Hearst Corporation is bucking the trend in the North American newspaper industry by reaffirming its commitment to print with a major investment in press technology from KBA. A Commander CL web press with four reelstands, four four-high towers and two folders will come on stream next year at the US media major's upgraded plant in Albany printing the Times Union, the leading newspaper in New York state's capital region.

“The Times Union has been the Capital Region's most trusted source for news and information for more than 150 years,” said Hearst Corporation CEO, Frank A Bennack, Jr. “This announcement continues that mission for readers and advertisers, and greatly enhances the vibrancy of the newspaper. The capital investment affirms Hearst's and the Times Union's commitment to a printed newspaper while we invest in cutting-edge digital technologies at the same time.”

KBA president and CEO Claus Bolza-Schünemann was delighted that the Commander CL launched last October at the IFRA Expo newspaper trade and exhibited for the first time at Drupa lived up to Times Union management's expectations.