Grove City, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2008 – Kern, producer of world-class end-to-end production mail solutions, is pleased to announce the introduction of the Kern 2600 inserting system. The K2600 will be exhibited for the first time in North America during Graph Expo 2008. The K2600 sets new standards when it comes to performance, modularity, reliability, and investment protection. Use of the latest servo technology throughout the K2600 allows for virtually maintenance free processing in keeping with user's Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) objectives The K2600 is capable of up to 16,000 mailpieces per hour with either #10 or 6x9 envelopes and designed to be run by a single operator. In 1984, Kern introduced the world's first truly modular inserting system with the Kern 2000.  The K2600 builds upon 25 years of knowledge and expertise, delivering a durable and user friendly design that is unmatched in the industry today. 

  The K2600 introduces a new way of thinking when it comes to input channels. "Kern Integrated Inputs" reduce the complexity found in current input systems and more importantly, reduce set up times. The available Kern "QUICKset" system provides for even faster (and more accurate) changeovers by auto adjusting to preset parameters with no operator intervention needed. The Kern continuous forms input combines cutting, accumulating, and folding into one compact unit. The fast cut-sheet input processes 2-page document sets at the full rated chassis speed of 16,000 mailpieces per hour (MPH) and 3-page sets at 12,000 MPH. Either pin-fed or environmentally friendly pin-less may be used interchangeably, making the K2600 the ideal platform for migrating applications to pinless forms.  Kern's unique reading system allows an unlimited reading zone from above and below the document. The K2600 includes a 4-plate folding system with flexible fold rollers that significantly increase folding capacity and a "clam shell" design that separates the folder down the middle for easy access. The K2600's single sheet feeder offers all of the same benefits and throughput of the continuous forms feeder, including the unlimited reading zones from above and below. Intuitive touch screens control all modules. 

  The field proven servo controlled insert feeders sit atop an ergonomic chassis which has been lowered (the paper path is only 24" from the floor) as a result of input from production users. These feeders offer the same speed, flexibility, and consistency of those found on our highest speed inserters. Mailpiece integrity is a key design element on all Kern equipment and it is no different for the K2600. Industry leading sensor density ensures every piece and packet are continuously monitored and tracked, guaranteeing 100% mail piece integrity. 

  Approx. 3,000 envelopes may be loaded in the inserter autoloader from which they are precisely monitored and transported to the insertion area. This controlled process is gentle on both your documents and your equipment. The new K2600 inserting system seamlessly integrates with the Kern mailFactory suite of software solutions. Kern mailFactory is a comprehensive suite of web enabled ADF software tools designed to help clients manage document production, verify document accuracy and easily interface with other workflow systems in an Automated Document Factory. All of mailFactory's components are based on a common structure, making it possible to network document inserting systems and to store data in a central database.

  The new Kern 2600 will be exhibited at Graph Expo 2008 in Chicago, Illinois October 26th – 29th in booth 1763 and booth 2063.  For more information on the production mail solutions that Kern will be exhibiting during Graph Expo, visit www.kern.ch/graphexpo2008.  To set up an appointment during Graph Expo for a demonstration of the K2600, email [email protected].