All the who, what, when and where of the local printing industry, all wrapped up with a bow. Richard Rasmussen, director of Ascent Partners, provides his monthly update on all the industry’s mergers, acquisitions and closure activity, as well as the latest major equipment sales and installations.

Spots are filling up, but there's still a few days left to book a seat at the workshop/seminar, “3D Printing – what’s in it for me?” Focused on bringing 3D printing knowledge to the mainstream printing industry, from 6pm on Tuesday May 13th at Level One, The Chatswood Club, Sydney.

The Roland DG local leadership team sees another slight rejig, with general manager John Wall promoted to president of Roland DG Australia. Marc Margetts, who continues in his role as Australian CEO, also gets a leg-up as he is named president of the Asia-Pacific region.

Konica Minolta has its eye on next generation digital, lifting the curtain on the new bizhub C1060 and C1070 at a string of personalised launches. Printers can put the latest gear to the test at by submitting their own files to be printed off the bizhub live at the launch.

KAMA unveils its latest digital finishing solution at Interpack 2014. The DC 76 foil die cutter and finisher is up and running on the HP Indigo booth, boasting the latest workflow integration as short folding carton runs stray further into digital virgin territory.

Mark Shergill reveals his expanding print empire’s new brand name, Focus Print Group. He breaks his silence after nearly three weeks to reassure customers it’s business as usual, as he folds the now-defunct Focus Press’s client list and assets in under the new masthead.

The Department of Industry has no intention of letting go of its $6 million stake in Focus Press. A spokesperson confirms action is already underway for the government to take back its cash, as liquidators Worrells come on board to carve up the remains of the company.

The cream of the crop line up for number one in this year’s NSW LIA-Heidelberg Graduate of the Year awards. Competition was tough as the field was whittled down to the six finalists, with the winner to be announced at North Ryde RSL on May 14.

The Wedderburn business has steadily grown its labels offering across the region. Snapping up the latest Plate Cleaner 45 from Jet Technologies is just one of Wedderburn’s secret weapons as it prepares for even more market growth in 2014.

Making print into a viable manufacturing process requires more than hardworking presses. It also needs sophisticated production systems designed with strict but flexible parameters to make the important decisions, removing the influence of any single individual. Then it needs management with the discipline to make sure the system works all the time. Meet Anthony Thirlby who is re-writing the book on the future of printing.

From Franklin Web’s extensive ‘print precinct’ in the west of Melbourne, Phil Taylor drives the business that sets the benchmarks for innovation and success in the hyper-competitive world of catalogue print production.

Queensland’s Accent Press boosts profit and grows margins as it secures Sustainable Green Print status. The Molendinar-based printing company is latest business to complete the PIAA certification progamme, and now boasts significant cost savings making it more competitive.

It's official! Focus Press is now in liquidation. Corporate liquidators, Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants, are winding up the company and preparing to dispose of the remaining assets, including the Matraville, South Strathfield and Illawarra sites.

Agfa Australia is running fast to pump up its digital offering, as it prepares its Scoresby showroom for the first MGI Meteor to strike this June. The plate supplier recently picked up the local agency for MGI from Ferrostaal ANZ, aiming to pick up printers transitioning from off-set.