Oosterhout – Earlier this year, Saudi-based Al Madina Printing & Publishing Co. started using automation systems installed by Q.I. Press Controls - Engineering Automation Electronics (QIPC - EAE). Its printing plant - located in Jeddah - placed an order for a Performance Package with the Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems for the printing industry. Al Madina is thus able to take full advantage of QIPC’s takeover of EAE. The systems help bring about increased production reliability for Al Medina Printing & Publishing Co., as well as halving its output of waste.

Ready for the future

With installation of the QIPC-EAE systems, the Saudi Arabian media company is clearly making an investment in the future. “There’s a possibility of them upgrading to closed-loop colour control next,” explains Erwin van Rossem, head of sales at QIPC. This is fairly straightforward since the systems now installed at Al Madina Printing & Publishing Co are fully geared up to this. The Goss Universal 50 press has been fitted with 18 IDS-3D cameras for colour register. The cameras all come with optional Automatic Ink Mist Shields (AIMS) for automatic cleaning of the lenses. EAE was responsible for upgrading the existing controls on the press and section with modernisation of the EAE INFO system, EAE Baltic Star control consoles and an upgrade from PPC to CLC. As a result, outdated components have been replaced and long-term support guaranteed. 

Effective collaboration

Press manufacturer Goss had a big part to play in the decision of Al Madina Printing & Publishing Co. to opt for QIPC-EAE. “It was the client’s special request to have them closely involved with the installation of the systems,” reports Erwin van Rossem. “A crucial aspect of this was for us to establish an effective collaboration with them - and not just for this project: you have to bear in mind possible future orders from other clients.” Another key reason for the order was the fact that Al Madina Printing & Publishing Co. had been working with EAE systems from as far back as 2000. At the time, Goss also acted as the go-between. “The takeover of EAE by QIPC means that businesses can call on the services of a single company able to provide both automation systems and control software,” Erwin van Rossem adds. “Not only is implementation easier, it also means less training of personnel.”