Tags: Kodak Versamark

* Newspaper production in Malta goes digital with KODAK Technology and gains support of leading European publishers

Malta-based Miller Newsprint Ltd has gone into production shortly after installing a KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System. Miller Newsprint Ltd is part of the Miller Malta Group and a major shareholder in Newsfax International, London, UK – the UK’s largest independent newspaper contract printer.  The company’s newspaper and magazine business division currently distributes more than 2,500 daily, weekly and monthly titles, and regards media distribution as its core activity. The investment in the VL4200 Printing System will enable early morning delivery of titles from around the world, providing an anticipated 50% increase in daily sales volume.

CEO Malcolm Miller states: “Our investment in the VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System means we can print newspapers digitally and radically change newspaper production and distribution in Malta. A key part of this investment is our relationship with Kodak – the company’s support and commitment have been superb.”

There is a large UK and international population in Malta, both tourist and resident. Previously, Miller Distributors  used airfreight to transport newspaper titles. But by printing the titles digitally on the island using the VL4200 System, Miller Newsprint can provide a range of popular newspapers ready for distribution at dawn each morning. Miller continues: “The KODAK Technology means we can supply newspapers around the clock to more than 1,000 outlets across the Maltese Islands.” To date some 6,000 copies a day are being printed on the VL4200 and Miller will be increasing both the volume and number of titles in the coming months.

Daily European newspapers for travellers from around the world

Miller Newsprint Ltd prints, distributes and delivers major global brands, such as The Financial Times, The Economist, Time, Newsweek, and National Geographic, together with most of the UK national press, including those printed or just about to start on the VL4200 which includes the following titles: the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Sunday Mirror, Star, The Financial Times, Daily and Sunday Express, People, The Daily Mirror, The Daily and Sunday Telegraph.  Miller Newsprint operates 24 x 7 to meet the demands of each publication. The Group  has a retail arm with outlets across Malta, including five outlets at Malta International Airport and bookstores, other kiosks and convenience stores across the islands.  The company also hand delivers newspapers to hotels, offices and individual homes around the islands.

The move from web offset flown copies to digital printing is a big step forward for Miller Newsprint: “Travellers from around the world expect to find their daily newspaper here,” continues Miller. “With the VL4200, we’ve the capacity to increase the number of titles available and provide a wider choice. We can print tomorrow’s newspaper and have it ready for distribution by dawn.”

“The VL4200 is the most cost effective on the market, and always delivers excellent quality – the first copy and the last are always perfect.”

Reducing carbon footprint

Another great advantage of printing newspapers locally is that Miller Newsprint reduces its carbon footprint, as newspapers no longer need to be flown in daily. “The VL4200 has given us the option to change the way we do things – digital technology is the way forward,” says Miller. “With the easy transfer of PDF files and digital printing systems like the VL4200, newspapers can now be printed locally for a global market. If the whole industry moved in this direction, it would be a massive boost for the environment.”

Miller Newsprint is more than satisfied with the impact of the KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System. “Printing digitally on the island gives publishers more control, the readership a better product, and makes us a far more environmentally conscious organization,” says Miller.

“We’re delighted with the support we’ve received from major publishing houses. There is already talk of using Kodak’s Newspaper Technology and adopting a similar printing strategy in up to six other locations in Europe.”

The KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System operates at 125 meters per minute (410 feet per minute) at a resolution of 600×360 dpi. It comes with a range of productivity-boosting features, such as continuous ink replenishment during production so that jobs can run continuously.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals spanning more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.

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(Kodak and Versamark are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.)