The event marks the commissioning of a new Mitsubishi DiamondSpirit press, the first on the island of the flexible 4x1 format which is gaining popularity over ‘conventional’ 4x2 double-width presses.

Ordered in March last year, the new press replaces an older Goss line. It has a cutoff of 546mm and a web width of 1626 mm, configured with two 4/4 towers, two 2/1 towers, four reelstands and a 2:2 double rotary folder. A Mitsubishi press control system includes automated features for ink presetting via a CTP interface, press presetting, automatic dual web tension control, colour register control and Mitsubishi’s DiamondEye Jr colour quality defect detection system.

The plant is also equipped with Mitsubishi’s SPR (splicing preparation robot) operating in conjunction with an AGV system for full automation of reel floor operations.

Saga director Tsunemi Yoshiura says the company had “serious reservations” about the 4x1 concept since 4x2 presses are the industrial standard in Japan. “However, we were fully won over by the 4x1 DiamondSpirit after seeing it in production at Nikkan Sports Printing and in-depth technical discussions,” he says.

Deputy director Takashi Fujito says when the speed indicator reached its maximum of 80,000 cph at the ceremony, “I recalled everything from the kick-off meeting where all related parties for the project gathered”.

A celebration on March 5 marking the completion and start-up of the new press was attended by president of Saga Shimbun Company Seiichiro Nakao, chairman of the ‘Gifu Shimbun’ Mikio Sugiyama, president of the ‘Nishinippon Shimbun’ Takao Kawasaki, and president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Printing & Packaging Machinery Ken Watabe.

Pictured: Applause as the press reaches its rated speed of 80,000 cph (shown as 160,000 cph in double delivery mode).