Oosterhout, February 2018
- UK-based media group Newsquest is set to
upgrade the automation systems in its Oxford print plant. Aiming to make
significant savings in waste, at the same time as improving the quality of the
end-product, Newsquest has decided to install the latest systems from Q.I.
Press Controls (QIPC), the Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems
for the web-offset market. Once this retrofit project has been successfully put
through its paces in Oxford, it will be rolled out at other Newsquest sites.
Not
the first time
Newsquest
has been a customer of QIPC for many years. In fact, it has been using QIPC
automation systems from the very outset. So it comes as no surprise that QIPC
was called in again for the upgrade of the printing press. “We are using QIPC
register systems in all our plants,” explains Leighton Jones, Group Production
Director. Recently, Newsquest acquired NWN Media, a print concern that was also
using QIPC automation products. “For all projects that we have worked on
together, QIPC has always delivered high-quality products and helped bring
about significant savings.”
mRC-3D and IDS-3D
There
was simply no other competition when it came to the new project in Oxford.
“Newsquest is constantly looking at ways of improving our processes and
minimising waste,” continues Leighton Jones. “What’s more, our advertisers
expect us to continue delivering the same levels of quality as they are used to
from us. We are more than confident we can make good on our promises with this
new QIPC system.”
Faster,
more efficient and more accurate
An mRC-3D
system for cut-off control and an IDS-3D system for colour and register control
will be fitted on the manroland GEOMAN. A total of 16 mRC-3D cameras and
6 IDS-3D cameras will be installed. “This way we can reduce start-up waste and
the use of ink,” adds Leighton Jones. “Moreover, we now have a faster and more
accurate colour registration system with an optimum ink-water balance.”
Market
leader
Mathijs
Baron, sales executive at QIPC, is more than happy that QIPC has once again
been asked to look after the automation processes at such a large media group
as Newsquest. “This major British media concern is ensuring we remain market
leader in the region,” he says. “Our customers there are happy and it means we
get taken seriously by other printing plants.”
Expansion
Newsquest
will probably be responsible for the next order placed by a UK company. Once
the system is operating as it should in Oxford, the company will consider new
QIPC automation systems in other plants.
“We’re keen to extend our collaboration with QIPC,” Leighton Jones concludes.
“Our aim is to keep optimising our processes and work as efficiently as
possible.”
