Quad Unveils Web Press for Direct Mail Production

SUSSEX, WI—QuadDirect, a division of Quad/Graphics, is completing installation of a new “Press-Plus” solution for in-line direct mail production that the company believes will deliver higher response rates and improved ROI. Its modular, component approach provides clients greater direct mail capabilities and flexibility, while retaining the speed and efficiencies of in-line production.

The new system can be customized to produce more sophisticated direct mail pieces using the latest response-driving inkjet and finishing techniques. In-line mail sorting helps shorten production cycles and lower costs overall compared to prior systems.

The 12-unit, six-color, double-web offset press configuration is equipped with inkjet, inspection, sorting and mailing technologies. Folding, perfing, cutting and gluing options support a wider range of page-size and page-count options. Varnishes and spot colors, UV coating, high-speed label application, and advanced inkjet addressing and personalization are additional features.

“Our newest press installation redefines in-line direct mail printing by building in the newest component capabilities required to produce increasingly personalized, targeted and engaging direct mail promotions,” said Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics. “This press system reflects Quad’s continuing commitment to innovation, technology and leadership in inline direct mail production.”

Steve Jaeger, president of QuadDirect, added that Quad’s end-to-end in-line solutions create finished, mail-ready direct marketing pieces in a single, continuous production workflow.

“Traditionally the efficiencies of inline production came at the expense of feature and format flexibility,” he said. “With this innovative Press-Plus design solution in our Pewaukee, WI, location, we are able to customize and configure the press to deliver a much greater range of direct mail formats, features and solutions, while helping control both production and mailing costs.”

Typical applications include press-pasted booklets, self-mailers with single- or double-card applications, self-mailers with unique pocket designs and inline envelope packages with multiple components.

Quad’s inkjet applications are supported by multiple inkjet stations that can produce multicolor, high-resolution personalization and messaging in more ways and more places. Specialized QuadTech controllers are able to simultaneously drive multiple inkjet units to give clients more ways to apply personalized and customized offer information driven by increasingly sophisticated customer data integration systems.

In addition, patent-pending mail sorters at the end of the line automatically sort mail to achieve maximum postal savings and improve speed-to-market. QuadTech also designed and installed a quality control system to ensure the highest level of mail piece component and addressing integrity.