Knepper Expands With 10-color MAN Roland

OAKDALE, PA—Sheetfed and half-web printer Knepper Press has begun installation of a 10-color MAN Roland 700 perfecting press.

In order to accommodate the new hardware, the suburban Pittsburgh company expanded its production facility by 10,000 square feet. The press will complement three half-webs and a sheetfed unit, among them a six-color, 41˝ Roland 700 and a 29˝ Roland 300, both with in-line coaters.

The general commercial and publication printer chose a five-over-five perfecting configuration as a way to build business. The press' 12,000 sph perfecting capabilities, in a single pass, enables Knepper to vie for short-run publication work against competitors doing those jobs on full webs.

Knepper also acquired the digitally controlled MAN Roland InLine sheeter as part of the productivity package on the new press. Ted Ford, co-owner of Knepper Press, believes the sheeter will make his company more competitive.

"Roll-to-sheet will help us capture more short-run catalog and publication work," he says. "We'll be able to use web stock, which will reduce our paper costs. And we'll be able to run lighter weights, which will enable our catalog customers to save on postage costs."