GPO Adds New Web Press

Installation of a new web press is nearing completion at the U.S. Government Printing Office's Washington, D.C., facility. IPG got a close look at the new Timsons ZMR press during a plant tour on Monday. It will be a significant upgrade over the in-plant's trio of 35-year-old Hantscho webs.

The "Zero Makeready" press contains two plate-changing units. While one job is running, plates can be loaded for the next one, so that when the first job ends, the unit with the new plate can be quickly engaged. As a result, jobs with short counts can be run at high speeds, with minimal waste—less than 40 copies between runs.

To prepare for the heavy new press, the plant floor had to be strengthened, and a hole was cut into the outside walls of the building for delivery. The press was lifted to the second floor via crane in September. The press is scheduled to begin live production in January.