Oosterhout, March 2017
– La Charente Libre
is the latest customer of Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC). Based in Angoulême,
France, the printing concern will soon be taking advantage of state-of-the-art
measurement and control systems supplied by QIPC, the Dutch specialist for the
printing industry. Twelve mRC-3D cameras for automatic colour register
control are being installed on the company's Goss Community & DGM press.
Quality improvements and savings
La Charente Libre is owned by the Sud-Ouest Group, which has its head
office in Bordeaux. The company prints mainly small-circulation newspapers and
works exclusively with a night shift. To improve efficiency and maintain high
levels of consistency in the quality of its printed products, in recent years
La Charente Libre has been investing in various automation systems for its
presses. QIPC's system is the most recent upgrade at La Charente Libre. “We're
expecting the new system not only to bring about improvements in the
end-product, but also lead to savings in waste, both during the start-up phase
as well as during printing,” explains La Charente Libre's technical director,
Michel Gonzalez. According to the company, too many copies are having to be thrown away at the moment. “In turn,
quality improvements should help them attract more orders from outside,”
surmises QIPC’s Head of Sales, Erwin van Rossem.
Partnership
Installation of the twelve compact cameras has been planned for week 9
of 2017. But the collaboration with QIPC goes a lot further than the
integration of the automation systems alone. “We expect a partnership founded
on effective support,” says Michel Gonzalez. “We are counting on the
flexibility and responsiveness of QIPC. With a press which is far from being
standard, we expect the proper back-up.” Erwin van Rossem is aware of the
challenge. “This is our first project with Sud-Ouest Group. It provides us with
an opportunity to show what a reliable partner we can be. I have complete faith
it will all come good.”
French
Another important bonus in plumping for QIPC was for the company to be
able to communicate in its own language. Good references had been passed on
from other French printing companies, and in the event of problems QIPC’s agent
in France, Pierre Borot (of Techniweb) has always acted as a native-speaker
intermediary. Techniweb was involved in the decision-making process and is also
helping with the installation and training at the French-speaking plant in
Angoulême. “Pierre was a lynchpin in acquiring the order,” Erwin van Rossem
declares. “We really have to thank him for his indefatigable support.”
