-
03.21.2012
Oil rebounded from the largest decline in three months in New York after an industry report showed crude stockpiles fell in the U.S, the world’s biggest consumer of the commodity.
Futures gained as much as 0.7 percent, recovering from a 2.3 percent drop yesterday after Saudi Arabia said it may boost supplies. U.S. crude inventories shrank 1.4 million barrels last week, the most in six weeks, according to the American Petroleum Institute. A Bloomberg News survey indicated that today’s Energy Department may show that stockpiles climbed 2.2 million barrels. Saudi Arabia can increase output by 25 percent immediately, Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said. Prices have risen this year on concern tension with Iran threatens supply.
“The API data showed a surprising draw on the crude inventories,” said Michael Poulsen, an analyst at Middelfart, Denmark-based Global Risk Management. “If these numbers are ‘confirmed’ by the Energy Department, it would be a bullish factor for crude prices.”
Crude for May delivery rose as much as 79 cents to $106.86 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $106.57 at 10:57 a.m. London time. The contract dropped $2.49 yesterday to $106.07, the lowest close since March 15. The April future, which expired, fell $2.48 to $105.61.
click here
-
03.21.2012
PBM Graphics, Inc., a Consolidated Graphics, Inc. company, and a leading commercial print and fulfillment services provider in the United States, is pleased to announce it has completed the installation of a new Mark Andy Performance Series P7 flexographic press to serve the packaging and labeling needs of customers with the most advanced production technology. PBM Graphics’ flexo press is the first Mark Andy P7 to be custom-engineered outside of standard press specifications with a larger 30” pattern repeat, and is the only unit with Electron Beam (EB) adhesive curing technology on a flexo footprint.
“The installation of the Mark Andy P7 rounds out PBM Graphics’ in-house capabilities with the latest flexo technology available, eliminating outsourcing and providing our customers with turnkey service, shortened cycle time, and enhanced quality levels on specialized packaging,” said Adam Geerts, President of PBM Graphics.
Flexo press technology is typically used for printing high-quality labels and packaging. The Mark Andy P7 at PBM Graphics delivers superior productivity and efficiency and is designed to handle very thin film substrates, helping to expand capabilities to include overwraps on collectible trading cards using fin seals, specialized packaging applications, prime labels and unsupported films for bottle wraps. The unique 30” pattern repeat allows for larger formats and multiple images.
The unique EB curing technology provides clarity in plastic-to-plastic lamination and scuff resistance to labels, and the press modification permits graphical effects with foil, all improving the aesthetic effects and appeal.
click here
-
03.21.2012
Google Analytics launched Social Reports, a set of five reports that apply key business-related metrics to branded social media sites and marketing campaigns. Social Reports tracks more than 400 international social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Hyves in the Netherlands, VKontakte in Russia and Mixi in Japan, to help marketers measure the value of their social media efforts, said Phil Mui, group product manager at Google Analytics.
“We are helping marketers understand how each of the 400 social sources makes a difference to a company's bottom line,” Mui said.
Google Analytics's Social Reports are comprised of five reports: Social Visitors Flow gathers data from 400 social networks; Overview provides a glimpse into the conversion value of each social channel; Conversions compares each social channel in terms of conversion rates and monetary values; Social Plugins allow users to see which articles are receiving the most engagement through shares or recommendations; Social Sources shows engagement and conversion metrics for each social network.
click here
-
03.21.2012
The Federal Trade Commission is intensifying its scrutiny of at marketers’ green claims, according to an attorney and former FTC employee.
In a column for CorporateComplianceInsights.com, Thomas A. Cohn — the former director of the FTC’s Northeast Region and now a partner in law firm LeClairRyan’s Manhattan office — warns that the commission has stepped up its search for “unfair, deceptive or unsubstantiated environmental claims” under the mandate of the FTC Act.
Recent noteworthy targets include unsupported sales claims by replacement-window sellers that their products would cut customers’ energy bills by up to 50 percent, and an FTC consent agreement reached last year with Nonprofit Management LLC and its owner, whom regulators accused of offering a deceptive “Tested Green” environmental certification to any business willing to pay for the honor, Cohn writes.
Cohn says that to avoid such problems, companies need to be clear and specific on green claims, be careful when using ecolabels, and pay close attention to the FTC’s Green Guides when using a green term.
click here
-
03.21.2012
To meet the growing demand for a UV solution suitable for simple, 4-color applications, Heidelberg offers DryStar LE UV, an entry-level, low-energy UV solution for commercial, light packaging, or specialty printers. The new solution will be officially introduced in May at drupa 2012, and already is in use at Heidelberg's North American Print and Packaging Technology Center (NAPPTC) in Kennesaw GA.
Until recently, UV applications have been largely the domain of packaging and specialty printers. In the current market, however, short lead times and value-=added solutions yield competitive advantages, making UV an attractive proposition for commercial printers whose customers increasingly specify non-standard (non-absorbent) substrates and a variety of specialty finishes to differentiate their products.
click here
-
03.21.2012
The ABC board of directors has taken a significant step toward formally approving a number of changes to its digital reporting rules, including the implementation of a new Publisher’s Statement prototype that will include key activity metrics for digital editions.
These changes—stemming from recommendations made by a U.S. and Canadian magazine publisher/advertiser task force—were endorsed by the board at its meeting last week in Bonita Springs, Florida and will be up for formal approval in July and November of this year.
The new prototype requires publishers to report the number of unique browsers or devices accessing their digital magazines, as well as total visits and average visit duration. The reports will also call for greater detail on print and digital magazine subscriptions and single-copy sales.
