Business

Finalists from the PrintIT! 2006 competition gather in the atrium of the Birmingham NEC at Ipex 2006

With the final judging of the 2009/2010 competition entries complete, PrintIT! is looking to Ipex 2010 to join with industry supporters and sponsors to celebrate the best of Britain’s young talent, honour all the finalist students and their teachers, and present category winners with individual awards as well prizes for their schools in the form of print-related equipment.

Ipex 2010 marks another significant milestone for PrintIT!, and sees the culmination of the first five years of the initiative, which celebrated its inaugural awards ceremony at Ipex in 2006. Since then, PrintIT!, which has maintained its partnership with leading charity The Fairtrade Foundation, has engaged over 100,000 students from over 1,000-schools in England, won two awards, gained endorsements from Government and Royalty, as well as seen the launch of a new version for schools in Scotland. Designed to meet the curriculum criteria of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, PrintIT! Scotland has already attracted registrations from 30% of all Scottish secondary schools and nearly 4,000 students in the first few weeks. PrintIT! has also provided the framework for the introduction of ‘DigIT! to BuildIT!’ developed by Proskills, and covering a similar scheme of work and objectives for youngsters linked to the Building Products and Extractives industries.

Since taking over the management of PrintIT! from Picon in April 2007, Proskills has itself invested over £500,000 in the project, supplemented by the sponsorship and support gained from industry. Each year, on average, PrintIT! costs in the region of £200,000, of which approximately 25% comes from industry sponsorship, in the form of cash, prizes, advertising, paper, print, in addition to the time taken by printers who ‘twin’ with their local schools as part of the Twinning Programme which remains a vital element of the course.

“The significance of the support PrintIT! achieves from Industry is without question, and it is a testament to the commitment of Industry as a whole that we have been fortunate enough to maintain this level of support during a very difficult economic climate”, says Tom Bowtell, general manager of Proskills who is responsible for the team delivering PrintIT!. “We remain fully committed to the project and are currently working on plans for PrintIT! 2010/11 and I am delighted with the commitment we have already received from several sponsors to date.”

In addition, the recent restructuring of project resourcing within Proskills has resulted in the creation of a larger project team going forward. The new PrintIT! team is led by Jo Chapman, the Proskills Education & Schools Programmes Manager. Jo is supported by Jan Cassidy, Schools and Industry Co-ordinator, who will continue to provide the backbone of day to day project administration, and Richard Moore, Proskills Industry Lead for Print and Paper, as well as having access to the resources of the Proskills marketing team headed by Terri Jones, head of marketing & communications.

Jo Chapman, a former teacher, has been the Education Manager at Proskills for the last three years working on the development of the new government-backed 14-19 Diplomas. With her background in education, and her knowledge of working with industry partnerships gained when she managed an award winning ‘Schools Into Industry’ programme in the glass industry, Jo is well positioned to take over the role of Project Manager for PrintIT! and engage the support of the industry to develop PrintIT! going forward.

The PrintIT! team is already reviewing new developments for PrintIT! 2010/11, which will be launched to schools for the start of the new academic year in September 2010, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Spring 2011. While PrintIT! is keen to enlist feedback and suggestions from its sponsors and industry stakeholders, current proposals for next year include revisiting the scheme of work to update workbooks for students and teachers, introducing new paper and sustainability modules, taking a more proactive tracking of PrintIT! students through social networking sites, apprenticeship schemes and school career programmes as well as reviewing and updating the website.

Tom Bowtell adds, “PrintIT! remains a flagship initiative within our portfolio of education and schools programmes at Proskills. We are all immensely proud of PrintIT! and of what has been achieved over the past five years, and acknowledge the support and hard work that everyone involved has put into making this programme such a success. With the expanded PrintIT! team now in place, with access to greater resources and specialist skills, I am confident we can continue to work with stakeholders and industry supporters to build on a truly successful initiative and secure its long term success.”

The 2009/2010 PrintIT! Awards Ceremony takes place during Ipex 2010, on Saturday 22nd May 2010 in Concourse Suite 1 & 2. George Clarke, chairman of PrintIT!, managing director of Heidelberg and president of Ipex 2010 said, “Having been part of the final PrintIT! judging panel, I have been extremely motivated by the creativity, talent and understanding of print that these entries displayed, and where better to celebrate this talent and showcase our industry to these youngsters than at Ipex. To know that over 100,000 students have engaged in PrintIT! and learnt something about our industry can only help our long term goal to improve the image of UK Print plc and encourage this wealth of talent to consider a future career in print.”

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced senior management changes.

Jun Haraguchi, President and Chief Executive Officer will return to Japan to become General Manager, Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.  In his new position he will be responsible for global sales operations and marketing strategy.  Mr. Haraguchi has spent the last 13 years in positions of increasing responsibility within Konica Minolta, the last five years as President and CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.  During his tenure he led the successful integration of Konica and Minolta, the integration of several acquisitions, most recently Danka Office Imaging, while improving market share and the overall operating performance of the company.  He will remain on the board of directors of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.

