DOVER, NH - For the first time in the 26-year history of the program, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has presented an InterTech Technology Award to a press or inserter designed specifically for the newspaper market. The Heidelberg Magnapak packaging system was among 13 winners of the award for 2003. A panel of independent judges was unanimous in its decision, citing the cost effectiveness, versatility and automation provided by the Magnapak. They noted that the innovative technology can enhance the management of freestanding inserts, an increasingly important revenue source for newspapers. The Magnapak cycles at up to 30,000 newspapers per hour and is the first packaging system that can be configured for standard inserting, collating and wrapping, or both functions simultaneously. Shaftless technology allows independently driven hoppers to be shifted in and out of production for automated zoning at full production speed. "The InterTech award demonstrates that we are in synch with what our customers need to meet evolving production requirements and seize new revenue opportunities," according to Doug Gibson, Heidelberg vice president for newspaper sales in North America. "We have delivered a unique, proven technology that addresses the continued increase in insert volume and complexity." Several major newspapers in the United States are already utilizing the Magnapak, including The Cincinnati Enquirer (Ohio), The Roanoke Times (Virginia), The News & Record (Greensboro, South Carolina), The Everett Herald (Washington), and the York Daily Record and York Dispatch (Pennsylvania). Additional systems are planned for The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania) and several other papers. The GATF sponsors the InterTech Technology Awards to honor excellence in innovative technology for the graphic communications industry. Independent judges select winning technologies that they project will have a major impact on the productivity, profitability, services and market opportunities of printers over the next five years. Thirteen recipients were selected in 2003 from a total of 40 entries. Heidelberg was also recognized this year for its Stitchmaster ST 400 saddlestitcher.