Equipment Price Matters Less Than Total Life Cost

A Research and Engineering Council of NAPL product story

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Dec 3, 2004

The Research and Engineering Council of NAPL held its 30th annual 'Productivity in the Pressroom' conference in Chicago.

The Research and Engineering Council of NAPL held its 30th annual 'Productivity in the Pressroom' conference in Chicago.

At the meeting, some 180 pressroom personnel and vendors from around the world gathered for an advance look at technologies introduced at Drupa, as well as the latest in workplace management methods said the council.

The conference, chaired by John P.

Sweeney, vice president of sales and marketing at Integrated Color Solutions, featured presentations by more than 20 pressroom equipment vendors, who provided the attendees with overviews of technologies introduced at Drupa and at Graph Expo 2004.

The first day keynote speech was offered by Paul V.

Reilly, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Cenveo, who told the attendees that stronger relationships between printers and suppliers are key to the continued viability of the printing industry.

On the second day of the conference, keynoter Paul Steidle, member of the executive board of MAN Roland, re-emphasised the need for industry cooperation and also observed that the purchase price of equipment is far less important than the total costs incurred during the product life.

Steidle noted that efforts to bring down equipment acquisition costs often increase life cycle costs such as training and maintenance.

Discussing the success of the seminar, R and E Council managing director Ronald L.

Mihills said: "The R and E Council pressroom conference, unlike any other in the industry, focuses solely on the latest in technology and processes for the pressroom." Since 1950, the Research and Engineering Council of the National Association for Printing Leadership has been dedicated to the education of printing industry personnel in the latest technology and productivity improvement methods.

The Council conducts seminars at which publishers, printers, educators, consultants and suppliers meet to share information and learn about technology affecting the graphic arts industry.