Bender Redefines Offset With RMGT Eight-Color Long Perfector

Bender Inc., a leader in commercial printing company serving the St. Louis area, is redefining pressroom productivity with the installation of an 8-color RMGT 970 long perfector with LED curing technology, acquired through Graphco. Running with a single pressman while producing double-sided work in a single pass, this investment delivers a step-change in throughput, labor efficiency, and cost per sheet—strengthening Bender’s ability to serve clients across all 50 states and in more than 20 countries with speed and consistency.

Founded in 1991, Bender has built its reputation by delivering versatile, high-quality printing services from under one roof, from commercial offset and digital printing to in-house bindery, finishing, and fulfillment.

“With our roots firmly in commercial offset printing, we’re always looking for ways to deliver more value to our customers,” said Dave Bender, CEO of Bender. “The RMGT 970 Long Perfector is a true productivity multiplier—it allows us to produce double-sided work in a single pass with fewer touchpoints, less labor, and dramatically faster turnaround. Operating with a single pressman means we can run two full shifts at the same labor cost we previously had on days. That’s a four-bagger—every impression now counts two-for-one, and we’re generating 16 hours of output for the labor cost of 8.”

Single-Operator Performance That Transforms the Cost Model

A defining advantage of the RMGT 970 Long Perfector is its ability to run at full production speeds with just one pressman. By combining advanced automation, LED instant curing, and true single-pass perfecting, Bender has fundamentally changed its labor equation.

Compared to traditional 40" single-side presses that require multiple operators, multiple passes, and added handling, Bender now produces more work with fewer people and fewer steps. “With the addition of our 4/4 RMGT 970 Long Perfector, a powerful digital storefront, and cutting-edge technology, we are redefining what speed and accuracy look like in today's print environment,” states Bender. “The result is a leaner operation, higher consistency, and significantly improved margins—without sacrificing quality.” “Bender is now positioned to deliver even greater efficiency and responsiveness for their customers,” said Derek Gordon, Regional Vice President of Sales at Graphco.

4/4 in One Pass: A Decisive Advantage Over 40" Presses

The RMGT 970 delivers up to 15,000 sheets per hour with zero drying time, while Insta.Color automation enables rapid makereadies and seamless job transitions. Benford LED curing technology ensures sheets exit the press ready for finishing immediately — eliminating drying delays, spray powder, and unnecessary handling.

But the real advantage is in production geometry. Running four-over-four work in a single pass on an 8UP+ format eliminates the inefficiencies built into even the newest 40" single-side presses. Jobs that once required two passes, additional labor, and extended cycle times are now completed in one continuous process—cutting production time, reducing waste, and increasing throughput.

Energy efficiency further amplifies the gain. The RMGT consumes fewer kilowatts per impression, and because each impression produces both sides of the sheet, the electricity required per finished sheet is reduced by more than two times compared to Bender’s previous 40" press.

Driving Speed to Market and Competitive Advantage

With single-pass 4/4 production, instant curing, and single-operator efficiency, Bender has dramatically accelerated its production cycle. Jobs move from press to finishing without delay, enabling faster turnaround, tighter scheduling, and greater responsiveness to customer demands.

For Bender’s customers, that means shorter lead times, consistent high quality, and the confidence that their work is being produced on one of the most efficient platforms in the industry. For Bender, it means a powerful competitive advantage—lower cost per sheet, increased capacity, and a more agile, scalable operation.

With the RMGT 970 Perfector fully operational after just a few weeks, Bender is positioned to meet growing demand while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in commercial printing.

“Bender made a bold, strategic move with this investment,” said Jeremy Gattozzi, Chief Operating Officer of Graphco. “The combination of single-operator performance and true four-over-four production in a single pass on an 8UP+ press gives them a massive advantage in speed, labor efficiency, and total cost of production. We are proud to partner with Dave and the whole Bender Team.”

Source: Graphco

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.