This step is viewed as part of an extensive programme of measures supporting stronger and sustainable profitability across all fields of business. Since 2009, the KBA Group has been the only major press manufacturer returning a positive overall bottom line. The company has now declared the same goal specifically for the sheetfed offset segment, after considerable streamlining of the workforce, comprehensive cost reduction measures and development of an innovative new press generation.

Executive vice-president for sheetfed sales Ralf Sammeck: “With the Rapida 106 and Rapida 145 which we presented at drupa 2012, we offer users the most modern and efficient sheetfed offset presses on the world market for the medium and large formats. The innovative technology of our highly automated presses, and their many unique features in terms of automation, fast makeready and inline processes, bring economic benefits for the user and enhance the long-term value of an investment, but they naturally also cost money. The market, however, has recognised this added value. We were able to record a significant increase in both orders received and turnover in the sheetfed offset segment in 2012, and have further reinforced our position as the second-largest manufacturer in the world. In our opinion, the competition in this market is too price-driven. Needing to utilise excessive capacities, some manufacturers in the industry have for a long time concentrated blindly on securing market shares, regardless of any losses and to the detriment of their external investors. That hardly makes sense. The moderate price increase for our sheetfed presses is justified by their technical features and will contribute to sustainable improvement of our profitability.”