The start-up of the KBA Rapida 105 at Modintryckoffset in Stockholm at the beginning of March 2012 marked the Scandinavian premiere for this new generation of a globally proven medium-format press series, which is now based on the same platform as makeready world champion Rapida 106. Running at speeds up to 16,500 sph and with the CX board-handling package, it has joined a five-colour model from the earlier Rapida 105 universal series.

The new Rapida 105 celebrated its official unveiling at the All in Print China trade show in November last year. The first presses were then delivered in December. The print company in Stockholm is thus one of the early users benefiting from the significantly upgraded performance and automation.

Modin + Tryckoffset = Modintryckoffset
The four-colour version chosen by Modintryckoffset has been configured with fully automatic FAPC plate changers, CleanTronic combi washing systems for the blankets and impression cylinders, the online colour measurement and control system KBA DensiTronic and LogoTronic workflow integration.

Modintryckoffset was founded by Göran Lindman and Göran Schirmer. In 2004, they decided to merge their existing businesses and bundled resources at new premises on Liljeholmsvägen in the centre of Stockholm. The production space totalling 1,200 m² includes adequate reserves for further growth. The 23 employees recorded a turnover of around 40 million Swedish kronor (approx. €4.5 million) in 2011.

Growth through performance
After starting out with various second-hand presses from Heidelberg, manroland and Mitsubishi, the two partners planned their first new investment in 2007. Soon after their visit to the KBA customer centre in Radebeul, a five-colour Rapida 105 universal went into production in Stockholm. The widely acclaimed substrate flexibility of Rapida presses also enabled the first steps to be taken in the packaging segment, alongside the already flourishing commercial print. Within just a short time, Modintryckoffset built up a reputation as a top address for quality products. In addition to offset, the company portfolio in the meantime includes also digital print and diverse post-press services.

Modintryckoffset counts leading film companies, insurance companies, trade unions, pharmaceuticals manufacturers, and representatives of the oil and automobile industries among its customers. The products supplied range from posters, via flyers and brochures to annual reports and books.

Positive experience with KBA
The experience gained with the Rapida 105 universal and the good relationship with the Swedish office of KBA-Nordic convinced Göran Lindman and Göran Schirmer to place their faith in a second Rapida to realise expansion plans in 2011.

Göran Lindman: “When we signed the contract for the new press, we had no idea that a new Rapida 105 model was already on the doorstep. But all the better that we can now benefit from the innovations implemented in the new press. It is fast, reliable and flexible, and it is thus ideal to handle our present job structure with lots of shorter runs averaging between 3,000 and 4,000 copies. At the same time, we have no problems delivering longer runs even at short notice.”

Göran Schirmer is similarly optimistic for the future: “Despite the slight recession in the Swedish economy, we have maintained our market position and are now targeting an increase in turnover from currently 40 to soon 42 or 43 million kronor with the new Rapida 105. The new press takes the performance of the previous model yet another step forward and will very quickly pay back the investment.”

Rapida 106 for nearby Imprima
Just before the new Rapida 105 arrived at Modintryckoffset, an eight-colour Rapida 106 was installed at Litografia Alfaprint (today operating under the new name Imprima) in Solna near Stockholm. Imprima is an established system service provider for visual communication and uses the “big sister” of the new Rapida 105 to print its most sophisticated products.

The highly automated 18,000 sph perfector press incorporates all the essential technical features of the makeready world champion: Sidelay-free DriveTronic SIS infeed, DriveTronic SPC plate cylinder direct drive, DriveTronic Plate Ident, ErgoTronic ACR, QualiTronic ColorControl, DensiTronic and LogoTronic professional. With Modintryckoffset and Imprima, KBA boasts two top-flight references in the Stockholm region.

Interesting website: www.modintryckoffset.se