Harland Simon has announced orders to upgrade press control systems at Southampton, UK and Birmingham, Alabama.

At Newsquest in Southampton, UK, the company will provide a ‘non-proprietary’ solution to overcome problems with existing systems, many elements of which – such as PCs, desk screens and PLCs – are no longer available.

A new press communication system using ethernet-based PressNet will link press management, control desks and unit and folder PLCs. It will also improve access to press data, increase diagnostic capabilities and link to remote support. The upgrade will provide Prima 6000 control desks, and Allen Bradley controls for the colour towers and two folders.

In the USA, the ‘Birmingham News’ – one of Advance Publications’ flagship facilities – is to replace an obsolete control system, following a similar order at a sister paper in Huntsville and projects on other Goss Metro presses. Upper level management and presetting systems, control consoles and on unit hardware will be replaced on the 21-unit press, delivering self-supportability, open software and locally available hardware.

A first press will be upgraded before the end of the year, without interrupting production, with the project due for completion in the first quarter of next year.