August 23, 2004 -- KBA North America, a leading sheetfed offset press manufacturer based in Williston, VT, has assumed the exclusive distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada to Metronic AG, a German manufacturer KBA North America’s parent company, the KBA Group, headquartered in Radebeul, Germany, recently acquired a majority stake in Metronic AG. Metronic offers a vast array of unique products that will now be marketed by KBA North America in the U.S.and Canada.The GENIUS 52 UV, an offset printing press operating with an anilox short inking unit, utilizes its waterless-offset function on synthetic materials such as PVC, PC and ABS. It can be used for printing credit cards, loyalty cards, mouse pads, informational garden spikes, 3-D pictures on lenticular lenses etc. The press prints a standard 20” format and operates up to 8,000 sheets/hour. The press also features an automatic plate changing device that guarantees short set-up times, reliable reproducibility, and brilliant offset quality. The PREMIUS offset printing press is designed to print on optical discs,DVDs, CDs, mini discs or optical business cards.The automatic plate change device on the PREMIUS is unique. It allows four printing units to be fitted with analogue or digital plates in register in no more than 5 minutes. Metronic's tried and tested waterless four-roller-system combines with a white and varnish unit to produce visually impressive results right through to partial varnishing. To meet the extreme demands of DVD printing, every printing unit in PREMIUS has its own UV-curer.  PREMIUS prints up to 7,200 discs per hour. The Metronic CD PRINT is a unique printing technology developed and patented by Metronic, which prints on CD and DVDs with photographic quality. It is possible to produce individual and especially economic small runs as well as customized solutions on the CD PRINT. Due to its easy operation the system is ideal for start-ups and small companies who have small orders to produce. The modular UNIVERSYS is a fully-automatic personalization system for individual cards with pin codes, bar codes, serial numbers, scratch off fields, and personal data. An integrated inspection system for recognizing serial numbers and pin numbers, as well as an optional checking element for scratch-off fields guarantees the highest degree of data security and safe production. A unique benefit of the UNIVERSYS is its modular design. Adaptability to a diverse range of services enables the system to come up with flexible solutions for individual order volumes and to easily adapt to quality and safety requirements of the future. Retooling and retrofitting individual modules of the machine can be carried out easily from both a mechanical and a data point of view, opening up numerous solutions for various tasks in respect to safety-critical cards. Metronic’s OC 200 offset printing system is designed for small and mid-size single card runs. It offers outstanding four-color printing quality based on the principles of waterless offset printing. Metronic’s patented short-ink press with anilox rollers guarantees even ink transfers for brilliant printing throughout the whole run at 300 lpi. OC 200 is the most successful single-card printer worldwide. By incorporating all of these new products into its division, KBA North America is prepared to offer its dedicated sales, support, service, and parts to its customers who purchase and install Metronic equipment.   “At KBA North America, we take pride in continuing to introduce new advancements in major printing technologies and processes for key markets, such as promotional literature, books, magazines, newspapers, and packaging, as well attractive niche applications, such as ID technology, printing on data storage devices, metal decorating, and security printing,” says Ralf Sammeck, President and CEO of KBA North America. “The ability to market Metronic here in theU.S.allows us to continue that focus and offer our customers the widest range of print processes to differentiate themselves from their customers.” The KBA Group and Metronic entered an alliance more than two years ago to develop and market the GENIUS 52 UV, a small-format sheetfed press which unites Metronic’s UV technology for printing on plastic and KBA’s oil-based inking technology for printing on paper and board. By acquiring a majority stake in Metronic, the KBA Group is maintaining its ongoing strategy of diversifying into high-potential niche markets. The acquisition combines Metronic’s digital inkjet and laser knowledge with KBA’s offset and security press expertise. The new subsidiary will retain a large degree of independence and flexibility in addressing its established markets, but will be able to call on the parent company’s support in the form of personnel, resources and sales distribution.  Please find a downloadable version of this PR including photos at: http://www.kba-print.de/vt/headlines/sheetfed3/0408-036_kba_metronic_vt.html