Westmont, Illinois — MAN Roland is integrating the most advanced in-line sheeters in the industry with its ROLAND 900 series of presses. The pressmaker has partnered with the Maxson Automatic Machinery Company to become the exclusive worldwide distributor of Maxson’s in-line sheeters for wide format sheetfed presses. As a result, a purpose-built Maxson sheeter is now available for every ROLAND 900 format, starting with the 32”x 44” series and covering all other 900 models through to the 51”x 73” Roland 900 XXL configuration. “By itself, the ROLAND 900 delivers significant productivity gains over conventional 40” presses,” says Eric Belcher, COO of Sheetfed Operations for MAN Roland Inc. “Now printers can connect a Maxson in-line sheeter to the system to multiply those advantages. With over 1,000 sheeter installations, Maxson has proven itself to be an experienced, reliable partner.” Joseph Matthews, the President of Maxson, elaborated on the gains the industry can expect from his company’s partnership with MAN Roland. “Today’s printers and converters are looking for solutions that maximize productivity,“ he declares. “Incorporating in-line sheeting with wide format printing into a single process delivers the competitive benefits of lower material costs, better yield and greater efficiency.” Because rolled stock is less expensive that cut sheets, printers can reduce their paper costs by 15-20% with a Maxson sheeter. The equipment also enables them to custom-cut the paper to fit each job, so waste is reduced significantly. Under the long-term agreement, MAN Roland Inc. will take full responsibility for the installation and servicing of the Maxson sheeters purchased by ROLAND 900 users. “The Maxson sheeters will be fully integrated with the presses,” says Jerry Manzi, Director of Sheetfed Operations for MAN Roland Inc. “And so will our support structure. Our service technicians are being thoroughly trained to ensure the sheeters will be every bit as bulletproof as our presses.” Reflecting the dimensions of the 900 line, the Maxson sheeters will be available from MAN Roland in roll widths from 44” up to 73”, and roll diameters up to 72”. Substrates from 50 lb. paper to 28 pt. board will be accommodated, and both long grain and short grain sheeters will be offered. “We are excited about this alliance with MAN Roland,” comments Matthews. “MAN Roland’s technological leadership and commitment to customer satisfaction in the printing industry mirrors our own efforts.” Belcher points out that a Maxson sheeter can be retrofitted onto any existing ROLAND 900 system, regardless of its vintage. “Large format printers who are searching for a competitive edge would do well to integrate a Maxson sheeter with their 900,” he observes. “It’s another in-line advancement that adds value to the press.” The sheeters can handle a variety of substrates and stock thicknesses, from lightweight web press stock to heavy board. That makes them ideal for printers who want to differentiate their businesses with new products. The efficiencies sheeting provides are also particularly well suited to the high-volume production needs of converters and packaging printers. To reach them, MAN Roland will join Maxson in its exhibit at the CMM (Converting Machinery/Materials) show in Chicago on April 18-21. The booth number is 1655.