By: Toni McQuilken
At this year’s Print 13 show in Chicago, Sept. 8-12, Goss International will hold the U.S. debut of its new Magnum Compact press. We sat down with Wesley Clements, the vice president of Newspaper and Aftermarket Sales, North America, to learn more about the press and Goss’ strategy for the future. The Magnum Compact, he noted, was designed to fit the trends in the newspaper market today. “The trend is to shorter print runs and more versions,” Clements noted. “So instead of a 100,000 or 200,000+ print run with one or two editions, you’re getting demands and opportunities for more 5,000 to 10,000 print runs. This press is designed to give newspaper printers a viable print model for short print runs.” To achieve the shorter runs, the Magnum Compact has shortened “make-readys” by a substantial amount. Instead of 15-20 minutes of make-ready, the Magnum Compact cuts it down to single digits, Clements said. “That’s what the machine was designed for first and foremost. We retained a lot of standard systems from Magnum, but added the Autoplate and other features to create a short run press that can also do 100,000 or more copies if you need to. It’s the best of both worlds, reducing the break-even point of offset to a lower level.” Clements noted that there are still some publishers who are doing the large print runs on a regular basis, and for those printers, he said, the Compact might not be the right press. But he sees it as complementing the printer who is looking to take on a wider range and type of work. “These days the big driver is to increase their contract print opportunities,” said Clements. “The Magnum Compact really offers a differentiating advantage, versus the guy up the road who just happens to have some extra press time available. It supports short make-ready and flexible work, and can easily run variable web widths as well. It can offer more choice to customers with multiple editions, but is also a good tool to win extra print business. I like to think of it as a press that’s future proof – the runs will be shorter, but there will be many more of them – this is the press for the future.” That fits in with what Clements – and Goss in general – sees for the future of not just general print, but of newspapers specifically. He believes the format will continue to be strong, but it will be more focused – shorter runs of editions that focus on local news and information, tailored to smaller regional audiences, rather than just one or two editions of a large national brand. And printers, he noted, need to be flexible enough to meet that challenge. “The old newspaper presses didn’t anticipate [the trend to shorter runs],” Clements noted. “The press design from 40 years ago isn’t necessarily the press of the future. Presses need to be more versatile and allow printers to be more flexible. That’s how they get a return on the investment. Versatility, more choice and being able to react more quickly to the market: those are the trends we see.” He went on to note that he believes newspaper printers are recognizing that trend, and are starting to make the investments now – but those who don’t might find themselves in trouble a few years down the line. “Printers should make investments today to tailor their product to local audiences,” he said. “They also need to invest in productivity to reduce cost per copy to keep print a viable business proposition. There is a lot of opportunity still there to reduce costs, and with the right equipment to increase choice.”
Beyond the Press Beyond showcasing the new Magnum Compact at Print 13, Clements notes that Goss also continues to offer a full suite of presses ranging from the 2x1 Community SSC model to double- and triple-width Uniliner and Colorliner CPS models that run at up to 90,000 copies per hour. The company plans to make newspapers a focus of the show, both in the pressroom and the mail room. It even has a special event planned to bring in customers on the Sunday of the show, when it will do in-depth, live demonstrations of the Magnum Compact Autoplate system, answer questions, and spend time giving printers a greater depth of knowledge than a standard trade show floor visit can impart. Goss will also have partner Ferag in the booth, showing off its new MiniSert inserter, and a new gripper conveyor. “It’s a great compliment to the new Magnum Compact,” said Clements. “It’s a very flexible inserter.” And new stacker technologies will also be at the booth, showing different applications and ways newspaper printers can adapt. “So there are a number of things happening across the range,” Clements noted. “We very much believe the newspaper industry is alive and kicking, we just need to bring the right products to the market.” Goss’ key focus will be on the newspaper – and newspaper printer – of the future, and how the right equipment can make that not only a viable business model well into the future, but one that will remain highly profitable as well.
