MILWAUKEE – Visual Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of book components, overhead transparencies and ancillary products for educational publishers, has recently expanded its printing capabilities with a new six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster. The state-of-the-art $2 million+ press from Germany is one of the only presses like it in the United States. It allows the company to print unique, high-impact work faster and at a lower cost to customers. The Speedmaster also gives Visual Systems the ability to handle larger production runs with shorter lead times. “The new press solidifies our leadership position in the production of high-end book components, transparencies and related products,” said Mike Humber, operations manager for Visual Systems. “Thanks to the Speedmaster, we can offer customers unique capabilities that no other printer in the country can offer, including the ability to print on a broad range of substrates ranging from flimsy papers and plastic sheets to stiff boards like cardboard.” The Speedmaster increases Visual Systems’ ability to efficiently handle the production of large-volume printed products. Visual Systems, which will potentially generate an estimated 100 percent of additional book cover business with the press as well as an overall increase of transparency capacity, can produce more than 13,000 sheets per hour. The press brings a new level of automation to Visual Systems’ pressroom with its major functions monitored and controlled digitally by Heidelberg’s press operating system. This system allows the press to be set and run from a single console. As a result, only one pressman is needed to operate the press, therefore cutting the cost for the customer. Another feature of the Heidelberg Speedmaster is its closed loop color-measuring system, which can distinguish even the subtlest differences in color intensity on printed page proofs. This capability ensures VSI customers receive specified colors at the highest possible quality. Visual Systems’ new press also offers more coating options with its multi-purpose, in-line coating unit. This unit gives customers the option of enhancing the durability and appearance of their printed pieces as the pieces are protected against wear-and-tear. “With all that has been going on with the economy, VSI has been fortunate to continuously provide our customers with cutting-edge printing solutions,” said Humber. “We’re always looking for new ways to enhance our printed pieces, and with the Speedmaster, there are endless possibilities.” In an effort to educate customers about the Heidelberg Speedmaster press, Visual Systems is currently scheduling appointments with those interested in discovering the benefits of the press and its various applications. For more information, or to schedule a personal tour, call Jeff Burg at (414) 464-8333 or e-mail [email protected]. For details about Visual Systems’ full range of printing services, please call (414) 464-8333 or visit the Internet at www.visualsystemsinc.com.