• WS Packaging acquires assets of Menasha's Promo Edge: The Algoma, WI-based labeling powerhouse seals the deal on Aug. 10. Promo Edge, formerly known as Mid America Tag & Label, will become WS Packaging-Promo Edge. The new division, which is well known for promotional products, primary labels, sweepstakes and gaming printing, will be established as a "sister" facility to the Algoma label plant, WS Packaging says. The Neenah plant employs 180 workers.
• Canada converter adds large-format press: Package printer Annan & Bird Lithographers, Mississauga, Ontario, installs a new Rapida 162a sheetfed-offset press from KBA North America, Williston, VT. The six-color, 64-in., large-format press began production in March 2004. Additionally, the press features a full UV-interdeck system, which allows the firm to run paper, plastic, foil, and synthetic papers.
• Asian package printers invest in inspection systems: Advanced Vision Technology, Atlanta, doubles its installed base of automatic inspection systems in the Asia-Pacific region via several recent installations. Included are a PrintVision/Jupiter for converter Shenda Shenlong for use on a 9-color North America Cerutti CI-flexo press, and a PrintVision/Jupiter for a Mark Andy Comco inline-flexo press; two PrintVision/Helios systems on KoPack Intl. and Rotoflex rewinders at converter Shanghai Cheng Way for label-printing applications; and two PrintVision/Pro systems on Bobst Schiavi Pulsar gravure presses at Propack Packaging facilities—all in China.
• CPFilms to install deep-dye coloring line: The specialty-film converter will add the new high-tech polyester film-dyeing machine at its Martinsville, VA, headquarters plant. The proprietary system will enable deep-dye coloring on films from thicknesses of 0.5 to 10 mils and widths up to 72 in. It will feature online digital monitoring and the latest in process-control and drive systems software. Output from the new line will serve solar-control window film, color filter and graphic-arts industry customers. It is expected to be operational by early 2005.
• MAGPOWR plans facilities move: The Fenton, MO-based tension-control component supplier will relocate manufacturing to the Maxcess Intl. headquarters in Oklahoma City. The Maxcess site, where Fife guiding and inspection systems are also made, provides MAGPOWR with access to engineering expertise, state-of-the-art software technology and customer support, the company says.
• Current Euro trends driving the use of shrink-sleeve labeling include more plastic containers, more shaped containers, and the need to further differentiate the product packaging, says a new study by UK-based market researcher Pira Intl.

CPP Expo 2005 partners with PMMI: The Paramus, NJ-based HA Bruno LLC show organizer will coordinate efforts with PMMI's Pack Expo Las Vegas event. Attendees who register for CPP Expo 2005 will also be able to attend Pack Expo Las Vegas 2005 without incurring additional expense, says Leo Nadolske, president of CPP Expo.

"Attendees will be able to tour both events with the same badge," notes Nadolske. "With CPP Expo focused on the converting industry, and Pack Expo Las Vegas focusing on packaging, consumer- and industrial-goods companies looking for complete printing and packaging solutions will strongly benefit."

Both shows will be held Sept. 26–28, 2005. CPP Expo will be held at the Sands Expo & Convention Ctr. Pack Expo Las Vegas will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Ctr. and features 700+ companies that supply packaging machinery, materials, containers and components. The cross-promotion agreement permits attendees and exhibitors of either show to attend either event. Transportation between venues will be available.

"We're looking forward to working closely with CPP Expo 2005 as we strive to create a 'must attend' event for the consumer- and industrial-goods marketplace," notes PMMI president Chuck Yuska.