DRUPA, May 29th 2008 – Goss International announced a new Pacesetter saddlestitcher model at drupa and emphasized a relationship that is expanding finishing system options for printers in Europe.

The new full-format Pacesetter 1600 stitcher finishes products from A3 to A5 (digest to tabloid) size at up to 16,000 books per hour. The shaftless system is built on the same patented technology platform as the Pacesetter 2200 stitcher, which was introduced in 2006 for magazine formats. All models are designed for high-productivity applications.  Servo-driven horizontal or vertical hoppers can be easily repositioned within systems or among multiple systems. Additional features include a spine register infeed, vacuum opening and full selective binding and inkjet capabilities.

Goss International has also extended its relationship with Ferag. The Swiss based company now markets and supports Goss saddlestitching technology in Europe, enhancing opportunities to integrate complementary Goss and Ferag components within high productivity saddlestitching and adhesive binding systems.

Ferag is demonstrating Pacesetter technology at its drupa booth in hall 15, pairing the Goss stitcher with its SNT trimmer as part of its new "Pacesetter + ferag …" system.

"We are focused on high net productivity finishing, and printers operating the first new Pacesetter systems routinely achieve throughputs at or near the full rated capacities of 22,000 and 25,000 books per hour," according to Toby Clarke, Goss International vice president for print finishing. "We are confident the Pacesetter 1600 will provide the same capabilities, along with important reliability and ease-of-use advantages."

Clarke says the Goss International and Ferag organizations have proven an ability to provide customers with unique, comprehensive solutions. "Our Universalbinder and Pacesetter technology, enhanced by Ferag components and support, will create new opportunities for us and for our customers in the European market," Clarke says.

Goss International represents Ferag products in North America, where the two companies have worked together on successful, innovative newspaper packaging and commercial print finishing installations since 2005. "The new relationship in Europe builds on this success, opening the door for powerful configurations that combine technology and expertise from the two entities," Clarke concludes.