Kennesaw, Ga. - Risa Blythe, founder of Girlie Press, Inc. in Seattle, Wash., admits her company was "happy" with the results from an older, competitive CtP system-right up until it installed a two-up Suprasetter A52 thermal platesetter with Prinect workflow from Heidelberg in January. "We hadn't realized how much happier we could be," she said. "We wanted not only to improve our workflow, but also to enhance our environmental profile by using fewer chemicals. We also wanted a higher level of service and support. Heidelberg has definitely enabled us to achieve all three of our goals."

The new Suprasetter produces plates for the company's three hardworking presses, including a 5-color Heidelberg Printmaster GTO. Since the company also switched to cleaner-running Heidelberg Saphira Chemfree plates, Blythe said, the Suprasetter spends significantly less time in maintenance mode. Thanks to the automated top-loading feature, it also runs unattended, a must for the busy shop. Print quality has also improved, Blythe added: "We are holding a 1 percent dot with no problem, our mid-tones are sharper, and our plates are lasting longer."

Along with the Suprasetter A52, the company also installed Heidelberg's Prinect Prinance MIS, which Blythe expects will be of significant benefit in helping the company to assess potential cost benefits and savings, and improve customer service.