Rochester, NY - Memphis, Tennessee-based The Commercial Appeal is realizing outstanding results in its print production operation with CTP solutions from Kodak. The newspaper installed a complete, integrated CTP system two years ago.

Established in 1841 and part of the E.W. Scripps Newspaper Group, The Commercial Appeal laid out specific goals in its search for a CTP solutions vendor after making the decision to switch from analog.

"We were looking to improve efficiencies, shorten deadlines, and improve registration on image quality," said David Langlais, Production Manager, The Commercial Appeal. "Working with Kodak, we realized all three of those goals."

The Commercial Appeal installed two KODAK GENERATION NEWS Platesetters, with KODAK NS Digital Newspaper Plates, KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology and KODAK MERCURY P-HD Plate Processors.

"The systems are so consistent and reliable," said Langlais. "We'll print off of three different presses and receive the same image quality from all three."

The paper currently employs more than 400 people in Memphis. With such a large operation, even the slightest efficiency gains can make a large impact.

"With the new systems, start-up waste has been decreased by almost 1%, which is significant for us," said Langlais.        

The KODAK GENERATION NEWS Platesetter is a high-performance CTP device designed to meet the demanding needs of medium to large newspaper printers. KODAK NS Digital Newspaper Plates are designed specifically to increase productivity for newspaper printers. The KODAK NS Plate processes at an extremely productive rate of 1.5 - 2m/minute, increasing production output and enabling a very clean processing environment. In addition, the quality provided by the thermal CTP process and the robust nonimage, highly durable coating enables the elimination of slip sheets, reducing waste, saving space and removing the costs of labor, capital and maintenance associated with de-interleafing equipment. KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology allows printers to reach a higher level of stability, accuracy, and reliability in their printing operation. KODAK MERCURY P-HD Plate Processors are heavy-duty photopolymer plate processors designed to meet the demanding needs of the newspaper industry and high-volume commercial users.