The newly-merged manroland Goss web systems has sold a German-designed Lithoman heatset press to a US printer.

New England speciality printer Bradford & Bigelow signed for the 48-page press at Print18 in Chicago as part of a development which includes a 4650 m2 pressroom extension.

President John Galligan says the advanced technology of the Lithoman makes 70 per cent of existing web presses in North America obsolete: "The 48-page Lithoman will enhance the productivity and capacity of our existing sheetfed, digital, and web press platform with increased quality, speed, and significantly lower waste."

The press is one of several planned for the updated facility, and includes full automated inline controls registration, cut-off and density. A DynaChange imprint function - which uses only the blanket cylinders of engaged printing units - allows faster production with fully automated plate changes.

Executive vice president Rick Dunn says the systems fit into the company's role as a best-in-class print facility. "As an ISO9001:2015 and G7 certified supplier, we measure twice and cut once, and these tools are the next step in maintaining our technological excellence," he says.

Pictured (from left): Rick Dunn, marketing manager Emily Kotecki, John Galligan, manroland Goss web systems chief executive Alex Wasserman, marketing manager Denise Lease, and sales vice president Jason Elliott