As recommended by the task force, the board agreed that only one platform in a bundled subscription package and only replica digital editions may count toward total average circulation. Additional brand extensions should be reported through ABC’s Consolidated Media Report.
click here
-
03.21.2012
To paraphrase Hello Dolly!, the American Society of Magazine Editors' 2012 National Magazine Awards for Digital Media had that You are back where you belong feel to them. New York magazine won the the general excellence/digital prize in for the third time in four years (Epicurious.com prevented a four-out-of-four sweep last year), and it also received an Ellie (the nickname for the rendition of the late Alexander Calder's Elephant stabile) for best Web site.
The other two-time winner at the March 20 New York luncheon was Wired, which has been in the digital forefront since its 1993 launch, for design (the iPad app that complemented its February 2011 Underworld issue) and for digital media reporting.
NYM editor-in-chief (since March 2004) Adam Moss now has 19 Ellies (both for digital and print) since joining the weekly while his Wired counterpart (since June 2001) Chris Anderson has 10.
On three-year Digital Media National Magazine Awards winning streaks are The New York Times magazine (2012 winner in video for My Family's Experiment in Extreme Schooling on the formerly Moscow-based NYT correspondent Cliff Levy's three children attending a Russian-speaking school) and Foreign Policy (2012 winner in multimedia for the posting of The Qaddaffi Files: an FP Special Report shortly after the Libyan dictator was killed last October).
click here
-
03.21.2012
Plastic film, used for packaging of both food and non-food products apart from various other plastic products, is the largest sub-sector of the plastics processing industry. Primary applications of plastic films include food packaging, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap, carrier bags, bin bags, and heavy-duty sacks, and agriculture and building applications. Globalization and consolidation have impacted the plastic film industry to a considerable extent.
Changing consumer dynamics and patterns are revolutionizing the food-packaging market, which is witnessing an increased preference for plastic film and sheets, compared to other flexible packaging materials such as kraft paper, aluminum foil and cellophane film. Further, this trend is slowly gaining ground in non-food packaging applications as well, where increased use of BOPP films in cigarette manufacturing exemplifies the development. BOPP films represents one of the high-growth segments in the global plastic film & sheets industry. Over the near term, BOPP production capacity is estimated to expand by 2-3 million tons, with the Middle East accounting for the bulk of the capacity expansion. Growth in the BOPP film market is driven by rising demand from Asia, particularly from China and India, and other developing regions such as Latin America and Eastern Europe. Amongst the BOPP film market, stretch film machinery segment continues to witness exceptional growth. Cast film continues to make inroads into those application areas that are historically led by BOPP film. Significant advancements in process capabilities coupled with enhanced resins and improved equipment have filled most of the wide existing gap between BOPP film and Cast PP film. The second-generation LLDPE products are likely to substitute plastics in film and other non-plastics because it offers improved properties such as greater degree of film toughness, processability, clarity and lower cost.
Flat panel displays (FPDs) and packaging applications are leading to robust growth in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films segment, particularly in the developing countries. Spurred by high demand for PET films in Asian countries such as China and India, Asia is witnessing an intense battle between Japanese and South Korean PET films players. Emergence of several new players in the Indian and Chinese markets is likely to further intensify the battle for supremacy.
The Asia-Pacific represents immense growth potential, capturing the largest slice of the global market, as stated by the new market research report on Plastic Film and Sheets. Developing markets such as China, India and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are rapidly emerging as dominant forces in the world plastic film & sheets industry. The trend can be witnessed in BOPP film, in which China replaced the US as the largest producer and consumer. Asia-Pacific region is also primed to race ahead at the strongest compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% through 2017.
By product, the Polyethylene (PE) Films is considered the building block and accounts for the lion's share of the worldwide plastic films and sheet market. Asia and the Middle East are the main regions, expected to drive growth in this segment, with PE capacity in Asia slated to expand swiftly, based on LLDPE swing capacity. On the other hand, polypropylene (PP) films that are considered one of the most versatile and low cost barrier films in packaging and non-packaging markets display high potential and are slated to grow at a vibrant pace of 5.5% over the analysis period.
click here
-
03.21.2012
Caraustar Industries, Inc. announces a price increase on all URB Mill Converted products; pasted or laminated, sheeted, cut to size, rounded corners, and other specialty operations or packaging. The increase amount will be up to $40 per ton, depending on the actual requirements, and will be effective with shipments on or after April 23, 2012.
Caraustar Industries, Inc. is one of North America's largest integrated manufacturers of 100% recycled paperboard and converted paperboard products.
click here
-
03.21.2012
In the wake of its acquisition of the shares of Quad/Graphics Canada Inc. finalized on March 1, 2012, Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A, TCL.B, TCL.PR.D) announced today that it will be reorganizing its print operations across Canada. To stay competitive and maximize the use of its most productive equipment, Transcontinental is rationalizing some of its assets.
More specifically, Transcontinental’s integration of the six Quad/Graphics plants in Canada (Aurora, Concord, Dartmouth, Edmonton, LaSalle and Rivière-des-Prairies) will result in the closure of the Dartmouth Quad/Graphics plant (at 57 Wright Avenue, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) on April 20, 2012 and of the Rivière-des-Prairies Quad/Graphics plant (at 8000 Blaise Pascal, Montréal, Québec) on or about June 30th, 2012. The four remaining plants will be integrated into the Transcontinental network in order to maximize the use of each piece of equipment across our entire print network. Furthermore, the Quad Graphics Toronto Que-Net Media premedia centre (at 4500 Hood Road, Markham) will also be integrated with the Transcontinental premedia centre and will move to Mississauga, Ontario.
