August 19, 2004 -- KBA North America, a leading sheetfed offset press manufacturer based in Williston, VT, has installed a KBA 162a six-color 64" large format sheetfed press at Annan & Bird Lithographers, Canada’s largest and most advanced large format printer headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. The new press was delivered in December 2003 and began production in March 2004. “Being a leader in the large format market, we are always evaluating our equipment to maintain the most up-to-date technology," says John Bird, vice president of Annan & Bird Lithographers. “We replaced an older 64" press with the new Rapida 162a 64" because it had more automation, more features, and was larger than our older press. Our new Rapida 162a measures 47 x 64" while our older press measured 44 x 64". Those additional three inches allow us to catch a broader range of jobs that we couldn’t print before. Additionally, we used to put larger jobs on our 78" press; now we can put those jobs on the new Rapida 162a." Increased productivity, diverse substrates Annan & Bird purchased the new KBA press to produce poster and display work. Additionally, the press features a full UV interdeck system, which allows the firm to run paper, plastic, foil, and synthetic papers. “We have seen growth in this area of unique substrates," says Bird. Established 16 years ago, Annan & Bird Lithographers is a leader in the printing industry. The family-owned business focuses on commercial, trade, and packaging printing for customers inNorth America. It has over 130 employees. In addition to the new KBA 162a six-color press, the firm utilizes several other sheetfed presses: three 40-inch five- and six- color presses; two six- and seven-color 57" presses, and one seven-color 78" sheetfed press. “Annan & Bird is committed to being on the leading edge of technology and the new press brings real and meaningful benefits to their customers." says Ralf Sammeck, President and CEO of KBA North America. “We’re proud that our Rapida 162a six-color large format sheetfed press is an important key to their commitment and contributes to their growth and success."