DigitalEdge News: September 20-26

SGIA Expo T-Shirt Proceeds to Benefit Lower Ninth Ward
September 25, 2017

Proceeds from sales of the 2017 SGIA Expo T-shirt will benefit lowernine.org, an organization dedicated to rebuilding the Lower Ninth Ward, a New Orleans neighborhood rendered completely uninhabitable after Hurricane Katrina. Lowernine.org has completed 85 full rebuild projects benefiting more than 170 people to date.

The shirt, designed and printed by Graphic Elephants to “capture the spirit of New Orleans’ French Quarter,” according to Lon Winters, Graphic.Elephants.com president, features gel coating, foil effects, and more. It will be sold only at the New Orleans expo for $5.

Exploring, Inc. Announces New Business Development Leader
September 25, 2017

Exploring, Inc., the parent company of GCI Graphics, has announced Tyler Alexander will now lead business development efforts for the entire line of products for the Exploring family of companies. Exploring services include custom fabrication at ID3, custom props and more at Chisel 3D, Atlantis Waterjet Cutting Services, Brumark flooring, and Shelmarc Carpets. Alexander brings “a long history managing graphics needs for marketing and experiential agencies,” according to a release.

Check out GCI’s 200-plus graphics created for a food and wine festival, or attend the shop’s upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony.

ITMA 2019 to Spotlight Automation in Garment Manufacturing
September 26, 2017

ITMA, the global exhibition of textile and garment technologies held every four years, has announced a special focus on automation in garment manufacturing for its 2019 show in Barcelona. Buzzing technologies include robotics, artificial intelligence, and more.

“The garment-making industry is labor-intensive and associated with low productivity. Things are set to change,” says Fritz Mayer, president of CEMATEX, the company that owns the ITMA show, in a release. “Manufacturers fast enough to ride the digital wave will find new opportunities and gain an edge over their competitors.”

“The digitization of the fashion industry means that suppliers will need to seamlessly integrate their design, material supply, and production of the finished products,” says A.E. Roberts, managing director of ITMA Services.

Show organizers expect the trend to take shape on the exhibition floor with technologies such as:

• Software and systems for product planning and more
• Equipment for product development
• Machinery for sewing, quilting, and linking
• Machinery and equipment for product finishing

The show is scheduled for June 20-26 at Fira de Barcelona. Explore the innovations seen at the 2015 Milan show here.

GPA Expands Southeast Regional Headquarters
September 26, 2017

GPA has relocated its Southeast regional headquarters in Atlanta. The new warehouse is located near the previous one and is said to have three times the capacity. GPA’s regional headquarters will continue to serve customers in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina from the new location, which began operations in July.

Print and Packaging Legislative Summit Announced
September 26, 2017

The 2018 Print and Packaging Legislative Summit has been scheduled for June 19-20, 2018, in Washington D.C, co-located with the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Summit. The summit aims to bring together printers, packaging converters, suppliers, and other industry players in Washington for public policy and political education, including sessions with members of Congress and the administration. “As the traditional lines between printing and packaging begin to blur, it’s necessary that we work together with a common purpose,” says David Steinhardt, president of Idealliance.

The industry will be represented by a collation of printing and packaging industry associations, including NPES, Idealliance, AICC, the Independent Packaging Association, the Fibre Box Association, and Printing Industries of America.

Kopytek Launches Print it Big!
September 26, 2017

St. Louis-based Kopytek has launched Print it Big!, a new division dedicated to serving the wide-format market regionally and nationally. The shop will offer capabilities for printing rigid boards, synthetic materials, and flexible vinyl for wall, vehicle, and window applications.

“Virtually 100 percent of our clients utilize wide-format printing in their packaging, sales, and marketing efforts,” says Kopytek President John Peterson in a release. “Digital, personalized color continues to dominate our growth, and customers are demanding higher quality visuals to promote their branding.”