CTP, Workflow And Digital Proofing's Efficiency

Northampton (UK) printer, Guildhall Press, has installed a Platerite 4100 platesetter, a Trueflow Rite JDF-based workflow system and an Epson 7800 wide format proofer.

Northampton (UK) printer, Guildhall Press, has installed a Platerite 4100 platesetter, a Trueflow Rite JDF-based workflow system and an Epson 7800 wide format proofer.

All systems have been supplied by Screen distributor, SOS in a move that will see the 114 year-old company take the next step in securing a strong, successful future in the industry, said Screen.

Guildhall Press managing director, Andrew Rogers, said: "This is our first move in to CTP and a major investment for our pre-press department.

We had been considering a move to CTP for some time and felt the time was right once Kodak had introduced its processless plate to the market.

We did investigate a range of options and manufacturers, however, in the end we chose Screen as it has excellent technology and are well known for the reliability and quality of their products." Rogers said since the installation of the Screen CTP and workflow in January the company has already seen significant improvements in the speed and efficiency of its pre-press department.

The benefits of having an automated CTP system with processless plates means Guildhall Press is now able to produce much faster make-readies for its Roland B2 press and two Heidelberg GTOs, speeding up the print production process whilst still maintaining the quality of the end product.

Continued Rogers: "This company has thrived for the last 114 years on a successful mix of hard work and recognising strong new technologies as they come to the market.

For example, a few years ago we set up a digital print arm to take advantage of the increasing demand for short run, fast turn-around work and this has been very successful." He explained: "The market now requires printers to effectively do more for less and consistently add value to their services.

This means we need to always find the best possible practice in-house to ensure our print production process is as competitive and streamlined as possible and still meets customer demands in terms of delivery and quality.

Now we have invested in CTP in our pre-press department, we can ensure we are maximising our print production process in this respect." Guildhall Press employs 20 staff and serves a range of local businesses in the Northamptonshire and Midlands area.

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