News & Announcements

New Hampshire Printer Largest User of WPM Revolution’ary Technology

Concord Litho, an independent commercial printer with $42 million in annual sales, recently purchased a new WPM half web finishing system, including a 4th new Revolution rotary cutter in less than a year, making the company the largest user of WPM technology worldwide.

A pioneer in web in-line finishing since the 1980s, Concord Litho's recent upgrades and new purchases of WPM technology is key part of the company’s long-range strategic plans for growth, according to Peter Cook, CEO of Concord Litho.

"We do a lot of sophisticated, complex in-line finishing for many of our top customers, and we are constantly upgrading our equipment to meet their needs," Cook said. "When we invest in new equipment we go with the best, and we feel WPM's ISD technology is a perfect match to serve our growing customer base. A bonus is the contour die-cutting capabilities that will allow us to offer even more formats to our customers."

"Concord Litho installed its first Revolution rotary cutter a year ago as an upgrade to an existing finishing line, and the results proved immediate," Cook said. Make-ready savings, ribbon handling and productivity improvements were dramatic. So much so that it didn't take long for second cutter order to be placed. Today, the company awaits the delivery of a complete WPM half web finishing system and its fourth Revolution rotary cutter, which will ship this fall.

"The growth and progressive thinking by Concord Litho is parallel to what WPM used in the design criteria for the Revolution rotary cutter," said Kim Markovich, WPM Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "The innovations built into the industry’s first direct-drive rotary cutter offer our clients immediate payback in areas of manufacturing that are measured in real time and money saved."

About WPM
WPM is the leading innovator of web finishing solutions for the graphic arts and converting industries. Engineering and manufacturing precision, high-speed finishing machinery and cutting technology for printing and converting operations, WPM systems are the most widely used in inline/offline finishing throughout the world. For more information, please contact: Mo Adam, at 847-994-8611 or Email madam@wpm.com.

About Concord Litho
Located in New Hampshire, Concord Litho is a full-service commercial heat-set web and sheetfed printing firm serving a roster of national clients, including TV Guide, Rodale, Publisher's Clearing House, TD Banknorth, and many of the country's top retailers, advertising agencies, publishers, marketers and non-profit organizations. Founded in 1958, the company also has an in-house bindery, kitting and fulfillment center, and mailing services. For more information, please contact Ali Westcott at (603) 225-3328, e-mail print@concordlitho.com or visit www.concordlitho.com today.

Continental Web Runs High Speed With WPM ISD Series Inline!

Continental Web, Itasca Illinois is the first direct mail manufacture to run high speed inline finishing completely shaftless! With the completion of the installation of its latest innovation in high speed finishing for the direct mail market, WPM's ISD Series (Integrated Servo Design) of finishing components provides unmatched web control, ultra fast make-readies and production speeds consistent with today's high speed publication presses.

Continental Web's Itasca facility provides virtually any type of product, from the highest quality annual reports, brochures, advertising and direct mail to high volume magazine covers, catalogs, FSI's and coupons. WPM has designed the ISD Series inline to provide finishing support to Continental's goals of high speed productivity.

"WPM is changing the face of inline/offline finishing systems once again taking a leadership role in innovative ideas that provide true value to our customer base," said Mo Adam, WPM Director of Sales. "WPM is proud to be a part of Continental Web's very high quality operation."

WPM is the leading innovator of web finishing solutions for the graphic arts and converting industries. Engineering and manufacturing precision, high-speed finishing machinery and cutting technology for printing and converting operations, WPM systems are the most widely used in inline/offline finishing throughout the world. For more information, please contact: Mo Adam, at 847-994-8611 or Email madam@wpm.com.

Wilen Press Starts New WPM Closed End Product System!

Wilen Press, the print manufacturing division of Wilen Group based in Deerfield Beach, Florida started a new WPM Closed-End Product System for their recently acquired half web inline. The new system will provide Wilen Press the opportunity to place a letter, buck slip or another printed item inside a formed envelope that wraps around any one of these freestanding pieces. The new Closed-End System eliminates the additional processes associated with offline insertion and shortens the time frame from print order to market creating real value for the client.

