolio of sustainable and eco-friendly product solutions will concretely support the renewability and further enhance the recyclability of packaging.

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk, a sixth-generation family-owned company, is one of the leading international manufacturers of printing inks and individual solutions for packaging, labels, and catalogs. With more than 180 years of experience, the company has solid expertise in and knowledge of many printing procedures. A global manufacturing and service network ensures customers consistently high-quality products and services. In keeping with the company’s philosophy “Ink, Heart & Soul,” Siegwerk seeks long-term cooperation with its business partners. Siegwerk employs some 5,000 people worldwide in more than 30 country organizations and is headquartered in Siegburg near Cologne. Further information on Siegwerk can be found at www.siegwerk.com

 24 industry suppliers have been honored 

Mentor, OH – Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials recognized 24 distinguished pressure-sensitive industry suppliers for the company’s annual Global Supplier Awards, held virtually on May 12, 2022. Eight Supplier Distinction awards and six Special Recognition awards were granted for extraordinary service to our business, as well as 10 Special Recognition awards for outstanding service in the months following Storm Uri.

“Storm Uri heavily impacted the supply chain and posed several challenges that our suppliers met head-on,” said Kamran Kian, VP Global Ops & SC. “All of our winners have shown exemplary performance and dedication, and their outstanding commitment to our business deserves recognition.”

The Avery Dennison Supplier Distinction Award Program considers four areas of excellence required to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding industry: Quality, Service, Sustainability and Strategic Growth. To be considered eligible for recognition, a supplier must have met key metrics in each of the four areas. 

Avery Dennison Supplier Distinction Awards

Filmax (Pathfinder)

Jiangsu Oji Paper (C.I.G.)

Jiangsu Wampolet Hi Tech (Sustainability)

Kanzan Spezialpapiere (Quality)    

Lamtec Corporation (Performance Tapes Supplier of the Year)

Sumei Chemical Company (Supplier of the Year)

Trüb Emulsions (Service)

Wacker (Service)

Special Recognition awards are granted to suppliers that have performed in an exceptional way, other than Supplier Distinction qualifications, for meeting or exceeding the needs of our business and our customers. 

Avery Dennison Special Recognition Awards

Dynasol

Moorim Paper Company Ltd. 

RGL Logistics 

S&J European Haulage Ltd. (Transportation & Logistics Supplier of the Year)

Shanghai Zijiang Colour Printing & Packaging Co. 

Xusen HCR Digital Media (Innovation)         

This year, Avery Dennison is recognizing 10 suppliers who went above and beyond during the challenging months that followed Storm Uri by keeping our plants supplied and allowing Avery Dennison to meet the needs of our customers.

Special Recognition Awards – Storm Uri

BASF

Bostik (formerly Ashland)

Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics Division

Dow Monomers Coatings & Performance Monomers

Gantrade

GJ Chemical 

Henkel

Invista (formerly Flint Hills) 

KAG Logistics 

Vestolit (formerly Mexichem) 

“Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you for your continued support of our business and industry,” Kian said.

For more information on our products and services, please visit averydennison.com.

About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products and solutions, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical, and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion.

Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

 

Louisville, KY —Flexo Wash has introduced its latest Laser Anilox Cleaner, the FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner, specifically developed for Narrow Web Clients. This cleaner is a perfect solution for printers with wastewater challenges.

Laser cleaning is a modern, effective and sustainable cleaning system for aniloxes.  With a quick cleaning time, your aniloxes will be deep cleaned, with minimal effort and reduced downtime. Most importantly, this sustainable cleaner is waste-free with no liquid handling or consumption.

FW 850 series models clean up to two narrow web rolls in one cleaning cycle. The FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner can be installed without requiring water supply, drain or safety equipment. 

DETAILS:

• 1-2 aniloxes per wash*

• Max diameter: 180 mm (7”)

• Max cleaning length: 700 mm (27.6”)

• Max weight per anilox: 50 kg (110lbs)

As anilox technologies have evolved to thinner cell walls, higher line screens and tougher inks, Flexo Wash cleaning technology has adapted to these modern advancements. Our safe and gentle cleaning method means that you can both deep clean the rolls and wash them on a daily basis. Flexo Wash’s focus on the high protection of these delicate and expensive aniloxes is the driving force in developing the latest laser technology.

www.flexowash.us

New Curtain Coating Technology to Improve Safety, Increase Productivity

Appleton, WI – Appvion, LLC, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”) portfolio company, announced a significant investment in new equipment slated for delivery and installation in 2023.

