Putting an unusual newspaper press on the market is seen as key to a US publisher’s investment in news and its long-term future.
Non-profit Independent Newsmedia announced two weeks ago that it is closing its showcase Delaware Printing facility, with the loss of jobs and the sale of the five-high KBA Colora press it installed in 2003.
Printing of Daily State News and some sister publications has moved to Adams Publishing in Easton, Maryland, while other titles will be printed at INI’s print centre in Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to Daily State News at BaytoBayNews.com, INI publishes seven community print and digital newspapers serving Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Lake Okeechobee area of Florida.
Chief executive Charlene Bisson says that while printing operations are changing, “our commitment to our people, our communities and independent local journalism remains unchanged.”
“We are deeply grateful for the work done at Delaware Printing Company and the role our employees there have played in serving our readers, advertisers and communities,” she said.
“We remain committed to our journalistic values and to producing original, locally focused content that reflects the voices and stories of the communities we serve.”
Selling the Dover property would allow INI to reinvest directly into its newsroom operations and our long-term presence in the market. It has operated in Delaware since 1952, when former owner Jack Smyth purchased the then-weekly Daily State News.
Burlington, Washington, based ImPressions Worldwide is handling the sale of the press and associated equipment. The five-high, two-around 75,000iph KBA (Koenig & Bauer) Colora press has a 535mm cut-off and 1270mm web width, variable from 508mm, its KF3 jaw folder delivering a variety of stitched and unstitched formats. Most of INI’s products are square in format.
Supporting equipment includes QuadTech RGS V, two Pastostar reelstands, Technotrans spray dampening, KBA Drivetronic shaftless drives and EAE press controls including OPS2/Print 4. Agfa Advantage N-DL platemaking is supported by a Nela automatic punch/bender.
There is also a Heidelberg Pacesetter saddle stitcher, a semiautomatic pallet wrapper, compressors, Caterpillar and Toyota clamp and fork trucks, stackers, bundle strappers and other equipment. More details from ImPressions Worldwide.