The density of electronics industries on the island of Penang in the Strait of Malacca has caused it to be dubbed Silicon Island. At the end of last year it also saw the successful start-up of a Rapida 105 five-colour coater press at Eastern Printers. It is the latest in a succession of KBA litho installations in Malaysia.

The Rapida 105, which is Eastern Printers' first and also the first in Penang, joined five small- and medium-format presses from another vendor and is used to print commercials and packaging. Since coming on stream it has delivered a substantial productivity and sales boost. Its high-speed package raises maximum production output to 16,500sph, and it is capable of printing 0.04mm (0.001in) paper to 1.2mm (48pt) board.

Eastern Printers, which started up in 1957 and now employs around 80 staff, is one of four production plants within the same group. Its three subsidiaries – Eastern Printers Computerised Forms, Eastern Printers Digital Imaging and RISB Products – reflect this fast-growing firm's forward-thinking focus. A provider of all-in print services from packaging design to pre-press, press, post-press and logistics, it counts global majors such as Sony, Dell and Microsoft among its many customers, along with local banks, insurance companies, car dealers and others. The company banner, "Building Trust through Excellent Quality and Services", has become a trademark.

Programmed for success
Chief executive Steven Yeap, who joined the company in 1998 after taking a degree in computer science and mathematics at one of the world's most prestigious universities, King's College (University of London), and a master's degree in business administration at Portsmouth University, took over the top position two years ago. His marketing proficiency and knowledge of print technology are reflected in his interpretation of the name Eastern Printers, in which the individual letters stand for Excellent Customer Satisfaction, Assure Quality Consistency, Safety First, Technology Advancement, Efficient Workflow, Reduce Wastage und New Ideas.

Steven Yeap says: "The performance package provided by KBA unites technological know how, flexibility, reliability and service – and tallies precisely with the qualities we were looking for. We didn't have to travel far to find a number of highly convincing reference installations in Kuala Lumpur. The new Rapida enables us to achieve a top-notch print quality consistency and high productivity. The delivery time-frame and commissioning were satisfyingly short, job changes are fast and smooth, the press has a high production speed and its equally high level of automation supports our focus on quality. Depending on the size of the job and the delivery deadline, we run it at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 16,500 sheets per hour. With the Rapida we have achieved a 15 to 20 per cent increase in sales. It has fulfilled all our expectations, and the service provided by KBA Asia-Pacific is exemplary."