While 2010 was a very challenging year for many people, it did end on a positive note. I recently attended the Print World Show in Toronto. The crowds were excellent, especially Saturday and Monday, and I saw plenty of sold signs at booths like Agfa, KBR, Fujifilm, Nustream Graphics, Robert E. Thistle and many other exhibitors. Michael Steele of Sydney Stone was particularly impressed with his sales volume and the new leads he acquired.
After opening its new Mississauga showroom earlier in the year, Chinese press manufacturer Hans-Gronhi Graphic Technology celebrated again at the show by unveiling its new 19″ x 26″ 4-colour sheetfed for the first time outside China, while its 14″ x 20″ 5-colour made a North American debut.
Congratulations to Lawrence Robinson, the new managing director of Agfa Graphics, Canada. Robinson started with Web Offset Publications before moving to Thorn Press in Toronto. He also held key positions at Heidelberg Canada and KBA North America Inc. He has had a long, distinguished career in this industry and we wish him all the best in his new position.
In other news, Transcontinental is re-inventing itself, changing the name of its marketing arm to Transcontinental Interactive. The company says the new name better reflects its goal to become number one in interactive marketing solutions.
Quad/Graphics Inc. also made news with its $20 million investment to increase its printing of mostly smaller-size advertising inserts for newspapers.
And, Heidelberg introduced its Speedmaster CX 102 in the U.S. late this year. This new press passes along the best features of its XL-series presses to the highly successful 102 format.
CPISC’s recently published 2010 Employer Survey revealed that the aging workforce, as well as the lack of skilled workers and the low interest in printing and graphic communications as a career, will be major challenges in the years to come. Now that we know the problem I am sure we will be able to come up with some solutions to solve it.
Well, as another challenging year lurks on the horizon, let’s take time this holiday season to relax, re-charge our body and our spirit, and think about our family and our loved ones. They are, ultimately, the real reasons why we work so hard – to offer a better life to those we care about. By doing this, we also make our lives more meaningful.
On behalf of the staff at Graphic Arts Magazine, and my family, please enjoy the holidays to the fullest and have a healthy and prosperous New Year.
And, as always, stay positive and stay focused.
