Highly flexible for newspapers and semi-commercials

Founded in 1957 the Guiyang Daily Media Group, a Chinese printing and publishing house located in a city bearing the same name, invested in newspaper press technology from KBA for the first time in 2006. Back then the group chose a KBA Comet with six printing towers and three folders.

Efficient technology and good print quality delivered by KBA newspaper presses paved the way for the firm’s sustained expansion. Along with products published by the group itself, numerous contract titles were won on the market. Six years after firing up the first web press the newspaper house reaffirmed its partnership with KBA by placing an order for a Commander CL, also equipped for heatset printing. The double-width newspaper press, which has also proven popular in Europe and North America, is now operational.

The Guiyang Daily Media Group invested in print once again despite the effects of the shift from print to online media, also noticeable in China. The group publishes five daily newspapers and three magazines, and is also active within the internet sector. Their two most important titles are the Guiyang Daily and the Guiyang Evening News. The latter, with a daily circulation of 280,000 copies, is the most popular newspaper in the region and distinguishes itself from competitors in terms of quality.

Together with an experienced project team at the Guiyang Daily Media Group a custom-made double-width KBA Commander CL (cylinder circumference: 1,092mm/43in) was configured with two four-high towers, two reelstands, a hot-air dryer and two jaw folders. Instead of a double folder the new Commander CL features two single folders, which is rare in China. Both four-high towers can thus operate independently from each other. The flexible superstructure allows for the handling of a variety of web widths at the touch of a button. The press has been equipped with a heatset dryer ensuring that the group’s own magazine-like titles can be produced in-house. Printing house director Feng Xiao Ping: “We aim to tap into new markets with our new press.” The press’ RollerTronic roller locks are unique in China. They allow the rollers to be set automatically for an optimum print quality within minutes. Automatic washing systems also contribute to short makeready times. 

Guiyang Daily is proud of its cutting-edge KBA Commander CL and the excellent collaboration with KBA. “With our new all-rounder we will be one step ahead of the competition once again and able to set new benchmarks in the Chinese newspaper industry”, says Feng Xiao Ping.

Along with the installation of the new press, the whole package also includes moving the existing KBA Comet to the new printing plant which was built under the supervision of Feng Xiao Ping in record time. The move is expected to be completed by the end of the year.