Melbourne photographic and digital printer Printed Media – trading as Bond Imaging – has called in administrators as it seeks a new owner for the business. “It’s a shortage of cash flow in a very tight market."

Major shortages in raw materials required to make printing inks has suddenly increased pressure on ink prices, according to Jan Paul van der Velde of global ink supplier Flint Group. "Environmental actions by the Chinese government to reduce air pollution has caused many suppliers to either cease or reduce production."

The Hannan family has become the largest shareholder in PMP as the publicly listed company completes its acquisition of IPMG, creating the biggest printing company in the region. The merger was officially completed on March 1 after the ACCC gave it the green light last month.

Epson has opened its first large format product expo in Brisbane following the success of its recent large format show in Melbourne. The event will feature a range of solutions in signage, photography, proofing, production, dye sublimation, garment and technical printing.

Roland DG Corporation launched the GR series of professional vinyl cutters, the latest additions to its CAMM-1 series.

It's tough to keep up with frequent changes in superannuation legislation. The industry needs personal super trainers to help printers figure out what to do, says Erick Cordero, GM for Growth at Media Super.

Parent company Wesfarmers is considering an IPO for Officeworks, which would put all three major office supply chains in Australia on the market at the same time. Richard Goyder, managing director of Wesfarmers, announced the company's intention to float Officeworks in its half-yearly earnings report.

The January/February 2017 issue of Print21, highlights exciting new changes at Konica Minolta and profiles the company's Australian managing director, David Cooke. For more, read the latest issue of Print21, available now in print and online.

New hires under Daniel Aloi reinforce Australian and NZ support as the software market gears up to meet the ‘next wave’ of print automation. Frank Mallozzi, EFI vice president sales (pictured) and a regular visitor, came through this week to talk to local customers and partners.

Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour dismissed rumours that the national carrier is planning to close Adelaide’s Bulk Mail Centre but says it may be shifted to a new location. “We have been looking at a different property because the building we’re in is not a great building…it’s so antiquated."

Melbourne printer Lithocraft has brought its laminating back in-house thanks to the second fastest Autobond laminator ever to enter Australia. The decision to buy the Autobond Mini 105 THS came when the company's old laminator was unable to keep up with high demand.

Australian sign and graphics supplier Pozitive has signed a deal to become the exclusive distributor of Kiian Digital inks for the Australian market. Kiian’s high quality dye-sublimation inks will be a huge asset to Pozitive’s important sportswear market, says MD Phil Trumble.

Angry customers launched a petition calling for an end to charges imposed by banks, telcos and other service providers on those who choose to receive paper bills. “People are very angry and very upset by the unfairness of the fees."

EFI acquired Xerox’s FreeFlow Print Server digital front end business and all related intellectual property for $22 million.“This next step in our strategic alliance will give customers the industry’s highest performing DFE with unparalleled imaging and color management."

Organisers say entries in this year’s Pride in Print Awards in New Zealand suggest there’s a growing realisation that a message delivered by printed media has longevity and is actually read, held onto and not discarded.