Today’s announcement marks the start of this multi-phase integration which will take place over the coming months in order to improve Transcontinental’s capacity utilization ratio and make full use of the $700 million invested in its print network over the past several years. Naturally, many scenarios were examined by the integration committee in order to keep as many employees as possible, but given the low utilization rate of the equipment in the newly acquired network, strategic decisions had to be made. Transcontinental expects the acquisition of the Canadian assets of Quad/Graphics to bring in $230 million in new business and to generate at least $40 million in net incremental EBITDA over the next 12 to 24 months.
click here
-
03.21.2012
Tronox Incorporated, on behalf of its subsidiary companies, today announced the following price increase for all TRONOX® titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades:
Effective April 1, 2012 or as contracts allow: Latin America $250 per tonne
This increase is in addition to those previously announced. Other increases may be announced locally within each region.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Tronox is one of the five largest producers and marketers of titanium dioxide pigment. Titanium dioxide pigment is an inorganic white pigment used in paint, coatings, plastics, paper and many other everyday products.
click here
-
03.21.2012
Continuing to execute on its global expansion strategy, Gap Inc. announced today the opening of two new locations in South Africa under its strategic alliances channel.
“We are excited to bring Gap’s casual American style and store experience to more customers in South Africa,” said Stefan Laban, managing director of strategic alliances for Gap Inc. “South Africa is the natural next step for expanding our presence on the continent. The country has a thriving economy and high Gap brand awareness, so we believe there is tremendous opportunity for us in the market.”
Building on its existing wholesale relationship with Stuttafords department stores, Gap and Stuttafords are opening two additional stores under its existing wholesale agreement with Stuttafords in South Africa this week. The first opens today in Sandton City Mall in Johannesburg. The second will open tomorrow in Cape Town’s Tyger Valley Centre. Each store will house product from the international Gap, GapKids and babyGap collections, and the assortment will be customized seasonally to best suit the needs of local customers and climate.
click here
-
03.21.2012
Two Sides U.S. has formed alliances with the following trade organizations, industry groups, academic institutions and industry news services:
•American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA) - www.catalogmailers.org
•American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) - www.afandpa.org
•Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Graphic Communication Department - www.grc.calpoly.edu
•Consumers for Paper Options - www.paperoptions.org
•Envelope Manufacturers Association - www.envelope.org
•Gravure Association of America, Inc. - www.gaa.org
•NPTA Alliance - www.gonpta.org
•Paper Technology Foundation, Western Michigan University - www.wmich.edu/wmuptf
•Print Buyers International - www.printbuyersinternational.com
•Print Media Centr - www.printmediacentr.com
•Print Services and Distribution Association (PSDA) - www.psda.org
•Printing Industries of America (PIA) - www.printing.org
•Printing Industry Association - Southern California - www.piasc.org
•TAPPI - www.tappi.org
•The Institute for Sustainable Communication - www.sustainablecommunication.org
•What They Think? - www.whattheythink.com
“Over the past four months we’ve talked with many groups who are strong supporters of our mission: to promote the responsible production and use of print on paper, including its sustainable features,” says Two Sides President and COO Phil Riebel. Many of these organizations have joined Two Sides and are helping us spread our network in the U.S., and educate more people on the environmental, social and economic benefits of print and paper. We look forward to developing close working relationships with all these groups, and hopefully many more.”
click here
-
03.21.2012
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new integrated marketing campaign to promote easy-to-use and affordable direct mail and shipping services to America’s small businesses.
At a press conference to discuss a new marketing campaign, the Postal Service previewed television, print and marketing mail advertisements to promote Every Door Direct Mail, a simple Web-based service that helps small businesses prospect locally to new and existing customers without the need for names or addresses. The mailings can be dropped off at a local Post Office.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and the Postal Service plays an important role in enabling their growth and commercial success,” said Paul Vogel, president and chief marketing/sales officer, U.S. Postal Service. “We are providing a suite of mailing and shipping services tailored to the needs of small businesses to help them compete for customers and run their operations more efficiently.”
“Every Door Direct Mail is designed for small businesses,” said Vogel. “For less than 15 cents a piece, our customers can send fliers, menus, brochures and advertisements in highly targeted ways. The Web tool is free and easy to use, enabling restaurants, doctors’ offices and other small businesses to map their coverage areas online, so they can really zero in on the streets and neighborhoods they want to reach.”
click here
-
03.21.2012
Ted Sherwin, president, and George Schnyder, owner and CEO, of IBS Direct announced that the company has purchased substantially all the assets of Imtek LLC. http://www.imtek.com/
IBS Direct offers high-quality printing solutions, direct marketing program management and new marketing technologies to effectively implement and measure its customers’ campaigns. Imtek, located in Bridgeport, NJ, provides direct marketing, printing, fulfillment and location intelligence services to clients in the retail, automotive, financial services, travel, catalog, education, publishing and healthcare industries.
The acquisition of Imtek is IBS Direct’s second acquisition in four months, having acquired Mars Graphic Services in November 2011. With this most recent acquisition, IBS Direct has grown from 44 to 120 employees and increased its revenue approximately 110 percent from mid-year 2011. Upon completion, the integration of both acquisitions in IBS Direct’s King of Prussia facility will increase the firm’s capabilities to include three additional Harris heatset presses, a full bindery and a fulfillment operation.
click here
-
03.20.2012
UPM will begin a large construction project at its Pietarsaari pulp mill to rebuild the mill’s effluent treatment plant. The circa EUR 30 million investment will cover the rebuild of all of the main phases of waste water treatment. The work will start immediately and is to be completed at the end of 2013.
”With the rebuild of the effluent treatment plant we will improve the pulp mill’s production efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. The rebuild will also enable further development of the mill in future”, says the mill’s General Manager Kenneth Winberg.
The construction includes a new preliminary clarifier for fibres and an aeration basin, created mainly by excavating rock. The pumping station and compressor house will be completely new constructions.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Today, Nestlé UK & Ireland is the first major confectioner to announce its entire Easter egg packaging is 100% recyclable by replacing rigid plastic with cardboard in its mug eggs.
