Manroland Sheetfed Unveils Printing Evolution

It’s not often that a popping-style street dancer and a billionaire are the opening acts for a printing press, but that only goes to show that Manroland Sheetfed knows how to put on a show.

There’s no doubt that the 750 customers and prospects from roughly 40 countries were floored by the ROLAND 700 Evolution event that took place at Manroland Sheetfed’s headquarters in Offenbach am Main, Germany, in November. The Evolution was spawned from the same platform as the 700 Direct Drive and 700 HS—which were also on display—boasting nine technological advancements in the process.

While the dancing exploits of Mr. Poppin’ Boots, resplendent with red bowler hat and white mask, offered a little flash to the introduction of the ROLAND 700 Evolution, it was the appearance of Tony Langley that drew more oohs and aahs. Langley, the chairman and CEO of Langley Holdings—of which Manroland Sheetfed is a wholly owned subsidiary—ambled to the stage and delivered a brief, but powerful, message to the European gathering.

“Three years ago, some said Manroland is finished. They were wrong,” Langley said. “Three years ago, some said Manroland is not investing in R&D. They were wrong. And three years ago, someone said that Langley was only going to be here for a short time. (But) I can tell you I am here for the long-term.”

Visitors were given tours of the manufacturing and assembly shops at Manroland Sheetfed, as well as the foundry. Attendees were clearly fascinated by seeing each phase of a press’ development. Sean Springett, the company’s marketing manager in the United States and Canada, noted that 130 presses had been manufactured here in 2013.

The highlight of the visit was undoubtably the unveiling of the ROLAND 700 Evolution, which builds upon the ROLAND 700 HS and ROLAND 700 Direct Drive while adding a smart, sleek look. But a lion’s share of the excitement can be found inside the machine.

Among the enhancements: a newly designed central console with touchscreen control; a new feeder pile transport that cuts down on waste; and new suction belt sheet-handling technology for a more even pile contour. The press, which has new dampening units, boasts bearings that reduce vibration and—when used with sophisticated software for practice-oriented roller washing cycles—reduce downtime.

TripleFlow inking unit, intelligent speed compensation for inking and dampening units, and effective anti-ghosting solutions are among the other new features offered in the 18,000 sheets/hr. Evolution.