Both companies enjoy reputations as early adopters of technology in digital print. Astra recently installed a Screen Truepress 520, supplied by Fujifilm. It says this high speed inkjet press, with integrated finishing line, prints publications at speeds of up to 128 meters and then has them bound inline.

The system can switch between saddle stitching, glue and perfect binding. In the coming months, SOS Print + Media will complete the first installation of a Kodak Prosper Inkjet press in the Asia Pacific region, and predicts that it will print at 3600 pages per minute, mostly used for the production of trade books and educational print.

Steve Messenger, CEO of Astra Print in Wellington, says, “It is clear to Astra that in order for this supply chain to survive and flourish inventory needs to be removed. Astra is pleased to be able to be part of this regional solution for on demand books.”

Michael Schulz, director at SOS Print + Media, says, “We have been looking for a reliable, high quality print partner in New Zealand for a long time. Astra is an ideal partner for us, as distribute and print across the Tasman is an absolute necessity.

“Astra Print in Wellington is a modern, technologically very advanced company and we know that we will be able to work well together, establishing seamless workflows and digital solutions for customers in Australia and New Zealand. The two companies are already working on several joint projects.”

Founded in 1935, Wellington-based Astra Print has production capabilities in Wellington , Auckland and Christchurch, employing over 200 people. SOS Print + Media Group started in 1976 and now employs over 120 people with production, warehousing and distribution facilities in Alexandria, Australia.

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