Bavarian group Straubinger Tagblatt/Landshuter Zeitung is replacing a 20-year-old KBA Journal press with a highly-automated Commander CL from the same maker.

The plant in Landshut prints daily Abendzeitung for Munich,

The 84,000 cph Berliner format double-width press has three towers and a KF3 jaw folder with a 470mm cut-off and 1260 mm web and width includes a high level of automation. Features include automatic plate changers, colour-register, washing systems and inking-unit cleaning, cut-off register and web-edge and web-centre controls.

Two ErgoTronic consoles with optimised start-up and automated run-down, are linked to PressNet for scheduling, presetting and process control, with an interface to the customer’s LMS system.

Turner bar assemblies include half-cover web leads and spadea capabilities, and a second folder – from a previous Journal press – is also being installed.

The press will come on stream in stages next autumn, replacing the 1993 Journal which was extended in 2001.

Straubinger publisher Martin Balle says he still believes in printed newspapers and is convinced the group’s regional titles and the Abendzeitung have a promising future: “The new high-tech press will enable us to enhance the immediacy of Abendzeitung and produce our regional titles in a stunning quality,” he says.

“It will deliver significant gains in terms of productivity, cost efficiency and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of our printed products in the regional media market.

“We shouldn’t simply always complain about the shift in the media market, if you believe in print you have to invest in it. I do this.”

In addition to Landshuter Zeitung, which first appeared in 1849, and the Straubinger Tagblatt founded in 1860, the group publishes 12 local titles for the south-eastern Bavarian region. Online offerings include an e-paper edition and it has interests in local radio and television stations.