Brisbane-based print management and digital publishing specialist IPG Connect has installed a new Daeho guillotine paper cutter as it continues to automate its workflow technology and boost productivity. "We had a very smooth install with no problems and it’s doing everything we had hoped."

New president Ross Black has defended the PIAA board against what he describes 'the false picture being painted’ in recent media scrutiny. In a lengthy statement, Black said reports portraying 'a mass exodus of good people from the PIAA' were 'simply incorrect.'

The RBA has been forced to change locks and repair security cameras at its printing plant in Melbourne after a scientist responsible for burning damaged banknotes instead pocketed almost $1 million. Police allege the man bought a $125,000 Mercedes and enjoyed trips to Europe.

Packaging group Orora has recorded a 27 per cent jump in its half year net profit despite what it described as ‘muted economic conditions’ across Australasia and North America. Overall revenue climbed 13.9 per cent to $1.9 billion.

Leading supplier Currie Group will bring its iconic mobile showroom to Visual Impact Brisbane 2016 in April. Visitors to the Currie stand will be able to see the latest equipment from the likes of HP Indigo, Horizon and Foliant, covering prepress workflow, digital print and automated finishing.

Mail Boxes Etc. Camberwell of Victoria has won this year’s Franchisee of the Year award at the MBE Franchise National Conference on the Gold Coast. MBE Lane Cove was awarded the NSW/ACT Franchise of the year and MBE Brisbane CBD won QLD Franchise of the year.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a nefarious class of chemicals that are widely used in the graphics trade, in all sorts of things from plastics to ink. Sustainability consultant Laurel Brunner looks at the challenge of regulating the industry's VOC chemical emissions.

Fuji Xerox Australia has opened a new Canberra office that will focus on supporting the federal government’s digital transformation strategy. The 'multi million-dollar operation' is closer to key customers including DFAT, the AFP, the Attorney-General's Department and others.

Global press giant Heidleberg has posted a €60 million turnaround in third quarter profit after a strategic shift that boosted its digital and services divisions. It’s a similar story at Heidleberg Australia, with MD Richard Timson reporting a solid performance from all three local divisions.

Registrations are open for Visual Impact – Brisbane 2016, the next major trade show from supplier association Visual Connections. The event showcases latest technologies in signage, digital printing, engraving, routing, awards, vinyl application, design, airbrush art, trophy, screen printing and display.

Schawk Australia, the local arm of global prepress company Schawk, has won two top prizes at the ANZFTA awards. Schawk and partner Amcor Flexibles were recognised for graphic production and colour management for clients Campbell Arnott’s and Nestlé.

Canon has released the latest addition to its best-selling range of mid-volume UV flatbed printers designed for sign and display producers. The 4th generation of the award-winning Océ Arizona Series flatbed printer has been developed to support a range of rigid and flexible media applications.

The increasingly bitter fight over control of the PIAA is headed for a showdown with the board calling a Special General Meeting in less than two weeks to address the demands of an angry members action group. The group called the PIAA announcement misleading and deceptive and has complained to the Fair Work Commission.

Sydney-based sign and display market supplier Graphic Art Mart has acquired Q1 Media of Adelaide to strengthen its national presence. The deal comes a couple of months after Graphic Art Mart was itself acquired by 'cash-rich' multinational engineering plastics company Dotmar.

US private equity giant Blackstone has launched a bid to take over struggling Norwegian paper manufacturer Norske Skog - a move which could impact local mill operations in Australia and New Zealand. Blackstone has informed the EC it intends acquire 'indirect sole control of Norske Skog.'

Providing a massive boost in digital firepower for the leading ‘for trade’ printing company, Trent Nankervis is commissioning the new B2-size digital press at his expanding site in Sydney.