Sydney-based printer Major Graphics, has become the first in Australia to install a Hans Gronhi offset press, supplied and serviced locally by Pressnet
The GH524 52cm, four-colour press employs the same grippers as KBA presses, an Italian ink key system, vacuum feedboard and pumps from Japan, and a control system manufactured by Mitsubishi – and is designed and built in China.When asked why he chose to be the first Australian printer to invest in the Chinese-made press, Major Graphics director, Ian Major, says, “The four-colour Hans Gronhi 52cm machine sells for about the same price as a two-colour 52cm press from one of its competitors.
“I’m always fascinated with modern press engineering, and have been impressed by the attention to important detail paid by the Gronhi engineers, such as the importance of effective lubrication of the press.”
Major Graphics is a family business employing over 20 staff, with 75 per cent of its output for the packaging segment. Owned by Ian and Wanda Major, the company had its origins in 1989, expanding substantially with the acquisition of Drawing Office Printers three years ago.
The business prides itself in high quality, short- to medium-run package printing, die cutting, gluing and special finishes for the demanding and often complicated packaging market.
The Hans Gronhi press replaces a two-colour 52cm press at Major Graphics, and was producing sellable print within four days of its arrival at the company’s 1000sqm plant in September. “The high level of automation on the press means it is quick to set up, and also results in minimum waste,” says Major.
Hans Gronhi Graphic Technology is part of the Hans Group, which is independent but also 51 per cent American owned. Gronhi claims a market share of around 70 per cent in the 52cm format in China with its GH522, GH524, GH525 and GH526 presses competing successfully against international brands. “The Hans Gronhi 52 series of presses can be installed in the affordable standard lever-action ink duct configuration and later upgraded with optional automatic productivity features,” explains explains Australian agent, Charlie Scandrett of Pressnet.
“The standard GH522, GH524 or GH525 models have a stream feeder with vacuum belt feed table, semi-auto plate changing and touch-screen axis register adjustment on the run. The ink duct is laser-cut lever-action ink keys.This manual duct can be set with CIP3 ink data from the offline Ink Profiler computer. The strong base and side frame castings make Gronhi the heaviest 52cm offset in the world.
“The Hans Gronhi 52 series also has a range of optional upgrades. All Gronhi models can now have optional numbering and perforating installed at the factory. The Italian Monigraf ink console and precision electronic ink keys can also be retrofitted or factory fitted. This proven ink key system accepts digital CIP3 data from the Ink Profiler computer over a LAN,” Scandrett says.
Hans Gronhi Graphic Technology continues to develop its sophisticated 300,000sq m manufacturing plant along western lines. Its objective is the design and construction of a comprehensive range of quick printing solutions including hiqh uality multi-colour sheetfed offset presses, CTP equipment and accessories.
In Australia for the company’s first installation here, Hans Gronhi general manager, Kan Cao (Chao), says, “Continous technical improvement, a very wide support network, and maintaining a very competitive price are the basis of our success in China.
“We will do the same for all our export markets because printers are the same everywhere: they want quality, price and support.”
The company has over 130 dealers across China and exports to more than 20 countries, now including Australia where local agent, Scandrett, has become a strong supporter of the brand and its technology. “With annual sales growth of more than 50 per cent, the trend is very positive for Hans Gronhi,” says Scandrett. “Given the pressures on the local print market, and its very affordable price point, the Hans Gronhi press has arrived at the right time.
“It is now much more economical to print two colour PMS work as a CMYK forme on an automated Hans Gronhi 524 than wash-up, mix PMS ink and print on a traditional manual two-colour 52cm press. The game has changed: one Gronhi multicolour press with N&P can produce all of the short-run work for a small to medium printer, and compete effectively on price with digital machines down to 350 copies.”
Gronhi has been manufacturing printing presses for over 30 years in Yingkou city, Liaoning province – the industrial heartland of north China. With ISO9001 quality certification, and imported global brand names in electronic and mechanical components forming an important part of all Gronhi presses, Scandrett believes the brand is well on its way to becoming a globally respected name in print. “With a manufacturing philosophy of continous improvement, original technological research and response to market demands, Gronhi is carving a respectable niche for itself in the small and medium format offset press market,” he says.