With Easter eggs creating 3,000 tonnes of UK waste each year*, the manufacturer of SMARTIES®, KIT KAT® and AERO® Easter eggs, has become the first major confectioner to remove plastic packaging from all its eggs – the culmination of a six year process that has saved 726 tonnes of plastic waste going to landfill per year**.
The last products to become 100% recyclable were the YORKIE®, MUNCHIES® and KIT KAT® Easter eggs which include a branded mug. The 48 tonnes of plastic used to secure the mug and egg has been replaced with recyclable cardboard certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and a compostable film for the windows resulting in a 30% reduction in packaging in the mug eggs. In 2011, 100 tonnes of plastic was removed across the entire range.
click here
-
03.20.2012
J.Crew Group, Inc. today announced financial results for the three months and the pro forma fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.
Fourth Quarter highlights: Revenues increased 13% to $530.9 million, with comparable company sales increasing 6%. Comparable company sales were flat in the fourth quarter last year. Store sales increased 16% to $354.0 million, with comparable store sales increasing 6%. Comparable store sales decreased 5% in the fourth quarter last year. Direct sales increased 10% to $170.8 million on top of increasing 12% in the fourth quarter last year. Gross margin increased to 37.8% from 37.4% in the fourth quarter last year. Gross profit this year reflects the impact of purchase accounting of $2.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $159.1 million from $160.7 million in the fourth quarter last year. Last year includes transaction costs of $20.0 million. Operating income was $41.7 million, or 7.9% of revenues, compared to $15.5 million, or 3.3% of revenues, in the fourth quarter last year. Last year includes transaction costs of $20.0 million.
Pro forma fiscal 2011 highlights: Revenues increased 8% to $1,855.0 million, with comparable company sales increasing 3%. Comparable company sales increased 7% last year. Store sales increased 7% to $1,280.8 million, with comparable store sales increasing 1%. Comparable store sales increased 4% last year. Direct sales increased 11% to $545.7 million on top of increasing 15% last year. Gross margin decreased to 41.7% from 43.4% last year. Gross profit this year reflects the impact of purchase accounting of $4.0 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $587.4 million from $533.0 million last year. This year includes the impact of purchase accounting of $21.7 million. Last year includes transaction costs of $20.0 million. Operating income was $185.8 million, or 10.0% of revenues, compared to $214.0 million, or 12.4% of revenues, last year. This year includes the impact of purchase accounting of $25.7 million. Last year includes transaction costs of $20.0 million.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Stora Enso plans to build plantation-based integrated board and pulp mills at Beihai city in Guangxi, southern China. The mill site will initially include a 450 000 tonnes per year state-of-the-art paperboard machine and pulp capacity of 900 000 tonnes per year, including necessary energy plant and auxiliary facilities. In a unique set-up, the board and pulp mills will be self-sufficiently integrated with wood supply from 120 000 hectares of self-managed eucalyptus plantations. The ultimate target is to expand the paperboard capacity to 900 000 tonnes at a later stage. The operations will be managed by an equity joint-venture company established by Stora Enso (85%) and the Guangxi Forestry Group (15%), a state-owned company under the Guangxi provincial government. The joint venture will serve the fast-growing market for liquid packaging board and other premium consumer board grades.
The project investment will be approximately EUR 1.6 billion. Construction at the industrial site will commence when specific preconditions have been fulfilled, which is expected to be in the second half of 2012. Production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2014. The investment will significantly support Stora Enso moving towards company’s 13% ROCE target.
The project will be financed through a combination of debt and equity on an approximately 60/40 basis. The debt financing is expected to be a mix of export credit agency, multilateral and commercial bank debt.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Adobe Systems Incorporated today reported financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2012 ended March 2, 2012.
First Quarter Financial Highlights: Revenue in Q1 FY2012 was $1.045 billion, which included $9.6 million of revenue from the acquisition of Efficient Frontier which closed in January 2012. Diluted earnings per share were $0.37 on a GAAP-basis, and $0.57 on a non-GAAP basis. Operating income was $289.0 million and net income was $185.2 million on a GAAP-basis. Operating income was $386.7 million and net income was $284.5 million on a non-GAAP basis.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Amazon.com, Inc. today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Kiva Systems, Inc., a leading innovator of material handling technology.
“Amazon has long used automation in its fulfillment centers, and Kiva’s technology is another way to improve productivity by bringing the products directly to employees to pick, pack and stow,” said Dave Clark, vice president, global customer fulfillment, Amazon.com. “Kiva shares our passion for invention, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth.”
“For the past ten years, the Kiva team has been focused on creating innovative material handling technologies,” said Mick Mountz, CEO and founder of Kiva Systems. “I’m delighted that Amazon is supporting our growth so that we can provide even more valuable solutions in the coming years.”
Following the acquisition, Kiva Systems’ headquarters will remain in North Reading, Massachusetts.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Hearst-Joongang, a joint venture between Hearst Magazines International and j contentree, today announced that it will become the publisher of the South Korean edition of internationally renowned fashion magazine ELLE this April. ELLE launched in Korea in 1992 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.
In a recent licensing deal with the French media group Lagardère Active, j contentree and its American partner have signed an agreement to publish Lagardère Active’s titles ELLE and ELLEgirl starting with April 2012 issues. Lagardère Active is part of Lagardère Group, the largest media conglomerate in France. ELLE has the largest global market share in the fashion magazine category, and is published in 43 countries including Korea, France, the United States and the U.K.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Oil dropped from the highest price in almost three weeks in New York on signs U.S. crude supply is rising and speculation that Saudi Arabia may boost output.
Futures fell as much as 0.9 percent, their first decline in three days. A government report tomorrow may show that U.S. stockpiles rose to the highest level in six months last week, according to a Bloomberg News survey. Saudi Arabia’s cabinet will work with crude consumers and producers to restore “fair” prices, according to the state news agency. Prices will be boosted by a European embargo on Iranian oil to take effect in July, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director, Christine Lagarde, said.
