January 13, 2005 -- It began as a quest to find a better way. From that simple idea grew the enterprise known as QuadTech — a true technology trailblazer. For the past quarter of a century, QuadTech has led the way in web-printing technology, designing and manufacturing computerized controls for press, bindery and material handling equipment. Early innovations included a bindery guidance system, web detectors, a silicone coater, ink levelers and a Register Guidance System called the RGS II, which was designed to give press operators better control over color-to-color registration. In 1982, with little fanfare and major effort, QuadTech achieved a major technology breakthrough when it developed the next generation of register guidance, the RGS III. The system had its own set of "eyes" — a scanner that could view the web. For the first time on a web offset press, the system could make calculations to determine and correct register error. The RGS III cemented QuadTech’s reputation as the industry innovator. It won the Governor's New Product Award competition from the State of Wisconsin in 1983, and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) InterTech award the following year. On the heels of this success, QuadTech decided to tell the world about its accomplishments. In 1986 the company made its initial appearance at Drupa — the world’s largest printing exposition, held in Düsseldorf, West Germany — and introduced its RGS IV and Cutoff Control. To keep the worldwide momentum going, QuadTech Europe opened its doors in 1988, followed by QuadTech Asia-Pacific in 1993. In 1990, QuadTech moved into its new international headquarters in the High Tech Centre in Sussex, a move celebrated with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. Throughout the 1990s, the legacy of innovation continued, with advancements that included Color Control System (CCS), a closed-loop system for web offset presses that automatically searches for, locates and tracks micro colorbars to relate color printing information to press operators. The CCS was named a 1999 InterTech Technology Award winner by the Graphics Arts Technical Foundation. When QuadTech commemorated its 5th anniversary in 1985, the company had a growth rate of more than 100 percent each year. The staff numbered nearly 100. There are now 650 QuadTech employees and eight offices worldwide. As QuadTech celebrates 25 years of service, it continues to add to its impressive list of technology milestones. QuadTech Timeline 1979 QuadTech incorporates. 1981 Produces first chill roll stand. 1982 Produces first RGS II and Silicone Coater. QuadTech closes the loop on register control by developing the RGS III. 1984 RGS III wins InterTech award. Introduces Cutoff Control, which requires no cutoff marks or targets. Also introduces automatic ink leveler. 1986 Participates in first overseas exhibition, Drupa. 1987 Branches out into "narrow web" and "tag and label" industries with special register guidance systems. Introduces Ink Jet Control System. 1988 Introduces another breakthrough product, the Pinless Folder. Ground breaking for High Tech Centre in Sussex. 1990 New High Tech Centre opens in Sussex. RGS V is introduced at Drupa. 1994 RGS V and Series N systems sold in Europe and Asia-Pacific. (Pictured at right.) 1996 Acquires Stacker Machine Company material handling product line. 1999 Color Control System wins prestigious GATF InterTech award. Acquires Bomac Signature Loader. 2000 Acquires PressTech Controls Limited. 2004 Introduces QuadTech Data Central for JDF enabled product setup and performance reporting.