Toppan Celebrates Anniversary, Adds Capital Improvement

NEW YORK—Toppan Printing Co. America has undergone a $6 million capital improvement in the first phase of a $20 million, three-year growth initiative. The initiative comes as parent company Toppan Ltd. celebrates its centennial anniversary.

Among the highlights of Toppan's investments are a 10-color, 40˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster perfector press. The press enables Toppan to print a straight 10 colors plus aqueous coating or five colors over five colors simultaneously in one pass. The Speedmaster, which boasts automated plate changing and automated in-line register at speeds of up to 13,000 sph, will allow Toppan to compete effectively with half-web presses.

Toppan has also moved into computer-to-press printing with the installation of a new four-color Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Plus press. This press is at the heart of a new Toppan On-Demand Printing

Express division (TOP Express). The DI Plus press provides offset quality and fast turnaround times for short-run marketing and promotional needs.

An expansion of Toppan's fulfillment area will include individual pick-and-pack operations. Toppan features 12,000 square feet for warehousing client goods and is capable of shipping hundreds of orders each day. A separate fulfillment room for bulk projects has also been created.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary since the establishment of Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., and it is celebrating this milestone as a symbolic "refounding" of the company.

In order to recognize Toppan Ltd.'s 100th Anniversary, while promoting its facility and new equipment, Toppan Printing Co. America is hosting a day-long celebration October 19 at its plant in Somerset, NJ, by invitation only. The theme of the event is "Major League Printing" and it takes place just days before the Major League Baseball World Series.

The celebration will feature two celebrity guests. Baseball Hall of Famer and former New York Yankees star Yogi Berra will share his wit and wisdom and a half century of Major League Baseball experiences. Legendary artist Peter Max has designed a special Major League poster for the event and will be on hand as it comes off press.