Wake Forest, N.C. - Freedom Communications has selected Southern Lithoplate digital solutions for producing high-quality newspapers and commercial projects within its nationwide print network. When the information and entertainment company based in Irvine, Calif., wanted a company-wide upgrade of its prepress and pressroom solutions, Southern Lithoplate became the logical partner. The recently completed, six-month conversion initiative resulted in Viper 830, Cobra 830, and Tiger V digital solutions as Freedom Communications' choice of CtP consumables.

According to Mark McEachen, COO/CFO, "Our partnership with Southern Lithoplate has contributed to a significant reduction in our ongoing prepress and press cost structure." McEachen added, "The expertise of Southern Litho's people, as well as their products and services, will be a valuable part of our production mix moving forward."

Working closely with Freedom Communications to identify production needs at the various printing locations, Southern Lithoplate assembled site-specific packages of systems and equipment. Fully integrated production lines contained thermal and violet CtP solutions.

"Southern Lithoplate remains committed to newspapers, despite the unsettled marketplace," stated Steve Mattingly, vice president of sales and marketing. "While rising paper costs and decreasing ad revenues continue to impact our newspaper partners, we are stepping up our commitment to cost-effective prepress and pressroom products, support and solutions."

Mattingly added that a growing number of commercial printing operations in the United States and Canada are migrating to Southern Lithoplate products. As the industry wrestles with economic challenges that plague printers and vendors alike, he added, "Printing companies cite lowest cost of ownership, increased production efficiency, enhanced print quality and 24/7/365 service and support as reasons for switching to Southern Lithoplate solutions."