World's First Triple Width News Press In Command

The installation and commissioning of what is claimed to be the world's first triple-width newspaper press, a KBA 6/2 Commander, are running well to schedule at the Bubenberg (Zurich) production plant

The installation and commissioning of what is claimed to be the world's first triple-width newspaper press are running well to schedule at the Bubenberg (Zurich) production plant of Swiss media enterprise Tamedia.

Work commenced in November 2003 and test print runs on the first section of the KBA 6/2 Commander were successfully completed in mid-February.

Once the eight towers of the first two sections have been commissioned work will continue at the same pace for many months to come, said KBA.

Before the next two press sections can be erected one of the existing Commander press lines, some sections of which have been in operation for more than 20 years, must be dismantled and removed - without disrupting daily production.

The new 6/2 Commander, which is configured as 16 nine-cylinder satellites with 16 reel stands plus automatic reel-handling systems, five jaw folders and 15 consoles, has a maximum web width of 1,920mm (751/2") and a cylinder circumference of 940mm (37").

Following its inauguration in Autumn 2005 it will print the entire circulation of Tamedia's main title, the Tages-Anzeiger, along with a Sunday newspaper, the SonntagsZeitung, and all the other in-house titles.

Newspaper professionals visiting Drupa can arrange with KBA to attend a production run at Tamedia on selected days.

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