CHICAGO--Sept. 6, 2005-- xpedx said it will show commercial printers and print managers ways they can generate new business, new operating efficiencies, productivity and profits. xpedx staffers will talk about the benefits of bundling all pre-press, on-press and post-press supplies and equipment orders--and how the xpedx network of pressroom, packaging and paper experts can help commercial and in-plant printers of all sizes. The company, which does business with more than 90% of the commercial printers in the U.S. alone, offers consumables, equipment and services covering all aspects of a printing operation--from creative, papers and graphics to presses, bindery/finishing and pressroom supplies and equipment. "We've grown our offering and capabilities to meet the total needs of today's printers," explained Jeff Higgins, corporate director of marketing services and information for Loveland, Ohio-based xpedx. "Many customers tell us that the bundle of goods and services we offer--as well as the specific analysis we can deliver on all aspects of their business--helps them gain new efficiencies and build profits." "When they see the impact we can bring to their business, they begin to view us as much more than just another vendor," Higgins said. "No other U.S. paper and graphics supplier can provide printers, designers and other graphics professionals with the range of support that xpedx does. We cover everything from initial project concept to completion and delivery." xpedx staff from across the U.S. will attend Print 05 and be on hand to talk with visitors. In addition, representatives from the xpedx National Technology Center (NTC) in Twinsburg, Ohio, will be available to talk about the national pre-press laboratory and demonstration center. Equipment financing options for printers will also be discussed. xpedx National Technology Center serves printing company owners, managers, press operators and in-plant managers The xpedx NTC operates a fully networked environment where printers from around the world can test and analyze the latest digital solutions and workflow configurations from a variety of vendors. Technical capabilities cover creative and design, to proofing to final output. Dan Wish, general manager of the xpedx NTC, will discuss new initiatives in automated, medialess remote business continuance and disaster recovery. Other NTC services to be highlighted include detailed analysis of networks, detailed workflow audits, remote workflow services, remote device profiling and calibration and the new 24/7 technical support center. Networking, fileserving, data storage and file archiving will also be discussed. Equipment at the NTC includes workstations, scanners, production software, color management tools, proofing systems, color measuring and viewing systems, servers, networking systems, backup/storage, workflow, platesetters, plates, plate processors and digital presses. More than 275,000 SKUs are available. OEMs, manufacturers and suppliers represented include Apple, Agfa, Artwork Systems, Canon, Dell, DuPont, EFI, Epson, Esko-Graphics, Kodak, Konica-Minolta, Oki Data, Polkadots, Printware, Ryobi, Xitron and much more. The xpedx NTC is an Apple, Dell and HP authorized reseller. It also holds more than 25 manufacturer certifications including those from Microsoft, 3Com, Nexsan and Qualstar. What xpedx is showing at Print 05: creative, pre-press, on-press and post-press supplies and equipment, newly expanded Vector business imaging papers line and more Simultaneous live demos will take place at the xpedx booth for the full seven days of Print 05. They include: New developments in 3D and lenticular printing. Visitors to the xpedx booth will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of HumanEyes software, which enables the simple creation of 3D and special effects using existing images, cameras and printing equipment. "This is one of the most exciting developments in printing today," said Wish. Booth visitors will receive 3D personal portraits. Pre-press, color proofing and digital workflows, including products from Alameda Systems and xpedx private label brand Colorlok. Bindery/finishing supplies and equipment. Printers seeking new revenue streams from bindery, finishing and fulfillment services can talk with xpedx staff about options that can work for their business. Printers will also see live demos of a Lantech shrink-wrap tunnel system, well-suited for bundling and packaging printed materials. Pressroom and facility maintenance supplies for improved plant operations and printer benchtops. xpedx will showcase its private label Steel Brand of double re-creped wipers, sorbents, aerosols, hand cleaners and more. Rubbermaid safety, waste and material handling products will also be shown. SuiteShop, the xpedx web portal for printers and creatives that offers e-commerce, extensive training and news. The site, at suiteshoponline.com, provides designers and printers everything from small count paper ordering and discounts on Pantone products to purchasing of Apple and Dell equipment and online graphics software training. New printing papers, including the new Vector business imaging line of papers, will also be shown. Vector now includes a high-brightness multipurpose sheet, plus coated offset, coated DI papers, laser cut sheets, computer paper and copier tabs. xpedx paper specification representatives from across the U.S. will also be on hand at the booth to discuss all things paper. E-commerce and inventory management. xpedx eBusiness director Dave Wallace will discuss capabilities of xpedx.com for procurement, order tracking, inventory management and continuous replenishment. Visitors to the xpedx booth can obtain a signed and numbered litho print of the Chicago skyline. xpedx commissioned renowned watercolor landscape artist Rick Brogan to paint a view of the Chicago skyline for Print 05. Visitors will receive the lithos, printed at the booth, while supplies last.