3M challenges sign shops to do the extreme

3M has launched its first graphic industry contest: The Extreme Wrap Challenge, to recognize the work of fabricators and installers across the Country.

Between April 22 and July 31, Canadian sign shops can enter the Extreme Wrap Challenge by uploading high-resolution images of a project using 3M graphic films and explain what makes the project “extreme.” Entrants must list an installer and are eligible for a monthly random draw for a $100 branded prepaid card. >> continued

Veritiv announces its National Design and Print Excellence Awards

Veritiv, a national distributor of commercial printing and imaging papers is accepting entries for its 2015 Veritiv Canada National Design and Print Excellence Awards. 

“The uVU Veritiv Design and Print Excellence Awards highlight the top designers and print providers in Canada,” Jason Alderman, regional vice president – Canada for Veritiv said.  “To distinguish themselves from the crowd, design studios and printers are producing more innovative, cutting edge and creative work than ever before.  Our uVU Awards program provides an opportunity for winners to celebrate with existing clients while broadening their exposure with potential clients.” >> continued

Berco Labels installs a Xeikon 3030

Berco Labels, a printer of pressure-sensitive labels, has expanded its business and production capabilities by installing a Xeikon 3030 digital colour press.

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MET Fine Printers acquires Rhino Print’s Calgary facility

MET Fine Printers, a commercial printing company, will expand on its depth and scope of services by purchasing select Rhino Print Solutions assets, including its Calgary facility, which will now be integrated into MET’s operations.

Rhino made news in August when it entered into a deal with R.P. Graphics to sell its Toronto location.

MET president Nikos Kallas and his senior management group will lead the expansion and will be joined by senior members of the Rhino team—all business will operate exclusively under MET Fine Printers. The full terms of the agreement will not be disclosed. >> continued

Earnings take a dip for Catalyst in Q4

Catalyst Paper’s earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, was down in  its fourth quarter to $6.8 million from $8.0 million in the third quarter. The company reported a net loss, excluding specific items of $10.4 million in its fourth quarter compared to $10.8 million in its third.

The results were a due to increased manufacturing expenses, including higher rates for electricity, the indefinite curtailment of Paper Machine No.9 at the Powell River mill and the acquisition of the Biron paper mill in Wisconsin and the Rumford pulp and paper mill in Maine. >> continued

The CPEIA teams up with PAC to explore the packaging industry

The Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association (CPEIA) and the Packaging Consortium (PAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore how printable and organic electronics can help Canada’s packaging industry.

The MOU is a non-financial commitment between the two organizations to work together on various initiatives over the next two years, including participating in technical working groups and educational events such as webinars, technical seminars and trade shows. >> continued

Printing shipments remain flat

Despite the positive numbers showing healthy growth, printing shipments are, in reality, closer to flat. Two factors account for the positive math: there was a small increase in the fall, but the larger reason for the positive showing in 2014, is that Statistics Canada resumed tracking shipments in Alberta, which were excluded in 2013. B.C., which had also fallen off the radar, is back for 2015.

Shipments (in millions)	2014	2013	% change
October	$735.1	$648.0	%13
November	$670.2	$607.1	%10
December	$638.2	$552.0	%16
January	$641.7	$591.3	%8.5

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PPWC and Unifor head to the bargaining table together

Unifor and Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC) have decided to work together in the next round of pulp and paper bargaining in Western Canada.

Both companys — considered to be two of the country’s largest unions in the pulp and paper sector, met in Vancouver last week to re-establish the Joint Pulp and Paper Caucus for upcoming negotiations in 2017.

"Working together will help us better resolve issues in an industry that has significant challenges," Scott Doherty, assistant to the national president at Unifor said. >> continued

Printing dragged into U.S. religious freedom debate

The battle for “religious freedom,” in the U.S. is heating up and print shops are being dragged into the discussion.

Former senator and potential presidential candidate Rick Santorum, a supporter of religious freedom legislation, made headlines this week with these remarks: >> continued

Fastsigns invests in an Esko Kongsberg V table

Fastsigns, an independently owned and operated sign, graphic and visual communications company, has invested in a new Esko Kongsberg V Finishing table. The addition will bring in-house many of the cutting and routing tasks that had been subcontracted out to complete.


Fastsigns owner Paul LeBlanc with the new table >> continued