Cargill assumes full ownership of NatureWorks...Ralph Daetwyler named MDC-USA president...+ News Briefs

Cargill assumes full ownership of NatureWorks

As part of Teijin Ltd.’s portfolio restructuring in response to the global economic downturn, Cargill will assume full ownership of Minnetonka, Minn.-based NatureWorks LLC. Prior to the announcement, NatureWorks, maker of Ingeo bio-based plastics and resins derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources, had operated as a 50-50 joint venture between Cargill and Teijin since October 2007.

NatureWorks officials say the ownership transfer will not affect day-to-day operations at NatureWorks and the company retains strong prospects for continued growth. In fact, NatureWorks confirmed in July that personnel at its Blair, Neb., Ingeo manufacturing plant had successfully installed and commissioned additional equipment, allowing the facility to increase production from 70 metric tons to 140 metric tons, bringing that plant up to full design capacity.

Cargill officials also say that establishing the business as an independent, wholly owned Cargill entity provides NatureWorks with the flexibility to pursue a wide range of opportunities.

“The green product space is ripe for investment and expansion as never before,” says Cargill senior vice president Paul Conway. “While others put up pilot plants, NatureWorks has been commercial for six years, is increasing Ingeo production availability at its first facility and exploring possibilities for a second plant. We’ve rounded the first turn while others are at the starting gate.”

NatureWorks LLC
952-742-0400;www.natureworksllc.com

Ralph Daetwyler named MDC-USA president

Max Daetwyler Corp.-USA, manufacturer of precision printing equipment and doctor blades, named Ralph Daetwyler president of the company as well as president of K.Walter Service Corp.

Since he was a teenager, Ralph worked in several departments of the family business, including the machine shop, doctor blade department and service department, gradually building on the knowledge that would prepare him to take over as the head of the company.

Ralph graduated from North Carolina State University in 2004 with a Business degree and from Clemson University in 2007 with a Masters Degree in Graphic Communications. After graduation, Ralph worked and traveled extensively worldwide for two years, bolstering his technical knowledge with “hands-on” experience in all areas of Daetwyler Corp.

Max Daetwyler Corp.
704-875-1200;www.daetwyler.com

Nuova Castagnoli picks up Gidue S.p.A. pieces

Nuova Castagnoli S.r.l., producer of printing and converting machines for the flexible packaging industry, has officially assumed the former operations and assets of Gidue S.p.A.. Gidue S.p.A., active in the label and packaging market since 1999, closed its doors in December 2008 after the company acknowledged that the global recession had paralyzed the company, rendering it unable to cover fixed costs.

Upon Gidue’s announcement that it was closing, Nuova Castagnoli-a former Gidue supplier for offset presses, vision systems and hot stamping technology-agreed to handle new sales, prepare new dedicated service contracts and offer original service and spare parts at cost to all owners of existing presses. Likewise, Gidue sales and service locations promptly agreed to continue activities under a new configuration with Nuova Castagnoli while negotiations and proceedings with local trade unions, debtors and courts were ongoing.

On June 22, Nuova Castagnoli announced its intention to change its trade name to Nuova Gidue S.r.l., a process the supplier believes will take three months. Under the new name, Nuova Gidue S.r.l. will continue to manufacture flexographic, offset and digital presses for the label and packaging markets while servicing more than 320 Gidue press installations across the globe. n

Nuova Gidue S.r.l.
+39 02 9668 181;www.gidue.com

NEWSBRIEFS

INX opens Canadian office

INX International Ink Co. has opened a Canadian field operations office in Mississauga, Ont. The new 15,000 square-foot space is designed to handle the warehousing and distribution of solvent-based and water-based products for flexo, gravure and offset processes.

Mark Andy launches customer support website

MAX, the customer support arm of Mark Andy Inc., announced its new website that enables customers to handle many flexo needs online. The new website, www.yourfriendinflexo.com, includes an overview of MAX products and services and features a product of the month section. The website also features an FAQ section created and monitored by the MAX staff.

Flint Group joins sustainability partnership

In June, the Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership welcomed Flint Group to the SGP Patron program as a Bronze Patron. The SGP Partnership is a non-profit group devoted to encouraging and promoting participation in a global movement to reduce the environmental impact and increase the social responsibility of the print and graphic communication industry through sustainable green printing practices.

Muller Martini to launch VSOP printing press

Muller Martini has acquired patents from Drent Goebel for the Variable Sleeve Offset Press (VSOP) technology. A new Muller Martini VSOP series press, with applications for flexible packaging, will be launched by the end of this year and will join the company’s existing Alprinta and Concepta product lines.