Integrated marketing communications group IVE has doubled its earnings per share in the half year, on the back of strong uplifts in revenue, EBITDA and net profit after tax.

Shares in heatset giant Ovato raced up by 31 per cent on its half year figures, on sales that were down to $161m, and a net profit after tax up by 282 per cent to $17.5m.

Matthew Hanks, who was the secret owner of a print broking business that he used as one of his frauds to steal $1.8m from Surf NSW while he was the lifesavers' GM, has been sent down for three years.

Victorian-based commercial printer Neo has acquired Eastern Press, under a deal that will see the much-respected Eastern Press brand live on, with the two A2 printshops to share facilities.

With Covid restrictions lifting in Victoria, the Fespa Australia annual BBQ on Wednesday night was warmly welcomed by the industry, with 60 printers enjoying a convivial evening together.

Rising raw materials and energy costs will see inkmaker Flint Group apply a new surcharge to all its publication products from 1 March, with the surcharge to remain until market volatility eases.

Print franchise group Kwik Kopy has appointed Sonia Shwabsky as its new CEO, tasking her with leading implementation of the company’s significant strategic plans for future growth.

In a sign of good news for the commercial print industry, major industry supplier Fujifilm has lifted its full year forecast on the back of rising volumes in offset plates.

Industry veteran Cameron Sutherland has launched Rapide Resources, a new consulting and business coaching outfit specialising in print, signage and international trade.

Industry associations say that while rapid antigen tests for the coranvirus are not mandated for businesses, they can be useful, but need to be accompanied by accurate record keeping, with printers urged to get proactive.

NSW general commercial operation Print Storm is aiming to offset all of its carbon emissions from its Dubbo and Mudgee facilities, with an innovative solution that it says will benefit all.

The revival at offset press manufacturer Heidelberg is gathering pace, with the current order backlog of €951m exceeding the pre-pandemic level, and the company saying it will be back in the black this year.

Workers at one of the world’s biggest papermaking businesses, UPM in Finland, have voted to extend their five week strike by another three weeks, adding to ongoing tensions over supply for the local print industry.

An online auction of the surplus equipment out of Active Display Group's acquisition by IVE is now running, with inspection day slated for Monday, and the auction set to close next Wednesday.

Even though WA remains in isolation, the wheels of industry continue to turn there, with Quality Press taking over the Clockwork Print manufacturing from long time owners Bruce and Wendy Hawley.

The thought of setting up in a new market can be daunting, but Vicon MD Ben Carroll says heat transfer garment printing is straightforward, low cost, and can add a whole new revenue stream.