“This is the largest single investment made in our Appleton plant for many years and marks the start of a new and exciting journey for the Appvion team,” said Laurie Andriate, CEO at Appvion. “The investment provides many benefits for Appvion and our customers, including elimination of “double-handling” of rolls to improve productivity as well as safety of our people.”

This new equipment will allow Appvion to make products more efficiently, allowing Appvion to optimize finished goods capacity and eliminating the need to secure pre-coated base in a consolidating white paper market.

“The capital investment demonstrates our commitment to Appvion. Continued investment in new technology fosters future growth in Appvion’s core business,” said Greg Gleason, Managing Partner at Wynnchurch.

The announcement comes just months after the company was purchased by Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., a private equity firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. Founded in 1999, with offices in California, New York, and a Canadian affiliate, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is partnering with middle-market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. The company’s focus is on leveraging business strengths and identifying new market opportunities to support management’s vision—with an unwavering commitment to sound business judgment, partnership, communication, and integrity.

About Appvion
As a leading manufacturer in North America, Appvion develops innovative, water-based, and environmentally responsible coating solutions for consumers’ everyday life. Appvion utilizes its material science expertise to apply high-performance, functional coating solutions to various flexible substrates, including products from an FDA-compliant facility. Primary offerings include direct thermal paper and film products and renewable, fiber-based consumer and industrial packaging solutions. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion employs nearly 400 people. Connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.

Celebrating ambitious pioneers tackling our biggest challenges 

Plymouth, MI – Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that CEO, Lynn Perenic of Argent Tape & Label was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award finalist. Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who think big to succeed. 

Lynn Perenic was selected by a panel of independent judges according to the following criteria – entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – among other core contributions and attributes. 

Lynn Perenic is a gifted visionary and a results-producing entrepreneur who brings an instinctive curiosity to every endeavor. A passionate educator, Lynn inspires others to challenge the status quo and reach higher to achieve more.  

As Argent Tape & Label’s president and chief executive officer, her inspiring vision and unwavering belief in others has completely transformed the manufacturing company from a $790,000 a year organization into an extremely successful multimillion-dollar enterprise. Nearing the mark of $10 million in annual revenue, Argent is well-positioned for continued growth. 

Following 20 years of teaching in Michigan’s Hazel Park School District – where she taught a diverse population of elementary and special education high school students – Lynn understands knowledge, perseverance and a diligent work ethic are the formula for success.  

In 2010, Lynn acquired the ownership stake in Argent Tape and Label near bankruptcy at the time. An eternal optimist who is driven by her belief in people’s potential and her many years of experience as an educator, Lynn committed herself to recovering the company’s profitability and helping it thrive.  

Already possessed of the requisite communication skills, Lynn knew that she needed to fast-track her knowledge of business management and develop an actionable strategy for recovery and success. She enrolled in the Oakland County Venture Forward program, an 11 -week intensive program for business executives and top management leaders. The program ultimately nominated her as one of the 50 Businesses to Watch in Michigan.  

Lynn knew that she wanted to create a culture of transparency and connection. Drawing inspiration from such texts as A Stake in the Outcome: Building a Culture of Ownership and The Great Game of Business, she made the choice to implement Open Book Management (OBM) at Argent. She cultivated a professional community that encourages innovation at all levels, welcoming team members and customers alike to become partners in success.  

Lynn herself is a living manifestation of this collaborative management and servant leadership style. She believes in paying it forward, and her spirit of giving has become a hallmark of her dedication to her team and community. She mentors her employees and tutors their children, provides a variety of courses – including English as a second language and financial literacy – at Argent’s facility and supports numerous charitable organizations.  

She has drawn the attention of OBM thought leaders and business leaders alike, winning the Allstar Award for Best of the Best in OBM and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s Women’s Business Enterprise Star Award. Recently, Lynn was elected to the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council board of directors.  

She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University. Ever an educator, she leverages each success to help her team, company, community and customers succeed. Lynn and her husband reside in Franklin, Michigan. 

