Daily Inter Lake Chem-Free Ready with ECRM MAKO NEWSmatic HS
Newspaper cuts plate makeready time 75% and reduces waste
KALISPELL, MONTANA -- November 6, 2007
In August, ECRM Imaging Systems installed an ECRM MAKO NEWSmatic HS CTP system in the production facilities of the Daily Inter Lake newspaper, a regional daily newspaper serving the Northwest region of Montana. Part of the Hagadone Newspaper Network, the Daily Inter Lake's has a daily circulation of approximately 20,000. The paper also produces several other dailies and outside jobs.
Since the installation of the ECRM MAKO NEWSmatic HS CTP system, the paper has reported a dramatic drop in the amount of time required to prepare plates. It now takes 60 seconds to create a plate, cutting the make-ready time by 75% (from an average of four minutes before with a traditional film system). In addition, print quality and registration are reported by the paper's production manager to be noticeably improved.
Daily Inter Lake Quote
"We have higher print quality and the registration is great," notes production manager Ken Varga. He adds that the newspaper is already saving time and money in all aspects of the production process because the MAKO NEWSmatic HS system is so efficient." Varga expects future benefits as well. "The savings will increase as the newspaper becomes more accustomed to using the new system."
Gearing up for Growth
Varga said the newspaper chose the MAKO NEWSmatic HS model because it wanted to gear up for future growth. "The area the newspaper serves is growing rapidly, and we wanted a CTP system that would be way ahead of our current needs. We did look at all aspects of the MAKO NEWSMatic HS and knew that when the time was right for us to go to a chemical free plate we would be prepared."
Since the HS model can produce plates at 125 plates per hour at 1,016 dpi, Varga pushed for purchase of the ECRM MAKO NEWSmatic HS platesetter because he knew it would give the production department plenty of capacity. "If the area grows quickly," he said, "it will take us three to four years to outgrow the HS."
The Violet CTP Decision
The newspaper had considered making the switch to CTP for several years, but was waiting for technology and prices to match its needs and budget. The fact that the ECRM MAKO NEWSmatic HS uses violet laser technology, a reliable and affordable technology, was a big factor in the newspaper purchase decision. Varga recalled that the newspaper had little problem deciding that violet CTP would be a better solution for its needs than thermal. He noted with a smile, "For what we do, thermal is a little over the top."
About MAKO NEWSmatic HS
The fully automated MAKO NEWSmatic HS provides enhanced levels of simplicity, versatility and economy. Optimized plate handling allows high-production performance of over 120 plates per hour, while a straight-through plate path eliminates complex load/unload cycles. Ideal for all popular single-width newspaper presses (from Berliner to Goss), the MAKO NEWSmatic HS accommodates the widest range of web widths up to a maximum format of 635mm x 927mm (25" x 36.5").
About ECRM
ECRM Imaging Systems is a global leader in imaging technologies for the graphic communications industry. For over three decades ECRM has successfully applied a broad range of optical, imaging, laser, and digital-electronic technologies to meet the business needs of its customers. The Massachusetts-based company has sold and supported more than 5,000 computer-to-plate devices and over 27,000 imagesetters in 110 countries around the world. ECRM's Tewksbury, MA facility is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in research and development, design, manufacturing, service, and support.
Press Contacts
ECRM Headquarters
Jim Luttrell
Marketing Director
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
T: 978-640-2438
E: j_luttrell@ecrm.com
Craig Kevghas
Boston PR Network
T: 978-392-8990
E: news@ecrm.com
