Seaway Printing Invests $3 Million in New Press
and Market-Leading Software
New management information system a first in U.S
Green Bay, WIs.,– Seaway Printing Company, a leading short- and medium-run book printer, has installed a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 printing press in its Green Bay, Wisconsin facility. The 40″ offset press is projected to increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time, providing Seaway with greater capacity to meet customer demand.
“We’re expecting to decrease turnaround time and jumpstart significant savings with the 106 press,” said Kevin Heslin, president of Seaway Printing. “Overall, we’re anticipating a 50% increase in productivity and efficiency throughout the shop.”
To accompany the new press, Seaway Printing is implementing a new, high-tech management information system (MIS) from Tharstern, one of the world’s leading software providers to the printing industry. The Seaway Printing installation is the first U.S. application for Tharstern, a U.K.-based company with MIS systems in more than 700 clients worldwide.
The MIS installation includes an integration to a cloud-based customer portal, allowing customers to place orders online, approve proofs and check order status with 24/7 visibility into print production. The Tharstern MIS includes automated workflow management, enabling Seaway Printing to streamline internal processes.
“We’ve always been recognized as early adopters in printing technology, and becoming Tharstern’s first U.S. customer is consistent with our brand promise,” says Heslin. “This tool provides seamless visibility into project management and status tracking, eliminating the inefficiency and frustration of back-and-forth email exchanges. This technology allows us to provide better customer service, with faster turnaround, at a lower cost.”
The new Speedmaster XL 106 press, which reaches peak performance speeds of 18,000 sheet per hour, was also targeted for its ability to deliver faster turn times. Automatic plate handlers enable rapid plate hanging while an in-line color management system provides on-the-fly measurement and control of both color and registration.
With high energy efficiency and reduced ink and paper waste, the Speedmaster XL 106 is considered the most eco-friendly machine in its class. According to Heslin, the company expects to cut their number of make-ready sheets in half.
Seaway’s last offset press, purchased in 2008, had reached production capacity. A niche manufacturer, Seaway Printing serves the growing short- and medium-run book and publication markets, including magazines, journals, and the music publishing industry.
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Seaway Printing Company is a short- and medium-run book and publication printer based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Established in 1884, the award-winning printer specializes in books, booklets, manuals and publications for associations, publishers and manufacturers.