“The market is currently well-supplied with oil but supply disruptions and looming supply shortage from Iran is keeping uncertainty high,” said Hannes Loacker, an analyst at Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) in Vienna who predicts U.S. futures will average $104 this year. “Without an intensifying Iran conflict, further price gains aren’t justified.”
Oil for April delivery slid as much as 99 cents to $107.10 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $107.21 at 10:36 a.m. London time. It gained 1 percent to $108.09 a barrel yesterday, the highest close since March 1. The April contract expires today.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Amazon.com Inc.. is getting closer to another sales tax exemption deal, this one in New Jersey, in exchange for the retailer’s promise to build warehouses and create full-time jobs.
The New Jersey Assembly voted last week to exempt Amazon, No. 1 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, from sales tax collection until July 1, 2013, as long as Amazon proceeds with its plans to invest $130 million to develop distribution facilities in the state and create 1,500 full-time jobs. The bill, A-2608, which was introduced and sponsored by four Democratic legislators, has been sent to the New Jersey Senate.
Amazon has similar deals in other states including Virginia, Indiana and Tennessee.
click here
-
03.20.2012
As expected, Hearst Magazines president (since June 2010) David Carey announced this morning (March 19) that HGTV--the home/lifestyle magazine partnered with the Scripps Networks-owned HGTV cable channel--is now a full-fledged member of the HM family and will officially launch with the mid-May release of the June/July issue. It will be the first of four issues scheduled for this year.
The news is no surprise. Both Carey and HM president/marketing and publishing director (also since June 2010) Michael Clinton have been ecstatic about HGTV since the October 2011 release of the the first of two test issues. The two ordered a 135,000 second printing after the issue's initial 300,000 print run sold out.
Also in HGTV's favor was the HM-Scripps Network successful three-year partnership with Food Network.
Sara Peterson, who was hired from Coastal Living (Time Inc.) to edit the test issues, continues as editor-in-chief. Joining her as publisher/chief revenue officer is Dan Fuchs (left), who moves from O (Oprah Winfrey) associate publisher (since 2004).
click here
-
03.20.2012
Mercer International Inc. announced that it has mailed to shareholders of Fibrek Inc. a notice of variation to its offer and takeover bid circular dated February 29, 2012 and ancillary documents (the "Offer Documents") in connection with its offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Fibrek (the "Fibrek Shares"). The notice of variation sets forth certain changes solely to address comments from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with its customary review of Mercer's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the Offer.
The consideration offered by Mercer under the Offer and the substantive terms thereof remain the same. Mercer's Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 6, 2012, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by Mercer.
Mercer also announced that it has received a "no-action" letter from Canada's Commissioner of Competition (the "Commissioner"), confirming that, at this time, the Commissioner does not intend to challenge Mercer's acquisition of Fibrek Shares under the Offer.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Random House Children’s Books will become the primary publisher for Nickelodeon, taking over all trade publishing formats from longtime Nickelodeon licensee Simon & Schuster as of January 1, 2013. The announcement was made on Monday at the Bologna Book Fair.
“We’ve been eagerly waiting for more than a decade to expand this property,” says Chris Angelilli, v-p and editor-in-chief, executive director of licensed products. “Dora and SpongeBob are just as popular as they’ve ever been. And a unified coloring/activity and storybook strategy will benefit Nickelodeon publishing.” In addition to the classic Dora and SpongeBob, Random House will focus initially on the newer Nick properties Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies.
“One of our strategies is to consolidate our businesses with fewer licensees,” explained Paula Allen, senior v-p, Nickelodeon global publishing. “We really wanted to consolidate our publishing under one partner.” Noting that Simon & Schuster had gotten out of the coloring and activity business when it shut down its Simon Scribbles imprint, she added, “Simon & Schuster has been a great partner. I can’t say enough good about them.”
Random House has been publishing Nickelodeon coloring and activity titles since 2000 and Little Golden Books since 2009. The expansion will add hardcover and paperback picture books, storybooks, leveled readers, chapter books, junior novels, and board books. “We’re in the midst of carefully crafting our strategy,” said Angelilli. “We’re meeting with the accounts to see what they need for the transition.”
click here
-
03.20.2012
AbitibiBowater Inc., doing business as Resolute Forest Products, today announced that the Québec Court of Appeal has accepted to hear the Company's appeal from the Court of Québec's decision reversing the cease trade order on Fibrek Inc.'s private placement of 32,320,000 special warrants to Mercer International Inc. The cease trade order was issued on February 23 in a decision of the Bureau de décision et de révision (Québec). The appeal will be heard in the week of March 19, 2012.
Resolute also announced that it has extended the expiry date for its offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Fibrek to March 29, 2012.
click here
-
03.20.2012
TC Transcontinental today announced the release of its third annual Sustainability Report, an in-depth document that details the company’s sustainability initiatives and progress in meeting its business objectives. Thanks to the quality, quantity and relevance of the information collected for the report titled “Delivering on Our Commitment,” TC Transcontinental again received Application Level B rating from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
The report notes improvements in employee health, safety and wellness, along with the impressive results of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, thanks to the Corporation’s management of recent investments and efficiency-improvement initiatives, the return on net assets grew. TC Transcontinental also updated its management philosophy and values to ensure they reflect its evolution in time.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Wyndeham Group has sealed a three-year contract extension with Condé Nast Britain to produce its consumer magazines, encompassing leading titles such as Vogue and GQ.
Printing and binding of the monthly titles will take place at the group's web-offset Roche facility in Cornwall.
The magazines will be printed on Wyndeham's two Lithoman IV 64/72pp web offset presses, with binding carried out on its Muller Martini Corona perfect binding lines.
Wyndeham's contract extension with the publisher comes on the back of a lease extension for its Roche facility.