Nobuo (Ned) Umehara has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. effective April 1, 2010.  Mr. Umehara, who until recently served as General Manager of OEM Sales for Konica Minolta Business Technologies, has been with Konica Minolta for 33 years.  He has considerable experience in the U.S. market having worked here on two separate assignments in the past, once in the printer division and once within the MFP sales operation.  Mr. Umehara will be leading an organization with strong brand awareness, award-winning product lines, and a solid infrastructure in place.

"It has been a privilege leading a dynamic organization such as Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.," said Haraguchi.  "Despite the tough economy over the past two years, our corporation has been able to grow market share and improve operating performance.  Ned will be assuming responsibility for a company that is led by a strong senior management team and is well positioned for future success.  I want to thank the entire Konica Minolta family for their unwavering support and dedication during my time here, and I look forward to their future success - both individually and as a group."

"I am honored to take on this important role at this time in our company's history," said Umehara.  "Leveraging the strength of the operation, I envision continuing our strategies to expand our presence in commercial print, managed print services, and the solutions business while gaining share in the core MFP business.  One thing is certain, and that is our business partners and end users will not be affected during this transition.  My number one goal is to ensure them they can continue to count on Konica Minolta for industry-leading technologies and superior service."

City & West End Solutions Lead the HP Latex Channel

City & West End Solutions will be exhibiting the new HP Designjet L25500 Latex ink printers on its stand (C30) at Sign&Digital UK this year. Having already built an enviable lead in selling over 85% of all the larger L65500 latex printers in the UK this year, the company is looking forward to repeating its success with the smaller version of this ground breaking printer.

Managing Director of City & West End Solutions, Doug Gilbertson, is positive both about the forthcoming exhibition ‘Sign & Digital is the ideal showcase for the new 60inch and 42inch L25500 models, its already making a deep impact into the traditional solvent sign maker market. Quite simply if you’re a sign maker who wants to grow your business you need to look at these printers, the productivity benefits from its performance alone warrants this, if you add the wider environmental benefits as well its essential’

City & West End Solutions is also showcasing a full range of solutions with the HP Designjet L25500 at the core. With Summa cutters available in bundles with the new printer there is a solution for every user. As the leading Onyx RIP reseller in the UK there will be software upgrade and bundle offers through out the show period.

Gilbertson continues ‘Our philosophy is to help our customers at every stage in their investment in new technology whether it’s a new printer or updating their current Rip. We know that getting the best support possible is crucial to making new technology produce the profit our customers expect. Our customers simply get the best service in the market and will always do so.’

City & West End Solutions solution lead philosophy also extends to how new equipment is financed for their customers. With capital expenditure under constant pressure the availability of competitive leasing options is a vital element in putting the right solution together.

‘Our relationship with our customers is guided by the simple objective of getting the best possible overall solution for them and their business. This mean getting the right hardware, software and media to produce the result they want. It also means we give our customers the best options in how to pay for their solution. In terms of leasing options we are able to obtain the most competitive rates in the market so they have all the flexibility possible in ensuring that their solution produces the right return for their business.’ concludes Gilbertson.

The Ipex organisers have launched Ipex Connect, a sophisticated and free online service on the Ipex website, designed to link up exhibitors interested in expanding their business globally with suitable agents and distributors. Based on the hugely successful Agent & Distributor Matchmaking Scheme in 2006, Ipex Connect provides a comprehensive list of active dealers and exhibitors in specific locations, allowing all users from around the world to get in touch with distributors and suppliers that they may otherwise not know about.

In addition to searching for companies, users can create a comprehensive profile of themselves on Ipex Connect with a picture, then tag their favourite content, contacts and search results. Once they have located a potential business partner, they can instantly communicate with the target company using a secure, built-in email facility. From the beginning of April, they will also be able to make appointments to meet with suitable companies at Ipex 2010. Once exhibitors and agents have finalised their diaries, Ipex Connect will enable them to create and print a PDF of the personalised itinerary within seconds or access it via an iPhone at the show.

Nick Craig Waller, Marketing Director of Ipex 2010 says, “This matchmaking scheme was hugely popular in 2006 so we’ve enhanced the service using the global reach and power of the Ipex website. So far, over 1,750 agents and distributors have already signed up for Ipex 2010.

“Ipex Connect helps achieve two crucial goals: encouraging attendance from agents and distributors from every corner of the world as well as maximising business opportunites for our exhibitors. Selecting the right distributor is absolutely crucial for growing a business successfully in countries where they currently don’t operate in. Ipex Connect will ensure that exhibitors find the best match for their company and by arranging an agreed time and place to meet at Ipex prior to the show, both parties can maximise their time at the event.”

To start using Ipex Connect, distributors and agents will need to register for Ipex 2010 at www.ipex.org/register. They will subsequently receive an email with login details to access the service at www.ipex.org/connect. Exhibitors at Ipex 2010 can join Ipex Connect via the Exhibitor Zone at www.ipex.org/ezone. For further information, please contact Nick Craig Waller, Marketing Director at Ipex 2010, on +44 (0) 20 7017 7020 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .uk.

New application package enables traffic sign manufactures to create reflective traffic signs using UV printing technology.

