Japs Olson of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is reaping the benefits of its newly installed Speedmaster XL 106-6+LYY-P-6+L from Heidelberg. With the XL 106 LPL (Print, Coat, Perfect, Print, Coat) configuration, Japs Olson has seen increased efficiency and faster makeready times thanks to its ability to coat both sides of a job in a single pass at maximum speeds. Replacing the older Speedmaster SM 102 at Japs Olson, the Speedmaster XL 106 has already made a huge impact in increased productivity only 2 months after installation. With maximum production speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour, the peak performance press can handle a wide range of substrates from 27 lb. offset to 32 pt. board. “Our customers require high quality products with lots of colors,” said Bob Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Japs Olson. “The XL 106 is exciting because it’s a 12-color press and allows us to print on both sides. Our customers are now receiving their beloved colorful pieces with industry-leading quality at an incredible speed.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Sheridan is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to employee development and industry innovation. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Joe Dunlap, Sheridan’s Director of Training and Development, the company has been awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Fast Forward program through Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development to implement an accelerated training program at its Wisconsin facilities in Random Lake and Stevens Point. The grant will fund a next-level initiative designed to “fast-track” 40 employees into skilled press and binder roles within an accelerated timeline of approximately 12 months. Traditionally, these career paths take four to six years to complete. With this new program, participants will achieve their goals in roughly one year, significantly reducing the time required to gain advanced skills and certifications. This innovative program is an extension of Sheridan Academy, the company’s comprehensive training and development platform developed and led by Joe Dunlap. Sheridan Academy was established to provide employees with opportunities to grow their careers, enhance their skills, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.

Citing two new white papers from the Printing Industries of America, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) finds new technology when driven by the automation of processes like “Push to Stop” provides a direct link to enhanced productivity and maximum profitability. The two white papers, published by Dr. Ronnie H. Davis, PIA’s Chief Economist, focus on the roles that productivity and costs play in a printer’s overall profitability. Davis argues lowering manufacturing costs is the main way to boost profits. In fact, a 1% decrease in costs equates to a 34% increase in profits based on the industry-wide average of 2% profit. The reports show the wide profit gap ($13 for every $100 Job) between profit leaders in the printing industry and those with profit potential (Figure 1). This gap, Davis attributes, is a direct result of the reduction of manufacturing costs by the profit leaders through investment in new, technologically advanced equipment. According to PIA’s studies, customers who invest in new technology, “save more than two employees per million dollars in sales.” Click Read More below for additional information.