April 02, 2008 -- "When it's good for your customers, it's good for you," asserts John Lacy, co-owner of Litho Press, Indianapolis, with his brother Bernie.  "We're a customer-focused company - and that's the key reason behind our decision to go with the 73-inch 900 XXL sheetfed press."

Bernie concurs.  "Some client jobs call for large format capability, which we didn't have.  Now we will.  And with MAN Roland, we also know what to expect as we move forward."

In business since 1953, Litho has grown into a three-press shop: 41- and 56-inch MAN Roland presses, plus another manufacturer's 64-inch unit.

More than that, "we've evolved as a printer," Bernie continues.  "Along with lots of commercial trade printing, we do more and more packaging, POP, displays, corrugated . plastics, too."

That evolution wasn't lost on MAN Roland.  Notes Al Reijmer, Vice President of Central/Western Region Sales, "We're familiar with Litho's operation, and knew where they wanted to go.  We analyzed their workload and goals, and showed them how the 900 could get them to the next level."

New 900 XXL will expand business opportunities. Not that Litho Press didn't consider other large format options - including the maker of the 64-inch press, which the new 900 XXL will replace.  Over several months, the Lacy brothers talked with various owners, evaluated press equipment and companies, along with the added business potential from retail customers and other prospects.

"We see lots of new business opportunities," notes John, "opportunities to better serve the needs of our existing customers - and new clients, too."

With large format as a given, what were their key considerations?  "Print quality," the brothers agree. "We have to give our clients the best possible product."  Next comes reliability - both immediate and long-term: "Getting the press up-and-running from the get-go, plus its reliability over an extended period of time."

Service is also critical, notes Bernie: "Quick to respond when we call."

Past experience, new press features and service support help turn Litho Press into an all-MAN Roland shop.

"Good experience with MAN Roland in the past helped make our decision easier," John sums up.  "That, and the overall 900 XXL package."

Along with a sheet splitter, UV dryer and the like, the new Litho Press Roland 900 XXL will arrive with MAN Roland's PECOM operating, workflow integration and automation system for faster makereadies, automatic plate loading and more - including automatic blanket-impression cylinder adjustment for substrate thickness.

"With the 73-inch 900," John points out, "we can print up to 48-point board - and switch from paper to board in almost no time.  We can coat with aqueous or in-line UV.  We can more-competitively price, for example, 36" x 50" configurations, because we can run them two-up.

"Remote diagnostics (MAN Roland's 'Telepresence') is included, too.  They can check press status or troubleshoot problems, 24/7."

Training is another MAN Roland plus, Bernie observes, including a week-long class for two Litho Press employees at MAN Roland's Demonstration Center.

"Good for customers - good for you" works for MAN Roland, too. "We're delighted to grow our business with Litho Press the same way they grow theirs," added MAN Roland Inc. CEO Vince Lapinski. "We work as well as listen closely to our customers.  Matching Litho Press' needs with the capabilities offered by our 900 XXL says, in effect, 'we hear you.'

"Their decision to invest significantly more capital in our large format press vs. the other they were considering further attests to the revenue-generating potential that the 900 provides."

Installation of the new MAN Roland 900 XXL at Litho Press is scheduled for June, with the press going online in late July or early August.