"Due to the speed and efficiencies of the WPM designed Flex Components, we are able to arm our clients with speed to market like never before," says Kevin Wilen, Executive Vice President of Wilen Press. "From start to finish, we are able to take final artwork, manufacture it, ship it and get it into homes anywhere in the country 60-70 percent faster than more traditional methods. WPM is the leader in providing this kind of value to our business."

Comprised of three independent portable finishing components; FlexDie Cutter, FlexTransport and FlexGluer, the WPM Closed-End Product System is designed to provide direct mail finishers with the flexibility of individual value added components for die cutting and portable gluing as well as Closed-End Production depending on the mounting position of each component.

"WPM's servo design and drive control made it very easy to position components and start production," says Jeff Obermiller, Wilen, Vice President of Manufacturing. "And their operational training and support services are second to none!"

Graph Expo 07 a Huge Success!

WPM enjoyed a very large turn out at this year's Graph Expo Show in Chicago's McCormick Place. Visitors to the WPM booth viewed the latest innovations for inline and offline web finishing including WPM's exclusive Revolution Rotary Cutter with ISD Technology. The Revolution Rotary Cutter has been enhanced with new features to help operators improve productivity such as Trim-Pin-Adjust, which allows the operators to phase the trip pin position on-the-fly and the new TruLink program providing the ability to troubleshoot any drive system, download program updates, change operator screen looks and features and provides instant support for WPM software, KnifeLocator and GILDA, all from an internet connection. "We were surprised to see how many of our competitors were introducing clones of the direct drive technology that WPM first brought to the market two years ago", said Mo Adam, WPM Director of Sales. "I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!"

Once again WPM led the industry with its display of servo driven "Flex" components; portable die cutting and pattern gluing units that can be easily moved to various positions within the finishing line. Many of WPM's visitors were happy to hear that the company will start carrying these Flex components in stock for immediate delivery.

The company's exhibit was a direct result of WPM's constant drive to engage printers in conversations about new applications and strategies for building higher returns and stronger relationships.

WPM would like to thank all of the visitors who took their valuable time to visit with us during the show. Special thanks to Concord Litho, Concord, New Hampshire for the Revolution Rotary Cutter display and Dome Printing, Sacramento, California for the printed promotional contour piece handed out at the show.

For more information, please contact: Mo Adam, at 847-994-8611 or Email madam@wpm.com.

Ulf Gittner to Represent WPM Europe Limited

WPM Europe Limited is very pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Ulf Gittner and EMC/Landskrona for direct sales representation of its inline/offline finishing systems and value added press components across Europe.

"Mr. Gittner's experience in the direct mail market is quite extensive, as a technical manager for 20 years for Meiller Lithorex in Sweden, he is someone who has first hand experience with both inline and offline finishing systems and will provide WPM'sM clients a valuable asset," says Raymond Twiddy, WPM European Business Director. "He is well respected in our industry and is quite experienced in all facets of the finishing operation."

"It is with great joy and enthusiasm I accept this opportunity," said Ulf Gittner. "I look forward to a very successful and long lasting relationship with WPM."

"Mr. Gittner and EMC/Landskrona will provide professional sales, technical service and turnkey installation support to WPM Europe Limited and will bring a level of experience unmatched by our competitors," said Maurice Adam, Director of International & Technical Sales. "Providing local representation and support for our clients has always been an important goal for WPM."

Paul Kapolnek named CEO of WPM

Schiller Park (April 1, 2008) - Western Printing Machinery Company, the premier supplier of finishing systems and cutting technology to the direct mail and converting markets announced today the promotion of Paul Kapolnek to CEO of the company. Paul has served as company President for 3 years, now assumes the additional responsibilities of CEO.

A 30 year veteran of WPM, Paul began his career as an apprentice die maker for the Cutting Technology Division in 1978, becomming Die Shop Manager in 1982 and served as its Vice President from 1996 to 2000 when he was appointed Vice President, COO for the company.

In his new role, Paul will be responsible for the growth and development of WPM in all market segments including Graphic Arts, Converting and Cutting Technology.

Under Paul's leadership, our finishing systems and die cutting business will accelerate growth and further improve productivity, quality and customer service. Paul will enhance WPM's leadership position and deliver world-class service to our clients.