Slate Group Doubles Down on Perfecting with Second Komori GL840

Slate Group, a full-service commercial printer based in Lubbock, Texas, has acquired a second Komori GL840 eight-color perfecting press, this time equipped with an inline coater. The press is currently being installed, marking the latest milestone in a decade-long trajectory of strategic investment that has grown Slate Group from a mid-sized regional shop into one of the most diversified commercial print operations in the country.

A Journey of Deliberate Growth

Slate Group’s equipment story is one of methodical evolution. The company launched its offset capabilities with two half-sheet presses, then in 2019 made a defining move into 40-inch, 5-color straight printing with the purchase of its first Komori GL540, a step that also gave birth to its now-nationally recognized Print Inspire conference. From there, the company added a second 40-inch press before taking the next major leap: two years ago, Slate Group installed its first Komori GL840 eight-color perfecting press and added 50,000 square feet of facility space. Notably, when the concrete was poured, leadership specified a reinforced slab capable of supporting a second press, anticipating future growth.

“When we were laying the concrete, we laid the pad for a second eight-color just for future plans. We didn’t know when that might be, but just in case, let’s go ahead and lay a little bit of thicker concrete,”
said Trey Laverty of Slate Group.

That future arrived sooner than expected. Just two years after the first GL840 went on press, Slate Group has added a second, this time with an inline coater, a capability that directly supports the company’s growing embellishment and sensory marketing services.

Speed, Quality, and Capacity

The second GL840 gives Slate Group the ability to run two simultaneous press checks, two 16-page signatures at the exact same time, dramatically improving turnaround times for customers across the country. The inline coater expands what is achievable in a single production pass, supporting the coated applications that represent a significant and growing portion of Slate Group’s work.

“Customers need things faster and faster. We want to produce quality work while moving fast and having quick turnarounds,” Laverty said. “Where we used to send work out to vendors and wait weeks, we now turn books around in just a few days.”

Beyond the pressroom, Slate Group has built a comprehensive in-house finishing operation covering saddle stitching, perfect binding, foil and cold foil, spot UV, laminates, die cutting, and inkjet mailing, enabling the company to take a job from concept through press, finishing, binding, and mail delivery without leaving the building.

Source: Komori