Quad/Graphics Installs Third Ferag System

LOMIRA, WI—Ferag Americas has installed its latest design in gathering/stitching/trimming systems in Quad/Graphics' plant here, marking the third such installation for Quad. The new system includes six log-fed feeders, which transport signatures to a rotary gathering drum, then to a shear cut trimmer.

The high-speed Ferag gatherer/stitcher/trimmer was introduced to the North American market several years ago, with the installation of two 10-pocket units in Quad/Graphics facilities. Since then, Quad and Ferag have worked together to customize the system to meet Quad's needs. As a result, the existing units, as well as the new installation, will make it possible to change format sizes in a matter of minutes, keep maintenance to a bare minimum and achieve production speeds as high as 40,000 copies per hour, officials say.

In announcing the installation, Frank Arndorfer, Quad's vice president of finishing operations, noted that Quad was initially impressed with the system's speed and reliability, as well as the initial design, claiming that it's "truly a different approach to the standard saddle-stitch systems we have. In a multiple-system environment like ours, Ferag showed a willingness to grow with our specific needs," he says. "We asked for customization and speed, and Ferag responded, which eventually led to this third system."

Bill Graushar, head of corporate finishing development for Quad, points out that his company can now "out-produce all other conventional stitcher-trimmers 2-to-1 on the Ferag system, especially in the specific catalog markets on which we focus. And that's with less manning."

Speaking for Ferag Americas, Vice President of Technology Roger Honneger says, "This design required a completely different approach than the standard American approach to bindery equipment. We, at Ferag, are grateful that Quad understood the uniqueness and stuck with us now into a third complete system."

Ferag Americas Vice President of Commercial Products Mike Paschall adds: "When you speak in terms of total throughput, this system is completely unique to the industry. This is not a 'stop and go' technology like the conventional saddle-stitcher designs, but a system geared for 35,000 to 40,000 copies per hour."

This recent Quad installation brings the total of Ferag gatherer/stitcher/trimmers now in operation to nearly 50 in 15 different countries.