ContiTech Sheds Light on the Future of Newspaper Printing Newspapers and digital media will continue to exist side by side in the future. This was the conclusion drawn by the some 50 specialists from the international printing industry that ContiTech Elastomer Coatings invited to the printing blanket symposium in Northeim. One point of focus was the future of newspaper printing in the digital era, with devices such as the iPad and other pioneering technologies. In the talks given by high-caliber guests and the lively discussions, everything revolved around the question: What prospects are available to modern newspaper production in light of the growing market shares held by digital media? “Our conclusion is that newspapers will keep their place in the media world in the years to come. Newspaper printing companies will continue to be successful and to work economically if they embrace innovative ideas and new approaches,” said Markus Gnass, head of the Metal Printing Blankets unit at ContiTech Elastomer Coatings, summing up the outcome of the event. In the participants’ view, although electronic media are gaining ground worldwide and will displace a certain share of the market currently held by traditional printed products in the Western industrial nations, they will by no means completely supersede printed products in the coming years but rather complement them. “Publishers need to see themselves as service providers for their customers and not purely as information mediums. Only by offering their customers added value and exhausting all opportunities will they be able to maintain their share of the industry in the future. As a strong partner to the printing industry, we are actively supporting our customers,” stressed Gnass.
KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System Receives 2013 InterTech Technology Award Printing Industries of America (PIA) named the KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System one of 11 recipients of the 2013 InterTech Technology Awards. This direct laser engraving system uses energy-efficient, high-power imaging technology to produce press-ready elastomer plates and sleeves that enable both superior print quality and increased production throughput. This year’s InterTech Technology Award marks the third time Kodak has received recognition from PIA for its flexographic solutions. In 2008, Kodak was recognized for the launch of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System, and again in 2010, for its launch of KODAK DIGICAP NX Screening. “Historically, direct laser engraving systems have offered very limited throughput capability and have been primarily used for applications that require low- to mid-level print quality,” noted Kuty Paperny, worldwide marketing director, Flexographic Solutions, Kodak. “The FLEXCEL Direct System changes the game for direct laser engraving by providing a cost-effective system that can open doors for our customers. It offers a complete solution that includes imaging, media and software — all optimized to work together in a simple, two-step process that boosts operational efficiency and print quality. This is a win-win for flexo prepress service providers and printer/converters, who are constantly looking for ways to enhance productivity while increasing shelf impact for their brand owner customers. The FLEXCEL Direct System delivers on all fronts, driving a distinct competitive advantage for our customers.”
CGS Releases New Version of ORIS Color Tuner CGS Publishing Technologies International released the latest version of the leading proofing software ORIS Color Tuner. Version 2.0.3 provides complete support for all features of the high-end inkjet systems from Canon, Epson and Roland DG, including enhanced color management and special functions for the packaging industry. One of these is a print job editor that allows users to replace and omit individual color separations and to preview these modifications before the job is printed. With this new software version, CGS becomes the first company to receive FOGRA certification for the Canon iPF6450 printer. With its embedded spectrophotometer of the latest generation, this printer is perfect for remote proofing applications. Version 2.0.3 also supports the new Epson printer models, SureColor SC-S70600 and SC-Tx000.
