First CTP System As Magazine Firm Aims For Growth

The Wealden Advertiser Ltd (WA), publisher and printer of the weekly Wealden Advertiser and monthly Freshwater Informer, has expanded its print facilities with the purchase of its first CTP system.

The Wealden Advertiser Ltd (WA), publisher and printer of the weekly Wealden Advertiser and monthly Freshwater Informer, has expanded its print facilities with the purchase of its first CTP system.

Its new fully-automatic B2 Screen Platerite 4100 and Trueflow workflow has been supplied by United Graphics, as part of an overall expansion of print and production facilities to support the Wealden's aggressive strategy to grow its commercial print services business.

The Screen system joins the company's other new investments, including a five-colour Heidelberg SM74 perfecting press and a Stahl B2 folder.

"Currently commercial print represents only 20 per cent of our business and our aim is to make it 60 per cent within the next couple of years.

We believe that by organising our equipment and staff to be capable of building alliances with clients, we can grow our business.

That is reflected by the recently-won contract for the quarterly, 23,000 circulation, Royal Overseas League magazine," said Graham Thorn, Wealden's general manager.

The company prints and distributes 34,500 copies each week and 50,000 copies of sister title 'Wealden Property'.

Currently the magazines have a pagination of approximately 100 pages, which makes them the ideal candidates for a computer to plate system.

"We like to focus on what we do best, which includes short-run magazines of up to 50,000, A4 and A5 brochures, catalogues and leaflets.

In addition to servicing our commercial print demands, we needed a CTP system to handle the recent increased pagination and circulation of The Wealden Advertiser.

We can now produce plates much more quickly than before and with the high production quality it provides no remakes are needed, saving us considerable time and reduction in costly wastage," continued Thorn.

In addition to managing smooth plate production, the introduction of the Trueflow workflow has provided a big step forward in both off-press proofing and colour accuracy for the Wealden Advertiser.

"Combined with the latest Epson inkjet printer, Trueflow has cured any problems we previously experienced in colour proofing.

It has effectively renewed our confidence in knowing that the proofs we produce will match results on press.

Now we can concentrate on providing our customers with excellent results," explained Thorn.

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