Offset Printing - Sheet-Fed

There were only four offset presses actually running at GRAPH EXPO last month, but the leading vendors still had booths on the show floor. Video presentations, interactive displays, print samples, and standalone press consoles or press units were instead used to showcase new developments, enhanced maintenance offerings and press monitoring services.

The Alphagraphics franchise in Idaho Falls, ID, had been subbing out its four-color work to an out-of-state printer and “hated it,” according to owner Lynn Nelson. The company has now mapped out a clear path to growth with the installation of a Speedmaster SM 52 Anicolor press.

David McGinnis, owner of Think Printing in Richmond, VA, said he wanted to wait for the economy to begin to recover from the recession before purchasing a new press. “The recession made me a better businessman,” he explained. “I learned to evaluate every expenditure in detail. We had a layoff at the peak of the downturn, but I’ve rehired everyone since and even added personnel.”

By January 2012, Excell Color Graphics had reached a point where management felt it was high time for a change. “We felt that technology had passed us by and that we soon would be struggling to keep up with the rest of the industry,” said Tom Parrot, president.

Ferrostaal Equipment Solutions North America is now exclusively marketing the new Ryobi 760E series printing press. The six-up press, available in up to six colors with perfector, has double-diameter impression and transfer cylinders and offers a 13,000 sph maximum speed.

Modern Litho, based in Jefferson City, MO, recently installed a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 eight-color perfector presses, replacing three aging machines. The company is currently on pace to grow at around 12 percent in 2012, with anticipated sales revenue in the $16 million range, attributable in part to the new Speedmaster XL 105 perfector.

The Print House, a full-service commercial printer located in Malden, MA, recently installed its third Komori press—a five-color Lithrone SX 29—to accommodate increased demand for high-quality, unique color applications that can get to market quickly.

Digital technologies captured many of the headlines during drupa 2012, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a host of newsworthy lithographic press introductions, technology demonstrations and productivity enhancements shown within the stands of traditional press manufacturers.

In a sense, Berlin Industries was once the king of Chicago. Last week, the remaining assets were auctioned off. If you were there, you could have purchased a Heidelberg Sunday M3000 five-unit web press for a mere $47,000.

Michael Mugavero has been named the manroland sheetfed managing director/CEO for the United States and Canada. Having initially joined manroland in 1992, Mugavero has previously served as a regional sales manager, general manager, and vice president of sales.