Wyndeham Group chief executive Paul Utting told PrintWeek that the deal recognised the group's ongoing commitment to producing a high-quality product for customers.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Domtar Corporation today announced that with Newsweek planning a retro edition to promote the new season of "Mad Men," Domtar will run a 1960s-style ad that shows while we live in a more digital age, people still read faster on paper.
"We've seen studies that show whether you're an executive or a millennial, people prefer to read on paper, and it's faster to read on paper," said Lewis Fix, Domtar's Vice-President of Sustainable Business and Brand Management. "Whether you are learning or sharing important information, there are good reasons to make sure people still read the material on paper."
The Domtar ad - part of its award-winning PAPERbecause campaign - will run in Newsweek's March 19 issue. It shows a boy dressed as a superhero and reading a comic book, while his mother proudly watches. The message: while entertainment options may have changed, people still enjoy reading on paper.
click here
-
03.20.2012
Catalyst Paper reached new labour agreements with unions representing more than 1,000 paper and pulp workers at the company’s Crofton, Port Alberni and Powell River mills. The new contracts will go into effect at the expiry of the current contract on April 30, 2012.
“Approval of the new labour agreements lets everyone know that the people who make up Catalyst are taking the actions necessary to save jobs and ensure we have a viable and competitive business for the future,” said Kevin J. Clarke, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate there is still an enormous amount of work to do to complete the restructuring plan that will enable the company to exit creditor protection on solid footing going forward.”
The agreements which will be effective from May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2017 include a 10% reduction in hourly rates along with various adjustments to vacation, health benefits and work rules necessary to provide Catalyst with a competitive labour cost structure. The agreements also maintain hourly retiree health benefits. Annual savings in the range of $18 to $20 million are expected.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) locals 1, 76, 592, 686 and 1132 represent 700 employees at the three mills; the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers Union of Canada (PPWC) local 2 represents approximately 380 employees at the Crofton pulp mill.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Premier Darrell Dexter today, March 16, announced further investments in the former NewPage Mill that will protect hundreds of jobs in the Strait area.
These investments will extend the Forestry Infrastructure Fund, and will keep the mill in its "hot idle" state until the end of September.
"My main concern is for the workers, families, and businesses in the Strait," said Premier Dexter. "Although negotiations with Stern Group are taking longer than hoped, I am optimistic that we will secure a deal that will see the mill back in business in this community and sustainable for years to come."
An operating mill would provide about 330 direct and 600 indirect jobs in woodlands, sawmills, power generation and other indirect industries. Re-opening the mill would also help to retain about 500 spinoff jobs in the community.
The Forestry Infrastructure Fund, also known as the Woodlands Action Plan, has been in place since September to support NewPage's supply chain and keep the mill re-sale ready. This fund has kept hundreds of people working and has helped maintain a contractor base in the region.
The province's total investment, including new funds, will include:
-- Up to $9 million for the Forestry Infrastructure Fund to maintain the mill's supply chain until the end of September after recoveries from logging sales. This new investment will come from jobsHere, the province's plan to grow the economy.
-- A new provincial investment of $5.8 million will ensure the mill continues to be re-sale ready in "hot idle".
-- Funding announced today totals $14.8 million. This brings the total new investment to protect jobs at the mill since 2011 to $27.3 million.
The province will also allow the mill to access another $10 million provided under a May 2006 agreement with Stora Enso signed by the previous government.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Total newspaper advertising revenue in the U.S. suffered its sixth straight yearly decline last year, according to data released by the Newspaper Association of America. Total newspaper ad revenue dropped 7.3%, to $23.9 billion, last year compared with 2010. In the same time frame, newspaper print advertising fell 9.2%, to $20.7 billion, while online revenue increased 6.8%, to $3.2 billion.
In the fourth quarter of last year, total newspaper ad revenue dropped 6.7%, to $6.8 billion, compared with the year-earlier period, marking the 22nd consecutive quarterly decline. Newspaper print revenue fell 8.0%, while online revenue increased 3.1%, to $905 million.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Adobe Systems Incorporated today unveiled the addition of cross-visit analytics and other cutting-edge capabilities to Adobe® Discover, an advanced analytics and segmentation solution within the Adobe® Digital Marketing Suite. Cross-visit analytics enables digital marketers to see a visitor’s journey within the marketers’ Web properties beyond single online sessions, giving those marketers a more accurate view of the overall visitor experience.
“Consumers don’t interact with their favorite sites in discrete, unconnected visits,” said Matt Langie, director of product marketing, Digital Marketing Business, Adobe. “They do a search and hit your home page, read reviews, leave, get an email offer, price compare, come back and finally convert. The diversity and complexity of any one visitor’s experience over time yields very different insights than looking at each visit as a distinct, separate experience. Adobe Discover provides analytics that mirror the actual visitor experience.”
Discover also provides a clearer understanding of fallout, the reasons why purchases or conversions do not take place. With insight across visits within their properties, including why customers leave without converting, companies can more accurately allocate marketing spend to activities that will generate the most return on investment.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Oil declined from the highest price in a week in New York after data showed Saudi Arabian crude output at close to the largest level in three decades.
Futures fell as much as 0.5 percent after climbing the most in more than three weeks on March 16. Saudi Arabia, the largest producer in OPEC, pumped 9.87 million barrels a day in January, according to data submitted to the Joint Organization Data Initiative. Oil also retreated today as the dollar advanced versus the euro, undermining investor appetite to protect against inflation. Bank of America Corp. raised price forecasts for this year amid reduced supply.
“There’s no immediate supply shortage,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London, who correctly predicted last month that prices had peaked in the short-term. “As Brent gets past $120, market participants start worrying about demand and hence you’re getting extremely choppy trading at the moment. It’s unlikely we’ll see a sustained push higher from here.”
