The directors of stricken WA printer Picton Press are seeking to take back control of the company through a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), but the ATO sensationally blocked its progress in the second creditors' meeting this week.

The administrator for debt-laden Picton Press says it is its preliminary view that the company was trading while insolvent for at least 17 months before it was issued with a winding up order by the ATO in May, and remained insolvent throughout that period.

The chance of Picton Press remaining operational if a DOCA gets off the ground remains uncertain, with the decision likely ending in the hands of the paper merchants.

The election of Lithocraft CEO Kevin Pidgeon and Mark Media GM Martin Guilliamse means that for the first time in several years all nine PIAA board directors are now running print businesses. Pidgeon defeated Ron Patterson in the Victoria vote, Guilliamse succeeds Peter Clark.

Former Network Ten CEO Hamish McLennan has been appointed chair of Here, There and Everywhere (HT&E), to guide the company forward following its sale of Adshel to outdoor media company oOh!Media. The appointment of the ex-TV executive is one more step away from print for HT&E.

Australia has been cast down from the King of the Wrap World's throne, with Florida's MetroWrapz taking the top prize at Avery Dennison's Wrap Like a King finals at the 2018 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Starleaton’s role as the sole EFI channel partner in Australia is designed to complement EFI’s new direct go-to-market strategy in the region, according to Ben Eaton, CEO.

Printing industry stalwart Norman J. Field is retiring at the age of 86, after more than 60 years in the industry. Founder of Norman J. Field Printing, Field was the recipient of this year's Industry Legend Award at the National Print Awards.

Welcome to the latest issue of Graphics Grab Bag, a weekly record of engagements and observations on the printing industry here and around the world.

Andrew McTaggart (pictured) has joined workflow software company PrintIQ as a product specialist, bringing more than 25 years of printing industry experience to the role. McTaggart comes to PrintIQ from Sunshine Coast-based Express Print and Mail.

Full service Sydney printer steps up for its 5th flatbed machine, with another to come from the Swiss company after seeing it operate at FESPA. The normally private Clarke Murphy Print opened its signage division facility to allow Phil Trumble (pictured) to showcase the latest Nyala 3S.

Controversial Queensland print group Chameleon is raising the ire of local printers with its latest offering, for 'dirt cheap' business cards.

Victoria's leading print training centre Holmesglen Institute has installed a new 60cm Horizon guillotine, supplied by Currie Group.

Canon used its Sun Studios complex for the official launch of its eight strong new imagePrograph TM series of wide format printers, designed for poster printing, CAD and the AEC markets.

Consumer Affairs Ministers telling telcos, banks and utilities that they have 12 months to get the paper billing organised, or the government will intervene, and may totally ban charging for bills.

Jet Technologies is launching its new Entice range of soft touch films for consumer product labels, that it says have the power to add additional value and a sense of luxury.