Leading Kenyan newspaper printer invests in a new automated press for increased efficiency The biggest Kenyan newspaper printer, Nation Media Group, has decided to invest in a new COLORMAN 4-1 e:line from manroland web systems. The printing industry in Kenya is changing rapidly and only those who will evolve and continually invest in upgrading technology will survive and grow in the future. Thus, after several discussions, the company has finally chosen the latest technology from manroland web systems.

The Nation Media Group, located in Nairobi and founded in 1959, is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa. The Group's performance has been outstanding over the years, even during the leaner economic periods of the country, and has shown continuous growth and profits. To be highly competitive and future oriented, Nation Media has posed faith in the latest technology and automation of a new COLORMAN 4-1 e:line press.

Future Oriented
The COLORMAN 4-1 e:line at Nation Media will be installed in the second quarter of 2015 and is the first manroland web systems press in Kenya. This sets a clear sign for the future of the country's newspaper industry. “Nation Media has always been at the cutting edge of technology. We were among the first to adopt modern printing in this part of the world. We will continue to modernize our media and adjust our technologies to suit the demands of the information age, even as we explore opportunities in new markets.”, says Tom Mshindi, Chief Operating Officer at Nation Media. “With the new production technology offered by the COLORMAN 4-1 e:line, we are in the position to reach our high goals and efficiently manufacture printed products in great quality and with outstanding flexibility. And this is what we and especially the modern print industry require today.”

Main Targets: Highest Efficiency and Quality
Seven newspapers, which appear seven days a week, will soon be printed simultaneously on the COLORMAN 4-1 e:line at Nairobi. The 4-1 press features five eight-couple printing towers and a web width of 1450 mm and is capable of printing up to 86,000 copies per hour, i.e. 13.8 meters per second. Timothy Ruth, Vice President Sales at manroland web systems, states: “For Nation Media, the COLORMAN 4-1 e:line proved to be the ideal press meeting the required printing quality standards as well as highest flexibility. The press is a new synonym for economical efficiency in newspaper production. Nation Media definitely made the best choice for their future business. We are very happy about this new partnership.”

The comprehensive automation features also played an important role for the investment decision. Besides automatic webbing-up device, the new press will be equipped with the proven manroland InlineControl systems that automatically control the color- and the cut-off register. This ensures highest printing quality and leads to considerably lower waste rates. In addition, the new press will also be equipped with the latest manroland automation control system with two control consoles including SlidePads and a printnet Monitor for easy and fast tracking, reporting and benchmarking features. The two modern folders and the folder superstructure guarantee highest flexibility for both – broadsheet and tabloid. Additionally, the press will be equipped with two gluing heads that provide outstanding flexibility in printing extraordinary formats like glued super-panorama, half-cover and flying page.

Bright Prospects
Despite a weak market at the second half of 2013, manroland web systems could reach a positive result. In 2014 the company could already win several orders. The target for 2014 is clear: manroland web systems will offer market driven products and features that lead to increased efficiency and productivity – based on customer needs and future market developments. The company will exclusively focus on web offset technologies in the future and evolve to a full range supplier. Furthermore, the Service field will be strengthened and new market segments such as digital printing and packaging printing will be developed. Due to the strong financial parent L. Possehl & Co. GmbH, manroland web systems has the possibility to successfully invest and grow further in the future.