Rolling Meadows, IL, September 19, 2007 – Komori America Corporation, a premier manufacturer of sheetfed and web offset printing presses, today announced that its client, JohnsByrne Company, was recognized with a Benny Award in the Special Innovation category for the 2007 Premier Print Awards—the graphic arts industry's largest and most prestigious worldwide printing competition hosted by the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF). Competing against thousands of entries from printing and graphic arts firms around the world, the judges recognized the company for its innovative submission of a spiral bound book that showcased the press’ ability to expertly handle UV printing applications. A Komori facility since 1982, and a 12-year veteran of UV printing, JohnsByrne was commissioned to create the 12” by 12” spiral bound book submission on Komori’s six-color Lithrone S40 with in-line coater (LS640). Entitled Reality UV, the winning concept is a spin on reality television, creatively highlighting the capabilities of the LS640 with pages printed on exotic substrates, including McCoy silk, rainbow holographic foil, cotton velour paper, mirror foil, and clear polyester.
The intuitive technology, advanced automation, impressive speed, and notable versatility of the LS640 enabled JohnsByrne to print on non-traditional materials, overtly communicating the outstanding results achieved through UV printing. The company highlighted innovative as well as time-perfected techniques to construct the book, such as spot vignette UV coating, staccato continuous tone screening, fluorescent bump, UV telescoping, and second surface printing.
“To be recognized amongst some of the best printers in the world is truly an honor,” said Corey Gustafson, president of JohnsByrne Company. “The LS640 has been a key tool in our UV printing success; we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase its capabilities through the Reality UV book.”
“We selected JohnsByrne to do the work because of the company’s significant experience in UV printing work and its innovative culture,” said Stephan Carter, president of Komori America Corporation. “We were confident that pairing the high performing LS640 with the company’s extensive creative expertise would be a winning combination. We are very excited about this award as it showcases the impressive applications that can be produced on this press. We congratulate the folks at JohnsByrne for their amazing efforts in getting this produced.”
The Premier Print Awards is the printing industry’s oldest annual worldwide awards competition, with recognition given to those responsible for the creation and production of outstanding print communications. The event promotes excellence in print and rewards companies and individuals who produce the best in print media. The Benny awards were presented at the Premier Print Gala, in conjunction with the Graph Expo Conference held September 9-12 in Chicago.