Another KBA Press For Expanding US Directory Firm

Stevens Graphics, the third-largest printer of telephone directories in the USA, is expanding its press fleet with a double-circumference KBA Compacta 818 press.

Stevens Graphics, the third-largest printer of telephone directories in the USA, is expanding its press fleet with a double-circumference KBA Compacta 818 press planned for its Birmingham, Alabama facility.

The new twin-web Compacta 818 has a cylinder circumference of 1,156mm (45.5"), a maximum web width of 1,905mm (75") and a claimed web speed of over 15 metres per second (mps) (2,953 feet per minute).

At present, production is handled by two KBA Commander (tower) coldset presses (two webs through 16 couples, or three webs through 24 couples), three KBA Commander (CIC) coldset presses, one heatset web press and one sheetfed press.

The new Compacta 818 press will be configured with Patras A automatic reel handling, two Pastomat RC reelstands, two in-feed units, four printing units (which will feature semi-automatic plate changing), a superstructure for four ribbons and a P5-T directory folder.

A colour measurement and control system will, according to KBA, guarantee a uniform print quality in 2/2 with two webs or 4/4 with one web.

Production start-up is scheduled for April 2007.

Established in 1880 by H G Hastings in Atlanta, Georgia, Stevens Graphics is now a fully-owned affiliate of Bellsouth Corporation.

Between its two production plants, the 580 member team produces more than 56 million directories per year (570 titles) including Yellow Pages, companion and midi-directories, in-line die-cut and folded tabs, and specialty catalogues.

Stevens Graphics attributes its success to close customer proximity, a service-oriented team and print quality, whilst being environmentally conscious.

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