Malaysian printer adds KODAK PROSPER 1000 Press to build agile printing powerhouse

Ultimate Print in Malaysia has been using Kodak solutions to power its offset printing operation for more than 25 years, relying on Kodak's workflow, prepress software tools, plates and platesetters. The company, which produces everything from newspapers and magazines to books and general commercial print, began to see a shift toward more personalization and shorter runs for many of its clients. Knowing that digital print would provide a competitive advantage and open new revenue opportunities, Ultimate Print turned to Kodak for its industry-leading solution, the KODAK PROSPER 1000 Press.

With more than 300 employees and annual revenues of $40 million USD, Ultimate Print chose to invest in digital print to help clients better manage operational costs, inventories, and supply chains. The PROSPER 1000 Press enables content owners to print smaller runs as needed while reducing the waste associated with more traditional long run print jobs. The increased demand for a greater number of book titles in smaller quantities also motivated the company to enhance its digital print capabilities.

"Digital printing is very important to the future of our business, but we also remain fully committed to the high standards of quality we have always provided for our clients," said Syamil Fahim Mohamed Fahim, Chief Operating Officer, Kumpulan Media Karangkraf/Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd. "The PROSPER 1000 Press allows us to satisfy our short-run needs while delivering a printed product that is very close to offset quality. And it does so at a cost that is very appealing to our clients when you consider the savings in inventory and logistics."

The KODAK PROSPER 1000 Press is a compact monochrome press that offers one-over-one perfecting with a print width of up to 24.5 inches (62.23 centimeters) at speeds up to 650 feet per minute (200 meters per minute), making it one of the most productive inkjet web presses for 8-, 12-, and 16-page signatures with a duty cycle of 90 million A4 (US letter) pages per month. With its automated Image Quality Management System, the press is capable of print quality that rivals offset output of up to 175 lpi on uncoated substrates ranging from 45 to 175 grams per square meter or 30 to 90 pound text weight. Furthermore, its modular design means that it is easily field upgradeable to full color capability.

Ultimate Print chose Kodak's solution over competitive options based on its experience with Kodak and EP Digital--Kodak's Channel Partner in Malaysia. "We have relied on Kodak's innovative technology and outstanding service as our business has grown, and we know that Kodak is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers," added Syamil.

When asked whether the PROSPER 1000 Press will be used to serve existing clients or draw in new business, Syamil says the investment will allow the company to do both. "We have clients today who want to produce a minimum order quantity of books before they publish to a larger market, and they need a cost-effective way to do that. We also see an opportunity to broaden the number of titles in production by producing books on-demand as orders are received."

Ultimate Print also operates three KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetters, four KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters, while also utilizing KODAK THERMALNEWS GOLD Plates, and KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System to drive its successful offset printing services.

"Ultimate Print is one of the leaders in the print market in Malaysia, faithfully serving a very loyal customer base and pursuing new opportunities for growth," said Kodak's Adrian Fleming, General Manager for Digital Printing Solutions in the Asia Pacific Region. "Around the world, the market is changing, and those who embrace new technology will be well positioned for success in the future. Our KODAK PROSPER Press Platform helps companies such as Ultimate Print stand apart from the competition."