S&G latest to up turnaround times with CutStar

News by

03 October 2002

Stephens & George (S&G) Magazines has made over 1.3m impressions on its new B1 eight-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster with CutStar sheeter in its first eight days of operation.

S&G group managing director Andrew Jones said there had been no problems running reels rather than sheets. The press’ extended delivery area, which is 75cm longer than standard, also increased the speed at the back end, he added.

The press, which replaces a five-year-old eight-colour Heidelberg, features an image control system and CIP3 link to pre-press.

"Ever since the advent of CTP, prices and turnaround times have been squeezed," added Jones. "This gives us the edge back."

S&G Magazines handles over 220 titles and is just completing its shift to a 100% digital operation. It has two Agfa Galileo VXT platesetters, the first of which was installed in July 2000.

Jones said that the 205-staff S&G group was on target for sales of £15.5m this year, which is up on last year but equivalent to 2000. But he said margins had held up, adding: "We are prepared to lose business as opposed to giving it all away."

Story by Gordon Carson