Quad/Graphics’ Tempt In-Store Productions Expands

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111219006502/en/Tempt-Grand-Opening-Unveils-In-Store-Marketing-Powerhouse

Tempt In-Store Productions, a Quad/Graphics company that produces in-store marketing materials (signage and marketing displays) and programs, is opening a new facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin.  The facility triples the space of the previous location and the company has also purchased new presses and related equipment.  The multi-million dollar investment includes a large format digital UV press, the fastest of its kind in the world; a large format offset press, finishing equipment and fulfillment operations.

Resolute Forest Products Extends Fort Frances Shutdown

http://fftimes.com/node/247989 

Late last month, Resolute Forest Products announced it would close its two uncoated mechanical paper machines at its Fort Frances mill in Ontario for the rest of the year.  Yesterday, the company extended the shutdown to the end of January or “when market conditions improve.”  In addition to closing the ~244,000 short tons per year paper machines, the company reported that it is also now closing its kraft mill at the facility as well.

Scholastic to Publish Book Series

Scholastic to Publish Book Series with Companion Online Game: NEW YORK—Dec. 20, 2011—Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, is launching of “Infinity Ring,” a time travel book series for readers ages eight to 12. This new endeavor combines books, an interactive “Hystorian’s Guide” map feature and an immersive online game experience in which readers travel back in time to fix history.

Third Quarter Ad Spending 0.4%

U.S. ad spending growth slowing down: Ad spending in the U.S. increased 1.5% in the first nine months of the year compared with the year-earlier period, according to data released by Kantar Media. Growth in spending is slowing, the company said. “From +4.1% in the first quarter, to +2.8% in the second quarter and now a barely palpable +0.4% for the July to September period.”

Barclays on 2012 Ad Spending

Ad agency growth to decelerate: New York—Ad agency growth will slow to about 2.9% in 2012, according to a forecast from investment bank Barclays Capital. This is down sharply from a projection of 5.6% growth this year, according to the investment bank.

USPS Gets 8 More Months to Pay

NALC: Congress postpones USPS pre-funding payment for 8-months: Over the weekend, Congress approved an omnibus spending bill to keep the government operating through September that included a provision to again move the deadline for the Postal Service’s 2011 future retiree health benefits prfunding payment for another eight months, to August. The spending measure also included language to keep the Postal Service delivering mail six days a week, rather than slashing service when the Postal Service needs to grow.