The regional finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the Michigan and Northwest Ohio awards celebration on June 23, 2022 at One Campus Martius in Detroit. The regional winners will then be considered by the National independent judging panel for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2023.  

For over 35 years, EY US has celebrated the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 10,000 US executives since its inception in 1986. Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners have exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of fellow alumni and other members of the entrepreneurial community in over 60 countries — all supported by vast EY resources. 

Sponsors 

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are presented by PNC Bank. In Michigan and Northwest Ohio, sponsors also include Donnelley Financial Solutions, Trion Solutions Inc., Foley & Lardner LLP, and Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications. 

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®  

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The new system is integrated with a ChromaPlex LT engine from Colordyne Technologies.

Brookfield, WI – Gulmen Digital, a manufacturer of commercial label printing and finishing machines located in Melbourne, Australia, developed the Quantum Jet 333 industrial label printer to satisfy market and application demands for high quality and faster turnarounds. The system leverages Colordyne’s ChromaPlex LT aqueous pigment inkjet engine to offer high speed and high resolution for short-run labels and tags.

With 30 years of experience in the label and packaging industry, Eddie Gulmen, President and Founder of Gulmen Digital, recognized an opportunity in the market for a 13-inch (330 millimeters) printing system and found in Colordyne a technology partner that shared his vision. For Gulmen, navigating the challenges of Australia’s vast landscape and spread-out population was the key driver for developing a process color, mid-range platform that bridges the gap between high capital cost equipment and high quality performance.

Gulmen Digital views the new high speed, high resolution and low capital cost system as a great fit for printers in the consumer products space and businesses looking to reduce costs by offloading work from their flexo presses without sacrificing the quality of the printed product. With the Quantum Jet 333, businesses can eliminate process waste and reduce the room for error that surrounds analog print production including plates, inks, material and more.

“Inkjet is brilliant. From the computer to printing, it’s straightforward like that,” said Gulmen. “You create the artwork, place it in a folder with automated color management, set the copies and off it goes. Digital printing allows users to save on material and labor. Plus, with digital the job can be finished faster.”

Celebrating a 20-year milestone, Gulmen Digital started in the label and packaging business as a service provider and eventually moved into manufacturing and distribution of commercial printing and converting equipment. Partnering with Colordyne, Gulmen Digital identified a cost-effective way to speed up its engineering development cycle and bring a new inkjet printing solution to market quickly. The company sees a clear market for the Quantum Jet 333 today and in the future.

“The goal is to get to a point where a single person can manage a fleet of these printers,” said Gulmen. “This platform will provide opportunities for further process automation to control the printer, like automatic unwind loading with turret rewinds and intelligent camera systems for fault detection and recovery.”

By leveraging Colordyne’s ChromaPlex LT print engine, the system can consistently produce high volume jobs at 1600 x 1600 dpi print quality while running at speeds up to 150 feet (45 meters) per minute. The Quantum Jet 333 can print on various types of materials used for labeling and product identification and it’s equipped with an intuitive color touchscreen that makes it easy to operate.

“We are happy we were able to collaborate with Gulmen Digital and its innovative approach to bring to market a successful and affordable technology,” said Taylor Buckthorpe, Director of Sales & Marketing at Colordyne. “Colordyne has played a role in advancing inkjet technology, but it’s partners like Gulmen Digital that identify the fit for end users that make it exciting to continue innovating.”

About Colordyne Technologies
Headquartered in Brookfield, WI, Colordyne Technologies is a leading manufacturer of high speed, high resolution and low capital cost UV-LED and water based inkjet print engines. They are designed for integration onto existing printing and converting equipment to create an affordable hybrid production press. Colordyne Technologies recognizes the years of investments made into the people and equipment that make up a label converting press room. Colordyne’s unique retrofit approach to digital printing allows label converters to seamlessly integrate process color inkjet directly onto existing production lines at breakthrough speeds and without the loss of current press functionality.

Visit www.colordynetech.com for additional information.

About Gulmen Digital
Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Gulmen Digital is an Australian manufacturer and distributor of efficient, maintenance-free digital printing and finishing solutions. Gulmen Digital is a one-stop supplier to the industry for a wide range of consumables, from paper synthetic material, laminate to ink supplies.

Learn more at www.gulmendigital.com.au.