Minneapolis-based Johnson Printing & Packaging Corp., an award-winning commercial printing and packaging firm, installs a new Rapida 105 sheetfed-offset press. Online since September 2004, the 41-in., seven-color press with spot UV-coating capabilities is supplied by KBA North America, Williston, VT.

The Specialized Packaging Group, Inc. (SPG), a paperboard-packaging converter in Hamden, CT, will add "high-definition" Primography to its current lineup of printing and converting technologies in early 2005. Originally developed by Arpeco Engineering, Ltd. (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), the Primographic system is a roll-fed hybrid of flexographic and letterpress printing, capable of UV and aqueous printing in up to 200 line screen. One of the advantages of the press is its ability to handle reverse-print, foil-transfer, emboss/deboss and cutting/creasing, all inline. The system uses 10 print stations and modular inline cutting, creasing and embossing systems to handle the entire converting process.

Specialty printer Premier Aspects, Cardiff, UK, takes delivery in mid-December 2004 of a new Spyder flatbed, inkjet press from Inca Digital Printers, Cambridge, England. Premier plans to use the Spyder to win greater business from point-of-purchase and display packaging customers, says director Paul Hunter.

Paperboard-packaging converter MeadWestvaco, Stamford, CT, installs a new Signature Select folder/gluer at its Mebane, NC, plant. Referred to as the AIM "Heavyweight Champion," supplied by American Intl. Machinery, Oak Creek, WI, the Select Model 70 machine offers three-carrier construction throughout, electronically controlled glue pots, a convenient backfold-control station, motorized carriers with digital indicators and rugged power transmissions.