Loupe Enhances Business with KBA Rapida 205 81-inch Press

Ohio large-format printer differentiates itself with super large format press

GAHANNA, OH—KBA North America, a leading sheetfed offset press manufacturer based in Williston, Vt., is announcing that Loupe, a large-format printing operation, has experienced double-digit growth and enhanced its printing business after the installation of a super large format Rapida 205 81-inch six-color sheetfed press with coater and custom plastics package. The new press was installed in early January 2005 at the firm’s new 308,000 sq ft facility.

“The key to our rapid growth is the ability to offer our clients one source to produce all of their printing under our roof in the fastest and most cost-efficient manner,” says Marvin Petersen, Loupe’s director of operations. “In the past, our clients had to go to several print vendors to produce their work. Not anymore. The ability to coordinate a job with one supplier saves them time and money.”

Catering to a wide variety of nationwide clients, Loupe primarily focuses on large-format printing but offers sheetfed offset and digital printing as well. Prior to installing the KBA Rapida 205 81-inch press, Loupe operated five 40-inch sheetfed presses, screen printing presses, and ink jet digital presses for signage, banners, and posters.

Double-digit growth in 18 months
“Before we installed the Rapida 205, we were essentially a screen printer with capabilities to print up to 120-inches on screen printing equipment,” explains Gary Willett, vice president of Loupe. “We believed that a large-format offset press would be better technology. The installation of the Rapida 205 has enhanced all three of our business segments. Today, we can offer our clients the ability to print a few signs up to a million pieces. The digital presses handle very short-run jobs; the screen printing equipment handles up to 100 pieces; and the offset presses can print from 10,000 to a million pieces very efficiently. Since the installation of the KBA Rapida 205, we’ve experienced double-digit growth in the last year-and-a-half.”