Baldwin Technology Awarded Large Order by Schibsted Trykk AS Baldwin Technology Co. Inc., a supplier of process automation equipment for the print industry, is helping Norway’s largest print group, Schibsted Trykk AS, decrease print waste costs and meet stringent water pollution control standards in Norway by supplying its spray dampening and filtration systems to Schibsted Trykk plants there. Later this year, Baldwin will install 322 Baldwin EvenSpray World2 spray bars to upgrade existing systems on four of Schibsted’s newspaper web presses and install PureFiltration systems in three of its print production facilities. “Baldwin has a good reputation as being a ‘high quality supplier’ in spray dampening and fluid management equipment. We looked at Baldwin’s combination of technology and expert performance and determined Baldwin was the best overall solution for our needs,” said Bent-Ståle Johansen, CEO, Schibsted Trykk Kristiansand AS and Schibsted Trykk Stavanger AS. “We are pleased to be chosen as an important supplier within Schibsted’s initiative to upgrade its press efficiency,” said Per Stenflo, sales director, Baldwin. “This large order shows Baldwin’s dedication to working closely with our customers in finding the best solutions—for both their business and the environment.” Baldwin’s EvenSpray spray bars will replace older version Goss and Baldwin dampeners on a 5-tower Goss Newsliner, a 22-tower Goss Colorliner, a 9-tower Wifag OF370 and a 34-cylinder Wifag OF470. This upgrade is a key part of Schibsted’s program to revitalize the midlife presses. The spray bars are equipped with the Baldwin G5 single-drive valve system, engineered from the technology found in previous Baldwin dampener designs, but with performance and durability upgraded, and serviceability improved. Schibsted also purchased Baldwin’s PureFiltration closed-loop system for cleaning of dampening solution for its Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger print production facilities. The PureFiltration’s design is based on cross-flow filtration technology, improving the overall dampening performance and efficiency of the press. Used dampening solution is fed from the circulator into the PureFiltration system, where sedimentation occurs, the solution is filtered to achieve almost original clean quality and is then returned into the circulator for reuse on the press.
Two-Way ecoEnvelope Reduce Costs for Mailers ecoEnvelopes announced a new product line of reusable two-way envelopes, RECOCHET. The RECOCHET envelope was developed as a highly-identifiable brand The product improves upon earlier generations incorporating minor dimensional changes to reduce paper consumption and facilitate functionality. According to Gale Ward, ecoEnvelopes’ president and general manager, “Developing the RECOCHET line was important as ecoEnvelopes continues to introduce new products and offer solutions that save money for statement mailers, direct mail marketers, nonprofits, companies that send surveys or product samples in the mail, among others.” RECOCHET is a single two-way envelope that is sent and returned, eliminating the need for a second reply envelope. Mailers save 5-35 percent on envelope and related mailing costs and benefit from operating savings and quantifiable reductions in carbon emissions, energy and raw materials including trees and water. RECOCHET envelopes also offer an opportunity to generate incremental revenue by including additional marketing material, taking advantage of an available insert station with the elimination of the second envelopes.
At this year’s Print 13 show in Chicago, Sept. 8-12, Goss International will hold the U.S. debut of its new Magnum Compact press. We sat down with Wesley Clements, the vice president of Newspaper and Aftermarket Sales, North America, to learn more about the press and Goss’ strategy for the future. The Magnum Compact, he noted, was designed to fit the trends in the newspaper market today. “The trend is to shorter print runs and more versions,” Clements noted. “So instead of a 100,000 or 200,000+ print run with one or two editions, you’re getting demands and opportunities for more 5,000 to 10,000 print runs. This press is designed to give newspaper printers a viable print model for short print runs.” To achieve the shorter runs, the Magnum Compact has shortened “make-readys” by a substantial amount. Instead of 15-20 minutes of make-ready, the Magnum Compact cuts it down to single digits, Clements said. “That’s what the machine was designed for first and foremost. We retained a lot of standard systems from Magnum, but added the Autoplate and other features to create a short run press that can also do 100,000 or more copies if you need to. It’s the best of both worlds, reducing the break-even point of offset to a lower level.” Clements noted that there are still some publishers who are doing the large print runs on a regular basis, and for those printers, he said, the Compact might not be the right press. But he sees it as complementing the printer who is looking to take on a wider range and type of work. “These days the big driver is to increase their contract print opportunities,” said Clements. “The Magnum Compact really offers a differentiating advantage, versus the guy up the road who just happens to have some extra press time available. It supports short make-ready and flexible work, and can easily run variable web widths as well. It can offer more choice to customers with multiple editions, but