The half-format press was for most visitors one of the eye-catchers when unveiled to the Middle East trade public at the Gulf Print fair in Dubai at the beginning of April. Local printers Tellurian Publication House, on the other hand, were already well informed, and could hardly wait to get to work on their new five-colour Rapida 75 coater. The press was subsequently delivered directly from the exhibition centre to the company headquarters on the Al Quoz commercial estate.

Director Elie Zakka and his production manager were in Düsseldorf last year and hoped to find the right press to strengthen their machinery base among the drupa exhibits. Attracted by the many innovations of the new KBA sheetfed offset generation, they were actually considering a medium-format perfector as the answer to the company's occasional capacity bottlenecks.

Flash decision – but no regrets
But time was pressing, and it was imperative to make the decision on a faster, better and more efficient press than the existing means of production as quickly as possible. Elie Zakka has still not fully abandoned his medium format plans, but is nevertheless delighted to have found an ideal solution for the current production needs in the Rapida 75.
 
Tellurian Publication House was founded in 2000 and is today one of the most respected print companies in Dubai. The 125 employees have earned a first-class reputation for the company as a full-service provider in the fields of print, bookbinding and publishing. Tellurian Publication House serves a broad spectrum of clients not only in the United Arab Emirates, but also in many other countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, and counts banks, advertising agencies, financial services, ministries, schools, real estate companies and the pharmaceuticals branch among its customers.
 
Exclusive product range
The company's speciality is its own line of customised diaries, which are produced in the most varied formats and styles. The well-versed teams in the design, print and finishing departments are similarly sought-after partners when it comes to books, catalogues, calendars, posters, brochures, magazines and annual reports. The word 'crisis' has thus so far remained a foreign word for Elie Zakka and Alta Brown, as the order books are still well-filled.
 
Geared up for the coming boom
The busiest season in Dubai runs from October to December, and Tellurian is perfectly equipped to handle the boom with its KBA Rapida 75. Elie Zakka: "We print jobs of between 100 and over 200,000 copies. The speed, fast makeready and ease of operation of the Rapida press are precisely what is needed. We will even be able to handle those last-minute jobs which typically arrive one day before Christmas. We are certain that our Rapida 75 will help us to satisfy our customers with attractive printed products and reliable delivery scheduling."