May 9th, 2007 – The Austin American-Statesman has selected integrated technology from Goss International and Ferag to anchor a major upgrade of its packaging facility in Austin, Texas. The newspaper will install two shaftless Goss Magnapak packaging systems along with Ferag UTR press grippers and MultiDisc storage systems with direct-to-pocket technology beginning in mid 2008. The new packaging configuration at the American-Statesman will utilize five Ferag UTR press grippers to carry products from the presses to five Ferag MultiDisc winding systems. The direct-to-pocket technology will then allow products to be fed from the MultiDisc unwinders to four positions on each of the two Magnapak systems. “We are pleased to announce another large-scale U.S. packaging project highlighting our ability to integrate complementary Ferag components,” explains Doug Gibson, Goss International vice president. “This Goss-Ferag product combination continues to provide unique and innovative configuration possibilities for newspapers looking to bring new levels of performance, efficiency and value to their preprint advertising operations.” Gibson notes that U.S. newspapers have ordered a total of 18 Magnapak packaging systems, 28 lines of UTR gripper and four complete MultiDisc storage / buffering systems through 2006 and the first four months of 2007. "We are very excited about this project and our continued partnership with the Austin American-Statesman,” says Joe Colletti, president and CEO of Ferag Americas. “Ferag and Goss International have worked diligently on the technological integration of our equipment and are extremely happy with the results and the industry reaction." Goss International represents Ferag products in the North American market. The twin 38-station Magnapak systems at the American-Statesman will cycle at up to 30,000 papers per hour and be equipped for single- or dual-delivery. Goss Omnicon machine controls will be interfaced with existing supervisory controls. The shaftless design allows the Magnapak technology to excel at automated zoning at full speed. The Ferag MultiDisc systems wind and unwind streams of preprints, supplements or newspaper sections, providing a versatile and mobile option for intermediate storage or for buffering between the press and inserters.