Brno / Olomouc, Czech Republic, March 23  2010 – Grapo Technologies, a manufacturer of UV large format roll-to-roll and flatbed UV printers based in the Czech Republic, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Orafol Europe GmbH, a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive graphic products, special tape systems and reflective materials.  Both companies agreed  to develop an application package that uses Grapo’s Octopus UV digital printers and specially developed inks to digitally produce reflective traffic signs using Orafol`s microprismatic reflective film systems, replacing screen printing technology for many sign applications.

“We are very pleased have been selected by Orafol, a well-known and respected brand in the market, for this unique application” said Radim Kralik, CEO of Grapo Technologies. “Through this partnership, Orafol and Grapo will be able to sell this unique system. It is a rewarding experience for Grapo that Orafol’s due diligence efforts resulted in the approval of our technology for this highly critical application.”

Traffic signs are a very specific application with critical specifications and cannot be produced digitally using normal CMYK inks.  In partnership with Orafol, Grapo Technologies has modified its Octopus UV printing system to the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer, developing special inks to address the seven-color requirement for traffic signs.  “For printing on the Orafol`s microprismatic reflective material,” added Kralik, “each color must have perfect physical specifications to ensure proper reflection.  The seven flat color inks we developed are able to be printed directly from one head on the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer, replacing traditional screen printing processes which are costly, time consuming and carry a heavier environmental footprint. In addition, screen printing is not a cost-effective process for shorter runs.”

Migrating Traffic Signs from Analog to Digital Manufacturing

With this new system, traffic sign manufacturers will be able to cost-effectively handle short runs and print signs on demand to meet market needs, especially for signs with variable information, directions and other information that may only require a quantity of one or two.

Kralik points out that although Grapo can sell the system under the agreement, Orafol will be the primary coordinator of sales activities.  “There are legal and testing procedures required to gain acceptance from each ministry of traffic,” he explains. “Colors must be certified, but more importantly, the entire system must be certified.  Orafol will be leading the certification process based on their relationships, reputation and experience in this market.”  Not only must colors be specific in order to pass certification, but inks also must demonstrate good adhesion to the reflective materials and last a long time under varying light and weather conditions. The new traffic sign manufacturing system consists of three components:  the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer developed by Grapo, custom inks developed by Orafol, and microprismatic reflective material provided by Orafol.

“Because of this easy and reliable technology we expect to see good market reception to this breakthrough solution.” said Dr. Loclair, Managing Director of Orafol. “We are excited to be able to show samples of printed reflective material using this system at  Intertraffic Amsterdam 23-25 March 2010 .” Orafol can be found in Hall 1, Booth 203 at the show.

Agile Development Ensures Fast Production of Niche Products

“This is only one niche market we have been investigating,” said Kralik, “and we are extremely pleased that our nimble and flexible R&D organization was able to respond quickly to the needs of this market as presented to us by Orafol.  This is only one example of how our R&D efforts can benefit not only niche markets but the market as a whole in an environment where new applications arise frequently and requirements for existing applications can change quickly.”

Adobe Systems Incorporated today reported financial results for its first quarter fiscal year 2010 ended March 5, 2010.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe achieved revenue of $858.7 million, compared to $786.4 million reported for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $757.3 million reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  This represents 9 percent year-over-year revenue growth.  Adobe's first quarter revenue target range was $800 to $850 million.

"Stability in our creative business, combined with strength in our Acrobat and Omniture solutions, helped drive strong financial performance in Q1," said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO of Adobe.  "The market trends enabling our diverse business remain strong and we are bullish about the upcoming launches of Flash Player and Creative Suite."

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 GAAP Results

Adobe's GAAP diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.24, based on 532.6 million weighted average shares. This compares with GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.30 reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 based on 527.8 million weighted average shares, and GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.06 reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 based on 532.0 million weighted average shares.

GAAP operating income was $176.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $207.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $153.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  As a percent of revenue, GAAP operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 20.6 percent, compared to 26.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 20.3 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

GAAP net income was $127.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to GAAP net income of $156.4 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and GAAP net loss of $32.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 Non-GAAP Results

Adobe's non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.40.  This compares with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.45 reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.39 reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Adobe's non-GAAP operating income was $289.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $295.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $265.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  As a percent of revenue, non-GAAP operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 33.7 percent, compared to 37.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 35.0 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Non-GAAP net income was $211.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $236.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $206.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided at the end of this press release.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Financial Targets

For the second quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe is targeting revenue of $875 million to $925 million.  The Company's operating margin is targeted to be 21.0 percent to 24.5 percent on a GAAP basis, and 33.5 percent to 35.5 percent on a non-GAAP basis.  In addition, the Company is targeting its share count to be between 531 million and 535 million shares, and it is targeting non-operating expense between $16 million and $18 million.  Adobe's GAAP and non-GAAP tax rate is expected to be approximately 25 percent.

These targets lead to a second quarter diluted earnings per share target range of $0.23 to $0.30 on a GAAP basis, and an earnings per share target range of $0.39 to $0.44 on a non-GAAP basis.