KENNESAW, Ga., August 25, 2003 – Heidelberg will demonstrate its GATF Intertech Award-winning ST 400 Saddle Stitching system at Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2003. This innovative and automated system will stitch high-quality finished calendars as the final step in Heidelberg’s demonstration of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Heidelberg’s theme for the show, “Connect/Create,” illustrates the benefits of a connected workflow. At this year’s show, Heidelberg will bring a six-pocket with cover feeder to demonstrate the latest in stitching technology and highlight the equipment’s ability to integrate into digital workflow systems. Marking its one-year anniversary since its debut at Graph Expo 2002, the ST 400’s results have been outstanding and installations continue to grow because of its strong performance. Recently awarded a 2003 GATF Intertech Award for quality and performance, the ST 400 marks a groundbreaking leap in technology for commercial printers and trade binders interested in maximizing output in their finishing departments. "Exceeding our customer’s expectations is one of our top priorities and with the ST 400 we have improved our finishing department’s quality and output,” notes Mark Deffenbaugh, vice president of operations at Original Smith Printing, who nominated the ST 400 for the award. “Recently we stitched and trimmed seven separate books in a single day. We could never have completed or attempted that size project in such a short amount of time in the past.” Capable of producing 14,000 pieces an hour, the ST 400’s precise cover feeder system automatically maintains thickness in the spines and perfect inline folding. The ST 400 features enable customers to limit make ready times and increase production through an automated system complete with servo-driven mobile feeders and automatic format presetting abilities. “The job memory capability is one of the biggest benefits of owning the ST 400. With the ability to store old job make-readies, we can interrupt jobs in progress to run new ones in just minutes,” according to Charles Vaughan, owner of Vaughan Printing. “I first noticed the ST 400 Saddle Stitcher at the Heidelberg booth at the Graph Expo Show in 2002. We were drawn to the advanced technology, phenomenal features and overall simplicity for the operators to use.” An advanced touch screen control system along with drum and cover feeder incorporate the latest in format presetting for book spine assembly, sheet length and sheet width to ensure synchronization and safety. To improve performance, Heidelberg incorporated a new vertical transfer station with automatic adjustment to provide trimmer infeed and perfect spine down alignment. A new type of gathering chain and the ability to store information of all old job data, make the ST 400 the most innovative saddle stitcher on the market. “The ST 400 represents the latest in cutting-edge technology Heidelberg offers in the post-press product sector,” said Steven Calov, post-press product manager. “We are excited to have the opportunity to demonstrate once again the systems capabilities to the Graph Expo visitors and everyone else in attendance.” Located in booth #1000, Heidelberg will demonstrate 10 presses, finishing equipment and a variety of technology solutions as once again the largest exhibitor at Graph and Converting Expo.