Some of the local printing industry’s biggest players have shown their support for this year’s PICA NSW event, with a group of 15 companies already signed on to partner with the PIAA for the awards event in November.

PacPrint13 will showcase the latest innovations and ideas in everything from prepress systems and printing equipment, to papers and substrates, management information systems and software programs, copiers and ink-jet technology, finishing systems, mailing and paper handling systems, ink and chemistry and even financial and business services.

In the second of a five part series Ascent Partners director, Richard Rasmussen, outlines the major market activity pertaining to consolidations, takeovers, sales, acquisitions and closures that were reported within the supplier sector of the industry in FY 2012.

Avery Dennison will be running two workshops in New Zealand during August and also in Queensland later this year to help broaden the signage and wrap application skills of newcomers to the industry and refresh the skills of those with a history in the sector.

The federal government has allocated $20 million over two years for mature age industry workers who are 50 years or over to receive training that will see them obtain formal qualifications for their craft. Carlo Lauricella, industry training specialist, explains the new program.

Ten days and over 4,000 kilometres of outback roads in a 1967 HR Holden will have printing industry notables Bruce Peddlesden, On-Demand, Victoria and Peter Benjamin, Discus, WA, eating dust to raise money for Variety Children’s Charity in the 22nd Bush Bash

The PIAA is pushing for an urgent meeting with the Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, on his return to Melbourne next week, calling on the government to implement its commitment to finding an acceptable solution to the industry training crisis.

With all the doom and gloom being spouted about the print industry at the moment, it can be easy to miss the plethora of positive and innovative developments spreading through the local industry as well, says James Cryer.

Two weeks to meet $1million demand by the college for equipment and learning assessment material in order for the industry to keep apprentice training alive.

Océ Arizona inkjet print will make its way into Earth’s orbit, with around 100 Arizona-printed food packages to be shipped by cargo rocket to the International Space Station (ISS) at the bidding of an Italian astronaut.

In the first of a five part series Ascent Partners director, Richard Rasmussen, lists the industry’s major market activity around consolidations, takeovers, sales, acquisitions, closures, and major equipment sales and installations that took place in financial year 2012.

APN News & Media this week announced the appointment of Peter Hunt as a director of the company and as chairman of the board, and John Allan, former Chief Operating Officer of News Limited’s The Australian newspaper has been named as the new managing director of Sensis.

The PIAA has launched what it says is the largest program in support of apprenticeships ever for the printing and graphic communications industry in Australia.

Richard Rasmussen looks at why print businesses should to consider different business models during their transition periods.

Roland DG will add extra times and locations to its regional road show campaign following an overwhelming response to this year’s launch of its Creative Centre & Clinic Road Show, set to kick off in August.