Harmsworth Quays, the worlds largest flexo newspaper plant, has reaffirmed it commitment to the process with a 55m investment in KBA Courier presses over five years.


The plant produces over 2m copies a day of Associated Newspapers Daily Mail, Evening Standard, Metro and Mail on Sunday titles on 220 printing couples.


However, when completed in 2006, the KBA Courier press line will comprise eight folders in a 5/5 system, 64 automatic reel-stands and 320 printing couples. Harmsworth Quays could extend this to 352.


The programme, which involves the installation of new, additional and replacement presses, is scheduled to begin next month and is designed so that the plant will not lose colour or page capacity.


Harmsworth Quays managing director John Bird said: The investment represents our belief that KBA can best meet the demanding press requirements needed to print the enhanced product together with the confidence of Associated. Above all it is a vote of confidence in the flexo process.


When Harmsworth Quays installed eight KBA Couriers in 1988 it was KBAs largest ever order.


The KBA Courier has a maximum web width of 1,680mm and a maximum output of 40,000 cylinder revolutions per hour, which produces 80,000 copies per hour in straight production. The four-colour flexo technology uses water-based inks.


KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp said: Were delighted with the continued trust and confidence at Harmsworth Quays in our Courier lines.


Story by John Davies