Kate Tomlinson

Attack static problems early, or else they could take over by Kate Tomlinson, Associate Editor IT'S THAT TIME of year once again. As temperatures drop and the heating units are turned on (sucking much of the humidity out of the air), pressroom static problems intensify. We all know the standard static control drill: add a bar, some tinsel, or a vacuum unit to avoid dirty webs and to keep your operators from getting shocked (or worse!). In addition to expanding product lines, today's static control and web cleaning suppliers have taken the best of the best, made slight improvements, and added features to ensure

By combining flexo and gravure, Sonoco is able to maintain its competitive edge. By Kate Tomlinson, Associate Editor IN 1993, SONOCO'S Flexible Packaging division realized that it could offer customers the value-added products many were looking for, by expanding its strictly gravure process base. Today, with nine plants worldwide, Sonoco achieves its range of graphics by running flexo and gravure both separately and in combination. Sonoco's extensive equipment roster includes: wide- and narrow-web rotogravure presses, up to 11 stations with in-line lamination and cold/heat seal coatings; wide- and narrow-web flexographic presses, up to 10 stations with in-line lamination and cold/heat seal coatings; gravure/flexo

Through well-considered acquisitions, Multi-Color has boosted its sales by more than $20 million in two years. By Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor ON VARIOUS FRONTS, Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) is a rising chart-topper. The Cincinnati Enquirer recently named MCC one of the city's 10 most profitable companies. MCC also held the number two spot in that paper's "80s Index," which ranks stocks according to annual return (after adjusting for splits, spinoffs, and stock dividends). Finally, as number 16 in pP's Top Tag and Label Converter Survey, President/CEO Frank Gerace has proven a diversified portfolio of print services goes a long way. Through a series of

UV equipment developments are surfacing almost as quickly as new applications for the technology. by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor THE SHRINK SLEEVE is just one of the latest packaging structures forcing suppliers to keep in step with the technology needed to process thin film substrates such as PET-G (the most common for shrink sleeves). So what are bulb and UV curing equipment manufacturers doing to meet these rising demands? Bulb suppliers such as Primarc UV Technology are working to improve standard bulb life. Curing systems manufacturer Honle UV America has released its Advanced Cold Mirror (ACM) UV curing system, which reduces damaging heat

packagePRINTING went straight to its readers to explore trends in specialty, application-specific, and hybrid ink usage. by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor THIS YEAR, packagePRINTING's annual ink survey spread its wings to cover more emerging usage trends. Among the findings: hybrid ink systems, while fairly new to the scene, are beginning to carve a niche for themselves. And, as printers expand their substrate capabilities, the use of application-specific inks is becoming commonplace. In addition, the tried-and-true specialty ink market continues to grow and release new products. Despite online purchasing's growth in many segments, the numbers show package printers are still fairly hesitant about this buying

Karl Marbach Jr.'s knack for forging alliances has brought global acclaim for his diecutting/diemaking innovations. by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor IF FRIENDSHIPS ARE an indication of success, Karl Marbach Jr. is a very accomplished man. As president of Marbach Co. of Heilbronn, Germany, Marbach may run a tight ship, but an obvious welcoming atmosphere radiates from the building. "I try to maintain a professional level of friendship within [the company]," he says. "I lead by walking." Those who have visited the Marbach facility can see firsthand where it all started, and how a man who has contributed so much to the steel rule die