KENNESAW, Ga., December 16, 2004 – Heidelberg announced today that J & M Finishing, an all-Heidelberg trade binder located in Long Island City, N.Y., recently installed a four-pocket Stitchmaster ST 270 saddlestitcher with cover feeder to increase production and versatility. In order to update J&M Finishing’s equipment with the latest in finishing technology, owner Mike Perreca temporarily replaced an existing six-pocket Stitchmaster ST 90 saddlestitcher with the new ST 270. Perreca plans to re-install the ST 90 in January 2005, when additional space will become available. In addition, Perreca added additional pockets to two machines, making the new ST 270 a five-pocket stitcher and an existing ST 270 a seven-pocket system. “Heidelberg is the first place I call when I need new equipment,” said Perreca. “Ninety-nine times out of 100, the company can fulfill my request with a high-quality piece of machinery that improves my business and makes it more successful.” J&M Finishing is using the new Heidelberg equipment to produce a wide array of high-quality products, including pamphlets, presentation materials and educational booklets for local clients ranging from large commercial printers to small conventional shops. Since the installation in April, the shop has increased its overall production by 33 percent while continuing to deliver quality results to its customers. Heidelberg’s Stitchmaster ST 270, an ergonomically designed saddlestitcher, is manufactured to run a highly diverse range of products and substrates. Speed can range as high as 11,500 cycles per hour, and the ST 270 features a cascade system that guarantees a complete book from start to stop, maximizing production and minimizing waste. In today's changing Postpress environment, where run lengths are shorter and customer demand for quicker turn arounds has increased, Heidelberg is setting the standard in quality and service. Heidelberg takes pride in designing and providing equipment to customers that can be easily prepared and made ready to insure that the Postpress production deadline demands are achieved. “The Stitchmaster ST 270 provides high output and versatility, making it perfect for a mid-size shop that is experiencing growth,” said Steven Calov, Heidelberg product manager, stitching and perfect binding. “With the new stitcher, J & M Finishing is now in a position to expand its capabilities, allowing the shop to service existing customers more efficiently and to bring in new customers.” Founded in 1999, J & M Finishing has been a loyal Heidelberg customer from its inception. The trade bindery uses several pieces of Heidelberg equipment including three B-30 Stahlfolders, a TD-56 Stahlfolder, a Stahl pile-feeder, a POLAR 115 cutter, a POLAR 137 ED cutter, a Stahl 3-hole driller, a Heidelberg perfect binder, an Omni-binder with saddlestitching and a Stahl knife trimmer. Maintaining J&M Finishing’s tradition of housing only Heidelberg equipment, Perreca plans to continue enhancing the shop’s Heidelberg offerings. In early 2005, he plans to purchase the first Eurobind 1000 made in the United States. He also plans to add an additional B-30 Stahlfolder and a B-26 Stahlfolder with hot-melt glue. “Heidelberg played a significant role in the start-up of this shop,” said Perreca. “The company makes it easy to purchase equipment and if any problems arise, service is always quick to respond. Our Heidelberg equipment has most certainly contributed to our success over the years.”