Royal printshop Em. de Jong invests in second 96-page LITHOMAN press from manroland web systems| © manroland web systems

In June 2014, Dutch Princess Laurentien pressed the start button on the first 96-page LITHOMAN at printshop Em. de Jong. The system runs outstandingly and the Dutch have invested in a second high-volume rotary press in Baarle-Nassau. In the first half of 2016, the 96-page LITHOMAN will take up operation and continue to increase the performance in supplement production. “For us as a press manufacturer, repeat purchases are, of course, a fantastic confirmation of our work. Recently customers have purchased several 96-page LITHOMAN presses, proving their unique performance,” states Sixten Zapf, Executive Sales Manager at manroland web systems. The customers of Em. de Jong will benefit from the innovative technology and fast order processing. Managing Director Stijn de Jong represents the fourth generation in this printing dynasty and knows, “We have to expand our company applying an integrated approach. This is why we are also modernizing the existing equipment at our sites, in addition to our new investment. Two further LITHOMAN presses will receive technical upgrades for more variable production.”

Automation as the key to success
For a market leader like Em. de Jong, not investing means taking a step backwards. High capacities, premium printing quality, and folding accuracy: this is what the 96-page LITHOMAN, which will replace an older press, has to offer the pressroom. “On the one hand, the customer appreciates that maximum productivity is ensured permanently. On the other hand, the customer commends the absolutely reliable production process,” states Sixten Zapf, adding, “For Em. de Jong, the flexible production options and enormous, maximum output are also important.” Stijn de Jong: “This investment is necessary for us to maintain and reinforce our position in the increasingly globalized printing industry. In addition, with the new press we can produce new products and offer them to our customers.” With the two 96-page presses and the upgraded LITHOMAN systems, Em. de Jong can now respond even better to increasing demand from the international market.

This high market demand is the result of the hard work of the Dutch over the past few decades, with innovative products such as POS packages and online solutions. The high level of automation at Em. de Jong is the key to successful production for trade, as Managing Director Stijn de Jong explains: “The flexible, automatic plate changes and job changeovers, and the special folding equipment make our production enormously versatile and dynamic. We are able to efficiently print the runs we need and do not lose valuable production time or waste any paper.

Most productive heatset systems in Benelux
The two 96-page LITHOMAN systems will be the most high-performance heatset printing presses in the Benelux region. With a web width of 2,860 mm and eight ribbons, the 96-page LITHOMAN will produce nearly five million A4 pages per hour. The Inline control systems for cut-off and color register, as well as ink control, ensure optimum product quality. APL (AutomaticPlate Loading) changes the printing plates on the printing couples fully automatically. The folding configuration realizes a wide variety of printed products – the customer was already impressed with this product diversity with the first 96-page LITHOMAN.

Upgrades at further locations
Customers of printed products want variable, creative print and advertising products and Em. de Jong will align further locations to these requirements. Upgrades to increase product diversity will take top priority. The 72-page LITHOMAN in Baarle-Nassau will be equipped with an additional folding unit to produce special printed products. After moving to Mercator in Jabbeke, a recently purchased, used 72-page LITHOMAN will be equipped with a folder superstructure and a second delivery for cross-fold products.