International Converting Industry News

Published: December 01, 2002, By Deborah Donberg, Associate Managing Editor

Covering the Full Spectrum of International Industry News, Events & Activities

Acquisitions
Bielomatik Takes Over Jagenberg Cutters
NEUSS, GERMANY—Jagenberg AG transferred its sheet cutter product div. to Bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co., Neuffen, Germany. The agreement provides for full takeover of Jagenberg Querschneider GmbH in Neuss, including the American sub. Jagenberg Converting, based in Enfield, CT, as well as the entire 133-person workforce.

The company continues operations at the Neuss headquarters as a subsidiary under the name Bielomatik Jagenberg GmbH & Co. KG. Sales, service, and engineering activities are located in Neuss, while Neuffen is responsible for parts manufacture and module assembly.

Agreements
Creo, DuPont Cooperate on LCD Application
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA—Creo Inc. has signed an agreement with DuPont Imaging Technologies, Wilmington, DE, to develop equipment for a new DuPont thermal color filter system to be used for manufacturing color filter components used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Under the multimillion dollar agreement, Creo will develop prototype thermal imaging equipment for DuPont. Commercialization is expected following the development phase, wherein Creo will manufacture and supply thermal imaging equipment to DuPont. DuPont will sell complete systems, which will include thermal imaging equipment and color imaging media, to LCD panel and color filter manufacturers. Both companies have agreed to cooperate on an exclusive and renewable basis in this application.

Alliances
RDP and Drent Will Support Each Other
MONTREAL, QUE., CANADA—RDP Marathon Inc. and Drent Goebel, Eerbeek, Holland, have signed a strategic alliance. RDP will market and support Drent Goebel's narrow web products in the US and Canada, including the Novaprint Series and Vision/VSOP (Variable Sleeve Offset Printing) web offset shaftless presses. Goebel will market RDP's larger presses (30-38 in.), including the perfector series (26-38 in.), in Europe.

Both companies also will complement their existing press offerings by marketing and supporting each other's products in their respective markets.