Oil for April delivery was at $106.86 a barrel, down 20 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 9:28 a.m. London time. The contract, which expires tomorrow, climbed 1.9 percent to $107.06 on March 16, the highest close since March 9. The more actively traded May future dropped 20 cents to $107.38 today.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Colorfx is pleased to announce the acquisition of Demco Printing, based in Boyden, IA, from Dethmers Manufacturing Company. Demco Printing offers top quality digital, sheetfed, and web printing along with complete finishing services. With over 30 years of experience and state of the art technology, Demco will further expand the geographic reach and service capabilities of Colorfx and its sister company Rock Communications.
“We are excited to partner with Demco and their customers to provide comprehensive communications solutions. The addition of their Boyden plant will enhance our geographic reach, and expand our already robust manufacturing capabilities. Further, Demco customers will now have access to a more complete set of marketing services such as design, photography, mail presorting and processing, as well as social and digital media marketing” said Jon Troen, President of Rock Communications and Colorfx.
Dethmers Manufacturing President, Bob Koerselman, says, “For most of us, we’ve known Demco Printing to be an integral part of Demco for many years, as well as this staff being members of the 'Demco Family.' As some of us 'long termers' have known, printing started out as nothing more than a single AB Dick press, today, you now are part of a very successful, vibrant and diverse full scale print shop.
click here
-
03.19.2012
MOD-PAC CORP., a manufacturer of custom and stock paperboard packaging and provider of personalized print products, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, revenue increased $1.8 million, or 13.7%, to $14.6 million from $12.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Each of the Company’s product lines contributed to the revenue growth. Net income was $0.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared with $0.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010. The higher net income reflects positive leverage from higher sales, offset by negative product mix and continued raw material pricing pressures. The prior year fourth quarter includes a $178 thousand, or $0.05 per diluted share, charge for impaired asset write-downs.
Total revenue for 2011 was $56.2 million compared with $48.7 million in 2010, reflecting higher folding carton sales and improved waste sales due to a recovery in the recycling market. Net income increased 43.3% to $1.9 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in 2011 from $1.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in 2010. Higher revenue along with productivity and cost reduction initiatives drove the net income increase.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Tembec announced today a $190-million capital investment to upgrade its specialty cellulose manufacturing facility at Temiscaming, Québec. This investment will increase annual production of green electricity by up to 40 megawatts, reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 70%, increase Temiscaming’s annual production capacity of specialty cellulose by 5,000 metric tonnes, and make Temiscaming one of the world’s lowest-cost specialty cellulose manufacturing facilities.
This project is the first phase of a two-phase investment plan for the facility. It will involve the replacement of three old boilers with a new high-pressure boiler designed to burn waste sulfite liquor, a co-product of the specialty cellulose manufacturing process, producing green steam for use at the facility. The project also calls for the installation of a new electricity turbine that will be driven by this steam. The turbine
will increase the Temiscaming facility's green electricity production capacity from its current 10 megawatts to, eventually, 60 megawatts. The boiler is scheduled to start up in December 2013, followed by the turbine, in May 2014.
Hydro-Québec will offtake the additional green electricity produced by this turbine under a 25-year contract at $106 MW/hour, indexed with CPI, which will strengthen and stabilize Tembec’s revenues through the economic cycle.
The $190-million investment in Phase 1 will be financed with $105 million of new debt, which includes a $75-million loan from Investissement Québec; the balance of $85 million will come from free cash flow from Tembec operations.
click here
-
03.19.2012
UPM strongly believes that printed and digital channels complement each other, with paper assuming its natural role within the modern media palette. UPM Paper is bringing together its experts and visionary cooperatives at drupa trade fair in May to showcase exciting examples of combining print and digital channels – providing inspiration and solutions to all those in the media industry.
Print is effective. Need proof? - According to research, print is and remains an extremely powerful advertising medium. So how can you convince advertisers? Participate in UPM’s drupa demo sessions to discover modern ways to engage readers by using print.
Quick Response codes offer real engagement for both brands and readers. By scanning a code with their smart phone readers are able not only to get additional information on their mobile devices, but also able to for instance share contents and make online purchases. For brand owners the ability to collect code data and measure the direct effects of printed channels down to detail demonstrates print marketing effectiveness.
The third dimension - You can find 2D codes across a range of our UPM materials, such as our new Product Catalogue 2012, printed samples and our exhibition invitation. With codes you can pre-register for an appointment on our drupa 2012 stand or check technical specifications of UPM products from our Online Product Catalogue.
Another way to take advantage of the combination of print and digital is to use NFC, (Near Field Communication) tags. At the UPM stand you can test how this works by interacting with our World Design Capital Helsinki posters and stickers. Their tags provide access to the mobile site, m.wdchelsinki2012.fi.
click here
-
03.19.2012
United Parcel Service, Inc. and TNT Express N.V. today jointly announce that they have reached agreement on a recommended all-cash public offer of EUR 9.50 per ordinary share by UPS for TNT Express (the "Offer"). TNT Express' Executive and Supervisory Boards unanimously intend to support and recommend the Offer.
The offer price of EUR 9.50 (including any dividend or other distribution other than the financial year 2011 final dividend payment not exceeding EUR 0.004 per share) represents a 53.7% premium to TNT Express' unaffected share price on February 16, 2012 of EUR 6.18, the day before TNT Express and UPS announced their ongoing discussions. The Offer values the issued and outstanding share capital of TNT Express at EUR 5.16 billion ($6.77 billion1).
The combination of UPS and TNT Express will create a global leader in the logistics industry, with annual revenues of more than EUR 45 billion ($60 billion1) and will deliver significant benefits for the shareowners, customers, employees and other stakeholders of both companies.
