Komori America Debuts LSX40

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Following on the heels of its Drupa 2008 introduction in Germany, Komori America officially launched the Lithrone SX 40 sheetfed press on Wednesday to a large group of customers, prospects and the trade media. Four short-run jobs on three different paper stocks were demonstrated to illustrate the fast job changeover and reduced paper waste capabilities of the six-color LSX40 press with coater running in Komori's demonstration center here.

Capable of speeds to 18,000 sph and a maximum 29-17/32 x 41-11/32 inch sheet size, the press incorporates new KHS-AI "artificial intelligence" sheetfed technology that reduces makeready waste by 50 percent, as well as a faster, fully automatic plate changing system. Self-learning capabilities also preset the press based on substrate conditions. And its Smart Sequence feature enables operators to select the most efficient sequence for up to 10 different jobs.

Komori officials also confirmed that, despite the global economic slowdown, the press manufacturer is continuing the pre-announced expansion of its flagship Tsukuba factory in Japan. The major investment is continuing, in part, due to Komori's "kando" (exceeding customer expectations) philosophy.

The day ended with a dinner and lively presentation by Ken Schmidt, the former director of communication at Harley Davidson. He related how, on the verge of bankruptcy, the company created a new corporate culture, rekindled customer relationships and reached out to new ones in novel ways.