(August 13, 2008) POLAR is awarded the globally respected technology award in the USA for the second time since 1999.

Inaugurated in 1978 to foster awareness and understanding of advanced graphic arts technology, the PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Awards honor excellence in innovative technology for the graphic communications industry.

In 1999, POLAR was awarded this sought-after trophy for its Compucut system for linking-up prepress. This time, the future-oriented PACE automation process of POLAR's cutting systems impressed the judges.

For over 20 years, POLAR has been producing complex cutting systems that are now used in many places. Such semi or fully automated processes are of increasing importance in the finishing process, especially for industrial nations. Since 2002, the Hofheim-based company has been offering the so-called PACE systems that meet these demands. The word "PACE" stands for "Polar Automation for Cutting Efficiency".

Using the Autoturn turning gripper the PACE system positions reams on the rear table and aligns them which makes it capable of performing e.g. a fourside trim fully-automatically. The removal of cutting waste is also done automatically. In this way, the system either saves one operator by the conventional two-man operation or it doubles the efficiency of a system operated by one single person. Since drupa 2004, even the jogging process can be carried out without any operator by integrating the fully-automated Autojog jogging system into a cutting system.

More and more customers are realizing the excellent added value provided by automated installations. The rule applies: the larger the formats and the less number of labels cut from the sheets, the more attractive it is to invest in a PACE system.

POLAR's PACE systems provide highly-efficient and innovative solutions for both printed and unprinted materials, which means an enormous potential for saving personnel costs while increasing productivity.

The judges also saw this system's innovative qualities. As the world's leading cutting system producer, POLAR is proud of receiving this award, because it honors years of intensive efforts to constantly increase workplace efficiency.