Together, UPS and TNT Express will offer customers an enhanced, integrated global network that will provide greatly enhanced service to customers throughout the world. In addition, the two companies are a strong cultural fit given their intense focus on customer service, operational excellence, employee engagement and good corporate citizenship.
click here
-
03.19.2012
The sustainability movement is approaching a tipping point, with seven out of 10 companies now placing it on their permanent management agenda, according to a new report.
"I think some of the important findings are that sustainability has continued to progress from something that was on the fringe of management to being a fairly core issue now," said Martin Reeves, senior partner and managing director for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). "When you have two-thirds of companies saying they´re planning to do more, it´s essential for competitiveness across sectors à it´s a turning point in the sense that sustainably has become a mainstream management issue."
More than 4,000 managers from 113 countries were surveyed for BCG´s and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan Management Review´s "2011 Sustainability & Innovation Global Executive Study and Research Project." The survey focused on the nearly 3,000 executives from the commercial sector.
According to the respondents, 70% of companies have put sustainability permanently on their management agendas. Two-thirds said sustainability was necessary to being competitive in today´s marketplace, up from 55% in the previous year´s survey.
"What´s been a little surprising is that that momentum has continued through the great recession," said Reeves, one of the study´s co-authors and leader of BCG´s Strategy Institute. "We haven´t really seen a slowing down of commitments."
Increasing commitment to sustainability initiatives is happening despite an underwhelming economy, the report found, with 68% saying their organization´s commitment to sustainability has increased in the past year. In 2009, just 35% of companies said this was the case.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Hastings Entertainment, Inc., a leading multimedia entertainment retailer, today reported results for the three months and fiscal year ended January 31, 2012. Net loss was approximately $8.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for the three months ended January 31, 2012 compared to net earnings of approximately $3.8 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the three months ended January 31, 2011. Net loss was approximately $17.6 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 compared to net earnings of $1.7 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.
Earnings before interest, taxes, property and equipment depreciation expense and amortization ("EBITDA") was approximately $5.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2012 compared to $10.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011. Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes gift card breakage revenue, stock compensation expense, store asset impairment expense, abandoned lease expense and impairment of goodwill, was approximately $9.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2012 compared to $11.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011. EBITDA was approximately $5.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 compared to $20.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $9.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012 compared to $21.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.
click here
-
03.19.2012
Effective with all shipments on or after April 16, 2012, Flambeau River Papers will increase the transaction price for the following grades of paper as follows: FRP Envelope Papers +$3.00/cwt; FRP Laser Bond Papers +$1.50/cwt
click here
-
03.19.2012
Webcrafters, a book manufacturing company at 2211 Fordem Ave., says it will cut staffing by at least 15 percent by fall because of reduced market demand.
With about 540 employees, jobs for at least 81 people will be cut. The company plans to offer "generous voluntary separation packages" as a first option, to minimize the number of involuntary reductions that will have to be made, President and CEO Jac Garner said in a statement Thursday.
Positions in manufacturing, office work and supervision will be affected.
Changes in technology, with more online content and electronic publishing of books, coupled with lower funding for printed educational materials by state and local governments due to tight budgets, led to the loss of business, company officials said.
More publishing work also has become more automated, by clients using Webcrafters' high-speed, digital inkjet press.
Founded as a printing business in 1868, Webcrafters primarily serves the educational book market. It also has clients in the atlas, trade and catalog industries.
click here
-
03.16.2012
Effective with all shipments on or after April 16, 2012, Gorham Paper & Tissue, LLC will increase the transaction price for the following grades of paper by $3.00/cwt: Gorham Offset Papers; Gorham Reply Card Papers; Gorham Tablet Papers; All other Gorham offset related grades
click here
-
03.16.2012
Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. announces the transition for its sourcing of cast coated products from the Kromekote brand to Chromolux, manufactured by M-real. Mohawk expects to begin accepting orders in August. During the transition period, Mohawk will continue to support sales of Kromekote until current inventories are depleted.
Mohawk will offer Chromolux for traditional commercial printing, and will launch new Chromolux digital papers to complement its industry leading product and service offering in the rapidly growing digital printing market. "Cast coated papers play a key role in our product offering and we intend to create a world-class line up for every leading print platform," said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohawk Fine Papers. "We are happy to announce this partnership with a globally recognized brand and to be working with the M-real organization. This partnership is strategic to our growth plan."
The broad portfolio of papers and boards for label, packaging and graphic applications available from Chromolux combined with Mohawk's know-how and extensive distribution network will realize a much deeper resource for the industry in the coated paper segment, and is expected to create new opportunities for both partners.
click here
-
03.16.2012
AbitibiBowater Inc., doing business as Resolute Forest Products, today announced that it has received a favorable decision from the federal Minister of Industry, following his review of the Company's proposed acquisition of Fibrek Inc. under the Investment Canada Act.
The offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fibrek made by Resolute, together with RFP Acquisition Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, is more fully described in the offer circular and other ancillary documentation that Resolute filed on December 15, 2011, on the "SEDAR" website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators, as varied and extended. The offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on March 19, 2012, unless it is extended or withdrawn by Resolute.
click here
-
03.16.2012
The American Forest & Paper Association released its February 2012 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report today. Containerboard production gained 6% over the same month last year. Production was down, losing 5.5% compared to January 2012, however, the month over month average daily production increased of 1.1%. The containerboard operating rate for February 2012 gained 1.0 point over January 2012, increasing from 95.2% to 96.2%.
Additional key findings from the report include: Linerboard production was up 6.5% · Medium production also saw an increase.
click here
-
03.16.2012
The American Forest & Paper Association released its February 2012 Kraft Paper Sector Report today. Total Kraft paper shipments were 121.0 thousand tons, a decrease of 8.4% compared to February 2011. Total inventory was 82.8 thousand tons this month.
Additional key findings from the report include: Total Unbleached Kraft shipments decreased compared to February 2011, but increased when compared to last month. Total Bleached Kraft shipments stayed constant compared to last February.
click here