Independent Italian publisher SEV (Società Editoriale Varesina) of Varese will install a Goss Uniliner two-around press with a unique 3x2 cylinder configuration later this year. The press will provide the company with 50 percent more pages from a single web.

The new 3x2 Uniliner press for SEV will be used principally to print the company's flagship title La Prealpina, a tabloid daily with several editions circulated in the region of Lombardy, northern Italy. The newspaper has seen a growing demand for color as well as a requirement to run up to 72 pages, with 24 in full color for special editions. According to the publisher, the modularity and versatility of the Uniliner model and the characteristics of this unique configuration provide a greater range of production options, while ensuring simplicity of operation.

"Despite the recent recession, our advertisers are demanding more and more color," comments Daniela Bramati, SEV publisher. "We need to meet their demands, but with a solution that is both economical and practical. We are very pleased with the 'out-of-the-box' thinking provided by Goss International and their attention to detail in analyzing our requirements."

The Goss Uniliner press will replace a Super Gazette that currently delivers a maximum of 48 pages, with only six in color. Jennifer N'Guyen, Goss International sales manager for Italy and Portugal, explains that the new configuration has a number of significant advantages for La Prealpina.

"Conventional configurations are not ideal for this pagination and the 450 x 310 mm (17.7 x 12.2 inches) product size," according to N'Guyen. "To get 72 pages, a single-width, one-around press would require nine webs, creating a large footprint and pressure to increase the size of the existing press crew. A double-width, two-around solution would need five webs, each with a width of 1800mm (70.9 inches). In addition to the wasted capacity of an 80-page press, this scenario would mean a whole new learning curve for production staff."

To avoid these challenges, Goss International worked closely with the production team at SEV to develop the unique 3x2 Uniliner solution. This cylinder configuration creates a 50 percent increase in pagination from a single web, enabling a two-tower press with three splicers to deliver the required 72 tabloid pages with the option to run up to 24 pages in full color. The result is an extremely compact solution, which is easy to operate and has the flexibility to cope with any number of pagination requirements.

"The versatility was crucial for SEV," continues N'Guyen. "As well as the daily paper, the press will print semi-commercial jobs and will be equipped with a special folder arrangement that enables production of 310 x 310 mm (12.2 x 12.2 inches) square products from 32 to 96 pages. It will also allow SEV to produce a tabloid of up to 48 pages with a height varying from 300 to 450 mm (11.8 x 17.7 inches). In other words, this will be a very versatile press that will go much beyond what a standard newspaper press can offer."

To optimize its investment, SEV will open a new plant in Borsano, close to Milan, to house the new Goss Uniliner press.

"La Prealpina was founded in 1888 and has continued to grow and adapt over that time to remain relevant and important to the people of this region," states Bramati. "This latest investment is part of that continuing commitment to maintain a strong voice for Lombardy, and from next year it will have more color, more vibrancy and more opportunities for our advertisers."