Hudson, NH – Presstek, Inc., a leading supplier of digital offset printing solutions to the printing and communications industries, reports that Canadian printing company Impressions Alliance 9000 has successfully expanded its short run printing capability by adding a Presstek 52DI-AC digital offset press. Located in Amqui in the Canadian province of Quebec, Impressions Alliance 9000 is a non-profit company whose mission is to provide jobs for people living with a disability. The company was founded in the early 1980s as a refurbisher of auto parts before making a strategic shift into the printing business a decade later, at which time it was offering finishing and book binding services. In 1997, Impressions Alliance 9000 acquired two local printing companies and became a fully integrated printing business.

"Today, Impressions Alliance 9000 produces calendars, diaries and marketing collateral for a range of customers including large financial institutions in Quebec," said Stéphane Jean, Impressions Alliance 9000's general manager. "The company has annual revenues of CAD 4.5 million with 203 employees, 70% of whom are living with a disability. Adding the Presstek 52DI-AC to our production platform better aligns us with today's market requirements and ensures that we are well-positioned to continue fulfilling our mission."

Keeping pace with technological change

Impressions Alliance 9000 was dependent upon its two Komori 28" x 20" two-color offset presses to meet its print production needs. "We began to see a strong shift in market demand toward shorter runs," explains Stéphane Jean, "and we knew that our existing equipment wasn't up to the challenge. In early 2008, we began investigating a possible investment in digital printing, which we believed was the best way to meet emerging market needs as well as to open new business opportunities. We specifically needed a digital press that could produce 1,000 to 5,000 copies of a direct mail piece at a competitive price without compromising quality. We also needed to print on a large variety of media, from ultra-thin paper to thick cover stock."

After an extensive investigation into available solutions, Impressions Alliance 9000 narrowed its choice to two presses in the 52 cm class: Presstek's 52DI-AC and a competing waterless offset press. "A major consideration in our selection of the Presstek 52DI-AC was its chemistry-free on-press platemaking," explains Stéphane Jean. "This was a major advantage for Presstek, since our prepress department was not equipped to produce waterless offset plates and we did not want to invest in an additional platemaker. Of course, the 52DI's superior print quality and lower cost of ownership were critical decision factors as well."

Intuitive Operation

Impression Alliance 9000's Presstek 52DI-AC digital offset press with in-line aqueous coating was installed in March 2010. Within two weeks, the unit was fully functional and user training was complete. Two weeks later, the company was in full production with its new 52DI-AC. "We were particularly satisfied with Presstek's support in the early stages," Stéphane Jean said. "We were impressed with the level of skill and expertise of the Presstek technical staff. Thanks to their commitment and support, combined with the very short learning curve required to operate the press, we were in production earlier than expected."

Alliance 9000 is now in a position to offer high quality print work in short to medium runs with very short notice and at a competitive price, something its customers have been quick to take advantage of. "We have strengthened our relationship with our customers, increasing our business with existing customers and gaining new customers as well. That's what a clever investment can do for you," Stéphane Jean concludes.

Presstek DI Makes a Difference

Presstek DI digital offset presses image chemistry-free plates on press in precise register. With a DI press, a digital file is sent directly to the press without the use of traditional offset or computer-to-plate processes. Automated press settings ensure high quality consistently throughout the run without significant operator intervention. With the 52DI-AC, a print shop can go from digital file to sellable sheet in as little as ten minutes. In addition, its waterless printing process ensures that printed sheets dry quickly and at the highest quality even with heavy ink coverage.

Presstek DI digital offset presses are available in three basic models: the recently launched Presstek 75DI, the Presstek 52DI and the Presstek 34DI. The 75DI and 52DI offer an inline aqueous coating option.