Fairfax switches on its new Fujifilm Krause plate lines

The major project to take the newspaper plant to Fujifilm CTP has proved a triumph for industry specialist Warren Hinder, who claims the changeover has gone without a hitch.

“This is the first round with another ten platesetters to go [two in Newcastle and eight in New Zealand]. The blokes at Chullora will have all four running by the end of the week,” he said.

The four plate lines provide Fairfax with substantial back up. The intention is to run three at all times with one held in reserve.

The landmark contract, one of the biggest wins of the year, will see Fujifilm supply all of Fairfax’s plate requirements, which at the Chullora site averages around 100,000 plates per month.

The installation occurred at the same time as the Fujifilm took ownership of its Australasia Graphic Systems from IPP’s GSA. The move involved relocation to the company’s headquarters in Brookvale on Sydney’s northern beaches. Despite some temporary hiccups in logistics, Peter Carrigan, general manager, is pleased with the way the division is settling in its new home.

“It’s been a major move and there were some challenging moments. It took a lot of hard work but we’re now up to speed and in a position to provide all our customers with an even better service,” he said.

Revelling in the back up provided by a large corporation, Carrigan and his team, have their sights set on some large contracts. “It’s very different working for a large company, but you know they are serious about making a success of the business.”