Last month, Adobe Systems CEO Shantanu Narayen, pointing to the ongoing global economic crisis, revealed that the company will lower its operating costs and re-align its strategic focus. Demand for its new Creative Suite 4 line was especially weak in the final quarter of 2008. According to the company (and to be realistic and remain competitive), its first-quarter maximum revenue target was set at $850 million, down substantially from $890 million during the same period in 2008. Adobe’s new restructuring plan includes elimination of 600 full-time jobs worldwide.

Agfa Graphics has announced that Peter Wilkens, Agfa’s current V. P. of Sales & Marketing, has been appointed Regional President of North American Business. Wilkens joined Agfa in 2005 after holding senior management roles within the graphics communications industry including ECRM Imaging Systems, where he served as V.P. of Worldwide Sales and Marketing. Wilkens brings a high level of expertise in graphic communication sales, marketing, customer support and technical solutions.

“Agfa is a solid company committed to technological innovation with experienced management, sales teams and an award-winning portfolio of prepress CtP systems, digital software solutions and UV inkjet products,” said Wilkens. “Many of our products help printers increase productivity and efficiency which is critical during the current economic climate. In addition, our industry leading :Azura chemistry-free and :Amigo low-chem products are helping printers become more Earth-friendly. We are committed to the continued growth of our business and responding quickly to customers' needs.” said Wilkens. The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading imaging and information technology companies.

Presstek’s current CEO and President, Jeff Jacobson, has now assumed the additional role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He replaces John Dreyer, who has is now the Board’s Lead Director. “Jeff has done a great job in continuing to lead the turnaround of Presstek,” sais Dreyer. His election as Chairman is a reflection of the Board’s confidence in his leadership and its confidence in the future of the company.”

“John Dreyer has played an important leadership role during a critical period in Presstek’s history,” said Jacobson. “His industry knowledge and experience has been invaluable to the company, and I look forward to John’s continuing role on Presstek’s Board as Lead Director.”

Coast Paper, a division of PaperlinX Canada Limited, has appointed James Tovell as General Manager of the Toronto location. Tovell, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, has been with Coast Paper for 15 years holding various positions including, most ecently, Director of Sales. Coast Paper specializes in the sales, marketing and distribution of fine paper and graphic systems solutions, including graphic arts supplies, software and equipment, as well as industrial products.

Drytac, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of mounting, laminating, framing and finishing materials and equipment, has a new addition to its line of UV curable liquid coaters – the VersaCoaterTM DocuMate. With a 2’ x 2’ (60 sq. cm.) footprint, the DocuMate is one of the smallest UV coaters on the market today, making it ideal for smaller print shops where space is at a premium. Capable of coating printed documents and photos up to 12” (304 mm) wide, the DocuMate is compatible with photographic, litho and digitally printed output. Its design features a removable supply canister and an enclosed, self-cleaning paper path to help ensure ease of use, even for inexperienced operators.

Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) has released the EFI GA1211 Fiery controller designed exclusively for the e-STUDIO4520c series of color multifunction products (MFPs). Advanced color management features, as well as improved print speeds, boost color production capabilities of the award-winning e-BRIDGE MFP series.

“The Fiery-driven e-STUDIO4520c is a flexible and affordable solution for Toshiba customers that produces short-run digital color printing and requires fast, exceptional color quality,” said Joe Contreras, Director, Product and Solutions Marketing, TABS. “By enhancing its design capabilities and increasing its productivity and efficiency, Toshiba aims to help customers compete more effectively and improve profitability in today’s uncertain marketplace.”

The 2009 National Environmental, Health and Safety (NEHS) Conference will tackle one of the most significant issues that has the printing industry abuzz: Becoming a Sustainable Green Printer (SGP Printer). Printing Industries of America is co-sponsoring the conference March 16-18, 2009 at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre in Indianapolis, Ind. This is the only conference that addresses sustainability, environmental, health, safety and HR issues for the printing industry across all platforms.

Manroland Canada has successfully introduced new industry-focused, integrated and flexible logistics solutions for its customers. With 24/7 attention, the expanded service is specifically designed to address the unique and diverse needs of printers using manroland printing presses, as well as MBO and Dick Moll related products.