The plates to be supplied by Fujfilm are the Brillia range of thermal heat-sensitive and of violet light-sensitive, with exact plate dependent on site specifics. North Richmond, Ballarat and Canberra will then receive Brillia violet light-sensitive plates.
Fujifilm has been supplying plates for Fairfax’s sites at Chullora, Beresfield and all of New Zealand. The switch to Fujifilm plates in all other locations will also involve new Fujifilm CTP systems going in.
Warren Hinder, national newspaper specialist, Fujifilm Australia says, “Above all, this new contract with Fairfax Media demonstrates the continuing need for quality, targeted newspapers and magazines. While the national and metropolitan daily newspaper sector is softening due to the impact of mobile digital and online editions, regional and weekly suburban titles are prospering as they address their local communities in a way that no other media can. Only by understanding the dynamics of the newspaper market and forming long term relationships can contracts like this be gained.”
Fairfax Media publishes over 200 titles including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Review and a number of metropolitan/regional titles and magazines in Australia. In New Zealand it publishes more than 70 national, daily and regional titles plus 26 magazines.
Hinder says, “Needless to say, I and the team here at Fujifilm are delighted to have been awarded the prestigious Fairfax Media plate contract which begins soon and we look forward to proving that the choice of Fujifilm is the right decision with exceptional service, logistics supply and plate quality that will help this great iconic media company flourish with its printed titles, sitting comfortably alongside its digital assets.”
Fairfax Media is undergoing upgrades to its heatset and coldest presses, and production sites to maximise productivity and distribution effectiveness. This in itself places new demands on printing plates, particularly with the use of UV cured inks.
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