is also a good tool to win extra print business. I like to think of it as a press that’s future proof – the runs will be shorter, but there will be many more of them – this is the press for the future.” That fits in with what Clements – and Goss in general – sees for the future of not just general print, but of newspapers specifically. He believes the format will continue to be strong, but it will be more focused – shorter runs of editions that focus on local news and information, tailored to smaller regional audiences, rather than just one or two editions of a large national brand. And printers, he noted, need to be flexible enough to meet that challenge. “The old newspaper presses didn’t anticipate [the trend to shorter runs],” Clements noted. “The press design from 40 years ago isn’t necessarily the press of the future. Presses need to be more versatile and allow printers to be more flexible. That’s how they get a return on the investment. Versatility, more choice and being able to react more quickly to the market: those are the trends we see.” He went on to note that he believes newspaper printers are recognizing that trend, and are starting to make the investments now – but those who don’t might find themselves in trouble a few years down the line. “Printers should make investments today to tailor their product to local audiences,” he said. “They also need to invest in productivity to reduce cost per copy to keep print a viable business proposition. There is a lot of opportunity still there to reduce costs, and with the right equipment to increase choice.” Beyond the Press Beyond showcasing the new Magnum Compact at Print 13, Clements notes that Goss also continues to offer a full suite of presses ranging from the 2x1 Community SSC model to double- and triple-width Uniliner and Colorliner CPS models that run at up to 90,000 copies per hour. The company plans to make newspapers a focus of the show, both in the pressroom and the mail room. It even has a special event planned to bring in customers on the Sunday of the show, when it will do in-depth, live demonstrations of the Magnum Compact Autoplate system, answer questions, and spend time giving printers a greater depth of knowledge than a standard trade show floor visit can impart. Goss will also have partner Ferag in the booth, showing off its new MiniSert inserter, and a new gripper conveyor. “It’s a great compliment to the new Magnum Compact,” said Clements. “It’s a very flexible inserter.” And new stacker technologies will also be at the booth, showing different applications and ways newspaper printers can adapt. “So there are a number of things happening across the range,” Clements noted. “We very much believe the newspaper industry is alive and kicking, we just need to bring the right products to the market.” Goss’ key focus will be on the newspaper – and newspaper printer – of the future, and how the right equipment can make that not only a viable business model well into the future, but one that will remain highly profitable as well. ContiTech Sheds Light on the Future of Newspaper Printing Newspapers and digital media will continue to exist side by side in the future. This was the conclusion drawn by the some 50 specialists from the international printing industry that ContiTech Elastomer Coatings invited to the printing blanket symposium in Northeim. One point of focus was the future of newspaper printing in the digital era, with devices such as the iPad and other pioneering technologies. In the talks given by high-caliber guests and the lively discussions, everything revolved around the question: What prospects are available to modern newspaper production in light of the growing market shares held by digital media? “Our conclusion is that newspapers will keep their place in the media world in the years to come. Newspaper printing companies will continue to be successful and to work economically if they embrace innovative ideas and new approaches,” said Markus Gnass, head of the Metal Printing Blankets unit at ContiTech Elastomer Coatings, summing up the outcome of the event. In the participants’ view, although electronic media are gaining ground worldwide and will displace a certain share of the market currently held by traditional printed products in the Western industrial nations, they will by no means completely supersede printed products in the coming years but rather complement them. “Publishers need to see themselves as service providers for their customers and not purely as information mediums. Only by offering their customers added value and exhausting all opportunities will they be able to maintain their share of the industry in the future. As a strong partner to the printing industry, we are actively supporting our customers,” stressed Gnass. KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System Receives 2013 InterTech Technology Award Printing Industries of America (PIA) named the KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System one of 11 recipients of the 2013 InterTech Technology Awards. This direct laser engraving system uses energy-efficient, high-power imaging technology to produce press-ready elastomer plates and sleeves that enable both superior print quality and increased production throughput. This year’s InterTech Technology Award marks the third time Kodak has received recognition from PIA for its flexographic solutions. In 2008, Kodak was recognized for the launch of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System, and