IN THE NEWS

Multi Packaging Solutions Honors the Steinway Legacy with a Deluxe Package for Universal Classics

For its release of the Steinway Legends collection, Universal Classics collaborated with Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) to package the first recording series to be fully endorsed and supported by Steinway & Sons. The 10-title CD series features acclaimed recordings from a select roster of legendary artists along with informative and unique packaging.

MPS and Universal Classics designed an exacting replica of the iconographic Steinway Piano, including a faceplate with the Steinway logo and a full complement of piano keys. The hinged piano lid can be held open with an attached arm to display an insert that features the internal workings of the piano, 21 CDs, and a perfect bound booklet.

"We were able to achieve the authentic look of the Steinway Piano by utilizing the vast resources across the Multi Packaging Solutions network, including our structural design, manufacturing, and project management teams," comments Mario Augusta, vice president of sales.

The series was conceived to connect the name of Steinway & Sons with a cross-section of pianists who work closely with the piano manufacturer, called "Steinway Artists," and have recorded for the Universal Classics Group family of labels. The contents focus on the great solo piano works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms.

Multi Packaging Solutions Kicks Off Football Season with 'Coach' Season One

The complete first season of the sitcom Coach (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) is the latest addition to the ever-growing DVD box-set classic television phenomenon. Coach, which ran in prime time for eight seasons beginning in 1989, starred Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox, football coach of the fictional Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles.

The product was created by Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS). The special limited edition is designed to resemble a football team's playbook, which is wrapped in football-like material, complete with laces. Designed by MPS and custom manufactured in Asia, the mini-binder playbook contains sleeves that hold the four DVDs. The cover of the mini-binder reads: "Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles Play Book." The DVD set includes all 13 season one episodes and a bonus episode from the program's second season ("Homewreckers"). Descriptions of each episode are included in the playbook as well.

"The Coach DVD package is just the latest example of the kind of ingenuity that MPS can deliver for content owners," comments Paula Doherty, MPS vice president of sales.

Mark Campbell, MPS director of special packaging, adds: "The MPS team was able to bring this creative vision to market with our wide array of resources and our project management expertise in special packaging."

MPS's Doherty will only package the first season in this special package, so as to "kick off" the series on DVD. Subsequent seasons will be released in standard packaging. This package comes on the heels of MPS winning an Alex Award for its leading role in packaging the alternative rock band Tool's album 10,000 Days (Zomba).

NAPCO's Musical Boxed Set for Sugar Hill Retrospective CD Package

NAPCO (www.napcousa.com) announces a distinctive collector's edition musical CD boxed set for Sugar Hill Records called Sugar Hill: a Retrospective. NAPCO produced a high-end, rigid paperboard box including structural development and management of printed packaging components.

The box has a full telescoping design in which the lid slides completely over a specially designed footed tray for a prominent box appearance. The rich look and feel is provided by special print treatments that use contrasting textures of high-gloss black foil stamped areas over printed matte cover paper. An interior platform for disc sleeves and booklet dimensionally enhance the box's height, in hopes of increasing retail shelf presence.

"As one of the most experienced manufacturers of rigid paperboard packaging nationwide, NAPCO's advanced manufacturing structural capabilities and expert project management provided the tools to exceed customer expectations while meeting tight deadlines for the Sugar Hill boxed set," says David Wilcox, vice president of sales for NAPCO.

"We are extremely thankful that we entrusted the packaging of this exceptional project to NAPCO," says Tasha Thomas, art director for Sugar Hill Records. "NAPCO's efforts to turn this huge project around on a dime while maintaining a high level of quality and professionalism have been truly remarkable," she adds.

Sugar Hill: a Retrospective was created to celebrate Sugar Hill Records' history of over 25 years in the music business. The boxed set includes four CDs and one DVD, each contained in individual paperboard disc sleeves and a 68-page booklet on the history of the company and its music. It was released in October and is available at retail outlets nationwide.