Government Publishing Office Invests in Muller Martini

For investing in the right tools and technologies, applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and modernizing its operation, the Government Publishing Office (GPO) recently received the In-plant Graphics’ In-plant Innovator Award. Muller Martini provided the nomination in recognition of the agency’s continued efforts to increase production efficiencies.

"The GPO is committed to strengthening our organizational foundation by implementing best practices in technologies to allow us to improve our processes, reduce costs and increase the value we deliver to our customers," says Gregg Estep, GPO deputy managing director. "The critical pillars to our success are people and technology, fiscal responsibility and maintaining industry certifications.”

Among its accomplishments, the GPO developed a new composition system based on XML data standard and implemented a manufacturing workflow system and warehouse management system. In addition, the GPO modernized its facility by installing a new high-speed zero makeready press and a high-speed Muller Martini binding line that will feature two Bolero perfect binders. This equipment replaces three binding lines that were installed more than 30 years ago, reducing costs while also freeing up production space.

Targeted at the medium-performance range, Muller Martini’s versatile Bolero features full automation, large product size range, shortest changeover times and high net outputs, even with demanding products. It can be used for production of perfect bound books, magazines and catalogs, as well as for the manufacture of book blocks for case binding.

GPO Director Davita Vance-Cooks joined her staff to accept the award. She remarked, “I am proud that our modernization efforts in the plant have been recognized by the printing and publishing industry. GPO continues to seek out equipment and technologies that will be more efficient and cost-effective for the work we do for Congress and Federal agencies.”

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with In-plant Graphics. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of IPG.