again in 2010, for its launch of KODAK DIGICAP NX Screening. “Historically, direct laser engraving systems have offered very limited throughput capability and have been primarily used for applications that require low- to mid-level print quality,” noted Kuty Paperny, worldwide marketing director, Flexographic Solutions, Kodak. “The FLEXCEL Direct System changes the game for direct laser engraving by providing a cost-effective system that can open doors for our customers. It offers a complete solution that includes imaging, media and software — all optimized to work together in a simple, two-step process that boosts operational efficiency and print quality. This is a win-win for flexo prepress service providers and printer/converters, who are constantly looking for ways to enhance productivity while increasing shelf impact for their brand owner customers. The FLEXCEL Direct System delivers on all fronts, driving a distinct competitive advantage for our customers.” CGS Releases New Version of ORIS Color Tuner CGS Publishing Technologies International released the latest version of the leading proofing software ORIS Color Tuner. Version 2.0.3 provides complete support for all features of the high-end inkjet systems from Canon, Epson and Roland DG, including enhanced color management and special functions for the packaging industry. One of these is a print job editor that allows users to replace and omit individual color separations and to preview these modifications before the job is printed. With this new software version, CGS becomes the first company to receive FOGRA certification for the Canon iPF6450 printer. With its embedded spectrophotometer of the latest generation, this printer is perfect for remote proofing applications. Version 2.0.3 also supports the new Epson printer models, SureColor SC-S70600 and SC-Tx000. Baldwin Technology Awarded Large Order by Schibsted Trykk AS Baldwin Technology Co. Inc., a supplier of process automation equipment for the print industry, is helping Norway’s largest print group, Schibsted Trykk AS, decrease print waste costs and meet stringent water pollution control standards in Norway by supplying its spray dampening and filtration systems to Schibsted Trykk plants there. Later this year, Baldwin will install 322 Baldwin EvenSpray World2 spray bars to upgrade existing systems on four of Schibsted’s newspaper web presses and install PureFiltration systems in three of its print production facilities. “Baldwin has a good reputation as being a ‘high quality supplier’ in spray dampening and fluid management equipment. We looked at Baldwin’s combination of technology and expert performance and determined Baldwin was the best overall solution for our needs,” said Bent-Ståle Johansen, CEO, Schibsted Trykk Kristiansand AS and Schibsted Trykk Stavanger AS. “We are pleased to be chosen as an important supplier within Schibsted’s initiative to upgrade its press efficiency,” said Per Stenflo, sales director, Baldwin. “This large order shows Baldwin’s dedication to working closely with our customers in finding the best solutions—for both their business and the environment.” Baldwin’s EvenSpray spray bars will replace older version Goss and Baldwin dampeners on a 5-tower Goss Newsliner, a 22-tower Goss Colorliner, a 9-tower Wifag OF370 and a 34-cylinder Wifag OF470. This upgrade is a key part of Schibsted’s program to revitalize the midlife presses. The spray bars are equipped with the Baldwin G5 single-drive valve system, engineered from the technology found in previous Baldwin dampener designs, but with performance and durability upgraded, and serviceability improved. Schibsted also purchased Baldwin’s PureFiltration closed-loop system for cleaning of dampening solution for its Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger print production facilities. The PureFiltration’s design is based on cross-flow filtration technology, improving the overall dampening performance and efficiency of the press. Used dampening solution is fed from the circulator into the PureFiltration system, where sedimentation occurs, the solution is filtered to achieve almost original clean quality and is then returned into the circulator for reuse on the press. Two-Way ecoEnvelope Reduce Costs for Mailers ecoEnvelopes announced a new product line of reusable two-way envelopes, RECOCHET. The RECOCHET envelope was developed as a highly-identifiable brand The product improves upon earlier generations incorporating minor dimensional changes to reduce paper consumption and facilitate functionality. According to Gale Ward, ecoEnvelopes’ president and general manager, “Developing the RECOCHET line was important as ecoEnvelopes continues to introduce new products and offer solutions that save money for statement mailers, direct mail marketers, nonprofits, companies that send surveys or product samples in the mail, among others.” RECOCHET is a single two-way envelope that is sent and returned, eliminating the need for a second reply envelope. Mailers save 5-35 percent on envelope and related mailing costs and benefit from operating savings and quantifiable reductions in carbon emissions, energy and raw materials including trees and water. RECOCHET envelopes also offer an opportunity to generate incremental revenue by including additional marketing material, taking advantage of an available insert station with the elimination of the second envelopes.
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