Marking an first for the book publishing industry in Canada, Toronto’s Webcom has announced the investment of some $12 million to create what it’s calling BookFWD a new production platform centered around the very latest in high-speed digital inkjet printing technology—HP’s T300 Inkjet Web Press (pictured).
The inkjet press was to be installed this week, and will be used for printing text pages while an accompanying HP Indigo 7000 digital colour press is being used to print covers. In addition Webcom has invested in the Magnum Flexbook system which includes a slitter and accumulator for book block assembly which will be installed inline with the inkjet press, and to finish it off will be new bindery lines using PUR gluing.
The high-speed HP inkjet printing system will resemble a set up installed by European book printers CPI at its Firmin Didot plant in France.
Webcom says this new platform will help transform the way its publishing customers print and manage the distribution of books, directories and catalogues.
“Book publishers are challenged in many ways–from demanding time constraints, to evolving environmental considerations, to new e-product investments. The most critical determinant of a publisher’s ability to successfully navigate these challenges is improving the financial returns of their printed product,” said Webcom president Mike Collinge in the announcement. “Webcom’s BookFWD investments leverage breakthrough inkjet technologies, streamlined workflow and unique bookbinding systems to significantly reduce the costs associated with printed books. Inventory, distribution and production costs can all be reduced.”
Webcom’s BookFWD program is comprised of several models specifically designed to help trade, educational and reference publishers overcome their most pressing business challenges. Programs will be customized for each publisher making the most of modules such as STEPfwd for shorter print runs, FASTfwd for quick turnaround and STRAIGHTfwd for simplified pricing models.
