Hewlett-Packard has announced the acquisition of Hiflex, a well-known software solutions provider. Founded in 1991, Hiflex specializes in web-to-print and MIS solutions for printing companies. The company will continue to service its current customers following the acquisition.

After filing for insolvency last week, manroland has announced this week that it has been able to secure credit to continue its operations. The mass credit (similar to debtor-in-processing financing) has a volume of Euro 55 million, according to the company.

Back in June, Canadians heard the news that new high-tech polymer bills would be making their way into wallets this year. But unfortunately for one Ottawa banknote printer, the bills are so durable and long lasting that there is much less demand for reprinting, resulting in dramatic layoffs at the company.

Yesterday, the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) announced that a new Chairman of the Board has been elected: Sandy Stephens. Currently VP and Partner of Toronto's Informco Inc., Mr. Stephens has served on the CPIA Board since 2003.

Cascades Boxboard is Western Canada's leading folding paperboard box manufacturer, serving the region for the past 26 years. The company, based in Winnipeg, has recently purchased a new Polar 115X cutter and a Polar LW1200-6 stack lift.

Fastar Printing, a Toronto-based print shop, has recently installed a glue binding machine from Hans Gronhi Canada. "This new perfect binding machine increases my capacity to meet customer demands," says the company's owner.

The Toronto chapter of the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC) has just launched a new scholarship program for college and university students enrolled in a graphic program: the Graphic Design Scholarship Challenge.

Last week, manroland AG filed a petition to initiate insolvency proceedings with the jurisdictional court at Augsburg, after negotiations with a potential investor failed on the home stretch. The decision was triggered by a downturn in orders since mid-July.

Transcontinental has recently launched a new brand, logo and positioning: "TC. Transcontinental". The company says its new brand reflects its comprehensive and integrated marketing communications offering, including print, media, digital, interactive and mobile.

Boylan Imaging, a large format print service provider in Medicine Hat, Alberta, has recently installed an HP Designjet L25500 printer. The company specializes in everything from signage to tradeshow products and photography printing.