May 17, 2006 (Biwako, Siga, Japan) -- Standard Finishing Systems joined Horizon International for the ceremonial grand opening of Horizon's newly-expanded post-press equipment factory. This state-of-the-art facility -- located 45 miles northeast of Kyoto, Japan -- is now 25% larger and has been further modernized with over US$20M in new machine tool, injection molding, parts logistics and assembly technology that will permit faster and more flexible production. Manufacturing capacity is expected to increase by nearly 30% when the Biwako factory reaches full-scale operation. "As Horizon marks our 60th year in business, we proudly dedicate this new facility to our worldwide customers. We listen carefully, understand their post-press needs, and then apply our passion for developing productive, innovative, and reliable solutions to meet those needs. We are gratified that this approach has helped our customers gain a competitive edge, and multiplied our business with sales partners around the globe," said Horizon President Eijiro Hori. The Horizon expansion includes a new technical center devoted to hands-on operator and service training for Horizon customers and dealers worldwide. This facility is the centerpiece of a company initiative to establish a world-class training and skill development program. A new customer showroom -- where Horizon's complete portfolio of post-press products will be available for demonstrations and application testing -- is also located nearby. David Reny, Managing Director of Standard Finishing Systems -- the exclusive distributor of Horizon graphic arts products in North America -- was on-hand to help mark the occasion. "We're very proud to be part of the celebration," said Reny, "as our valued partner Horizon takes another big step forward as the automation leader in folding, binding, collating, stitching, cutting, and digital finishing solutions. No other company can match the concentration of post-press engineering talent and manufacturing expertise found here in Biwako. We're truly honored to be counted among Horizon's longest-standing business partners." Company Chairman and Founder Hachiro Hori presided over the opening ceremonies, which included traditional performances by Japanese musicians and dancers. Each of the 250 attending guests was presented with a commemorative hardcover book within an hour of the close of ceremonies. The book, which included a company history and photos taken during the event, was digitally printed and then bound using Horizon equipment as a live demonstration of on-demand printing and finishing technology.