Sydney-based Centrum Printing will upgrade its prepress systems with Fujifilm, taking its plate making up to VLF size to match its new KBA Rapida 162a six-colour plus coater packaging press. The VLF additions will take Centrum’s maximum sheet size from its current 720mm x 1,020mm capability to 1,200mm x 1620mm. The company says it aims to provide a complete graphic and visual communication service, with large format packaging and point of sale work already in the pipeline through existing customers.
Centrum signs up for Fujifilm VLF prepress. (L to R): Matthew Bounds and Sturt Eastwood from Fujifilm, Percy Vij and Linda Vij – owners of Centrum Printing and Sandra Mascaro – general manager
Sandra Mascaro, general manager with Centrum, says the company’s commercial print customers will benefit from the move into larger format with the ability to print more pages per sheet, on thicker stocks and with inline coating. She says, “We need to do things differently to stand out from the overall market. Standing still, or offering the same services as every other printer, is not an option for Centrum. We are a progressive company and our customers have told us they want more large format packaging and point-of-purchase products from us and we are delivering this. “The prepress upgrade meets and even exceeds the plate requirements of our new KBA press. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fujifilm, whose plates and workflow we have used for some time.” At Centrum’s new purpose-built premises in Chipping Norton, Sydney, new Fujifilm Brillia HD LH-PLE plates will be installed and Centrum’s current Fujifilm XMF workflow software will be upgraded to the latest functionality to accommodate the larger format. A computer-to-plate Screen PlateRite Ultima 24000S will output multi-format down to 650mm x 550mm to keep Centrum’s legacy presses in the loop, and a Screen AT-M24000II will provide automated plate transport into a Heights FLC-T165Z processor, also supplied by Fujifilm. Percy Vij, owner of Centrum, says, “It is a major project to manage, but all is going well with the press slab laid, our new press about to commence installation and now the prepress side taken care of through Fujifilm.” For the prepress upgrade Fujifilm says it is working in close consultation with Screen Australia on the computer-to-plate specifications. Sturt Eastwood, general manager of graphic systems with Fujifilm, says, “I must congratulate Centrum Printing on their considered and strategic move into large format prepress and packaging. “We are fortunate to have been partnering with the Centrum team for some years now and have been more than impressed with their management depth and progressive nature. Their commitment, passion and approach will stand them in good stead as they embark on this new and exciting phase in their evolution.” Peter Scott, managing director with Screen Australia, adds, “Our thermal CTP partnership with Fujifilm is stronger than ever and we were delighted to be called in to advise on Centrum’s planned upgrade. It is great to see a progressive printer thinking beyond the 8-up B1 format and focusing on more profitable larger format sectors.” Vij says the Centrum team are excited about the relocation and new equipment. He says, “I am delighted that all of our approximately 25 staff will join us in the move to Chipping Norton as for the majority it is even more convenient than Mascot. “We aim to be operational in the new premises by Christmas and completely settled in by early 2014, with minimal or no inconvenience to our customers.”
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