LIA Victoria’s technical tour of IVE’s catalogue and magazine plant drew record numbers in Sunshine this week.

For many in attendance, it was a first-time opportunity to see a headset web printing plant in action.

Part of the LIA Victoria technical events program, the tour offered industry professionals the chance to see inside one of Australia’s leading web printing facilities.

This facility produces millions of catalogues a year for market leaders like Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and others.

LIA Victoria president Robyn Frampton welcomed those in attendance before Brad Hoffmann, general manager Print—Web Offset, and Ken Bishop, head of sales—catalogues, shared valuable insights into the site’s history and IVE’s catalogue business.

Leading the tour Hoffman and Bishop with Ward Glennon, account director, covered production, prepress, platemaking, print halls, conveying, packing, distribution and waste management.

“I am sure I speak for all the guests when I say that we were blown away at the sheer size, scope and professionalism of the operation,” Frampton said following the event.

“IVE’s thoughtful approach not only to its production process but the entire manufacturing operation and sustainability initiatives like the capture and recycling of reel cores and offcuts, impressed us all – and there is nothing more exciting in print than being in the room when a large heat-set web press is in full flight!”

“It was fantastic to see so many new faces and to extend our connections to our fellow ‘people in print’ through this remarkable opportunity,” she said.

“We are looking forward to further technical events this year, and to joining with Visual Connections and the FPLMA in a post-drupa dinner on 25 June where we will also be celebrating the presentation of our Graduate of the Year Awards.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter