1st 80-page heatset web press in Australia powers up AIW

Melbourne-based commercial printer adds to its line-up with a new Goss Sunday 4000 press.

The massive metal takes its place with five other Sunday presses, which were formerly Heidelberg-badged machines now transferred to Goss ownership. The new double circumference press uses the unique gapless blanket technology that makes it fastest in its class.

According to Peter Clark, CEO of AIW Printing the drive behind the purchase is to “further enhance our capability and efficiency. AIW Printing employs the absolute latest in technology and automation available in prepress, press and finishing. Our latest investment in the Goss Sunday 4000 press reflects this philosophy and will ensure that we continue to deliver the highest levels of print quality, productivity and efficiency.”

Dismissing concerns about the perceived excess capacity in the highly competitive sector he referred to the growth rates of paper imports for heat set web over the past five year. “Our customers are very successful and we’ve been able to grow with them,” he said.

The seven-year old Springvale company now claims it ranks fourth behind PMP, IPMG and Franklin Web in terms of heat set web tonnage. The new 80-page press is a giant leap over the previously largest press in the country, PMP’s 64-page MAN Roland Lithomans.

AIW also maintains it is the ‘greenest’ printer in the sector, citing such initiatives as the collection of rain water from it seven-eight acre rooftop as well as it’s pioneering work in introducing 100 per cent recycled paper for catalogues and magazines. “We recycle everything,” said Peter Clark.

AIW is recognized as being one of the most automated press operations in the world, employing sophisticated workflows and robotics in its post press department. Further automation will accompany the new press, “ front end, back end, everywhere,” according to Peter Clark.