New Press, CTP for Oklahoma's State Printer

Ten months ago, the aging, largely analog Central Printing Division at the Oklahoma Department of Central Services (DCS), struggled to produce high-value color print and finishing work.

“It was more than a challenge to be competitive and meet production deadlines,” recalls Mark Dame, director of Central Printing.

Because it conducts its business as a self-funded government program, Central Printing often competes with some of Oklahoma City’s best commercial printers. For this reason, Central Printing’s team of 24 employees knew the time had come for their shop to invest in new equipment and modernize its processes—or face demise. After much research and discussion, the Oklahoma City-based in-plant purchased a new four-color, six-up Ryobi 784XL-P perfector press, along with an automated Presstek 450-AL computer-to-plate (CTP) system, plus Presstek workflow and imposition software.

Adding the new equipment quickly proved to be a sound decision. It helped the shop increase revenues by 15 percent over the same time last year and placed makeready times in competitive ranges. In spite of a tough economy, Dame anticipates continued growth based on the premium color jobs Central Printing is now winning, from an order for 400,000 booklets to 150 high-end posters. The department’s work is impressing clients for both its quality and price.

“The new equipment provides Central Printing with the potential to double its productivity,” explains John Richard, director of the Department of Central Services. “Capabilities of the new press, coupled with the expertise of our Central Printing personnel, enable DCS to improve services to state agencies with quality, professional printing services at competitive prices.”

Prior to purchasing the new equipment, Central Printing’s print production was primarily performed on a pair of two-color Heidelberg MO presses that were nearing the end of their service lives. Dame and his team, working within a tight budget, knew that a 40? press was not attainable and that a two-up or four-up press was too small. After careful study, the six-up, 23x31?, four-color press with perfector was chosen as the best match.

The press delivers key technology advances that enable the shop to make smarter use of its labor and assure top quality. Efficiency and print quality features include paper presets on the feeder and delivery, impression and ink presets, an auto spectrophotometer, plus auto blanket and roller cleaning.

An important consideration in choosing the Ryobi is the intensive training, service and post-installation support from Central Printing’s local dealer, Image Works of Oklahoma, led by veteran graphics specialist Jon McGhee and technician Scott Stuhr. Four xpedx press technicians also played a key role.

“xpedx and Image Works weren’t just going to sell us a press and move on to the next sale,” says Dame. “We knew they were committed to every aspect of our success.”