Oosterhout – The extensive cooperation between Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC) and the Belgian company of Coldset Printing Partners has existed since 2009. Because of the success of the partnership, both companies now wish to intensify the collaboration. Coldset Printing Partners is hard at work modernizing its printing plant in Paal-Beringen and QIPC has a big role to play in automating both its existing and its newly acquired presses.

Innovative partner
The most recent order placed with QIPC by Coldset Printing Partners is for the mRC-3D system for register and cut-off control on the new KBA Cortina press. The Belgium-based company, responsible for printing Flemish dailies such as De Standaard, Het Nieuwsblad, Het Belang van Limburg and the Gazet van Antwerpen, as well as Dutch newspapers, such as De Telegraaf and De Limburger, is anticipating more efficient working practices and an improvement in the quality of its printed matter. This is what managing director Paul Huybrechts has to say: “We attach great importance to innovation and are therefore keen to work with partners who have a proven track record in this field. In our experience, QIPC is just such a partner. Our new orders are based on that partnership and we regularly hold meetings with them about innovations that we can introduce into our production operations.”

Forward-looking
In this case, the mRC-3D system for register and cut-off control will ensure that the new KBA Cortina printing press machine will live up to its name as one of the best of its kind in the world. Erwin van Rossem, head of sales at QIPC, is delighted with Coldset Printing Partners' forward-looking mindset: “Back then, they were one of the first businesses to invest in automatic color registration. Having had a chance to put the new technology successfully through its paces, they were bold enough to make further investments. This kind of collaboration only comes about when the trust is mutual and satisfaction about the partnership is high.” Paul Huybrechts adds, “the exchange of expertise with respect to new innovations and developments takes place in an honest and easy-going environment. This means we have a good idea of what's going on in the marketplace and we can make our investments accordingly. Both parties benefit from this.”

State-of-the-art machines
The order fits in perfectly with the large-scale modernization plans for all the printing presses in Paal-Beringen. In addition to two new KBA Cortina presses, all machines currently operating in the plant are to be modernized in partnership with QIPC. “At the moment, we have three printing plants in Amsterdam, Paal-Beringen and Groot Bijgaarden,” explains Paul Huybrechts. “The latter is due to close at some point, which means the focus will be even more on Paal-Beringen. What's more, as well as the newspapers printed for Mediahuis, we also produce for other partners. Working under pressure and to tight deadlines means we have a need for reliable, efficient systems. It is partly down to the partnership with QIPC, that we can refer to our printing presses as state-of-the-art machines.”