Brad Flagge with Push Solutions in New Berlin, WI sits down with Frank Romano to talk about their RMGT LED-UV offset printing press.

Offset printing has evolved and so has Birmingham Printing. This 100+ year old company in Birmingham, AL recently made a commitment to the environment by investing in a RMGT LED-UV offset printing press.

We met up with Birmingham Printing to ask a few questions about their recently purchased RMGT 9 Series LED-UV offset press.


Q: What was the criteria you were searching to fulfill?

A: We are committed to being good stewards of our community and printing is what we do. Over our 100 year history, we have seen the industry evolve and we quickly recognized LED-UV technology solved many of the issues associated with "traditional printing" and "digital printing." LED-UV offers lower energy bills, no VOCs, no heat, no offset powder, and instant curing of inks on difficult substrates while delivering a quality printed product.


Q: Why did you decide to buy the RMGT 9 Series LED-UV?

A: Most companies talk about being environment-friendly, but we were ready to make a commitment. LED-UV printing allows printed sheets to be quick-cured by UV light immediately after printing. This offers advantages including shorter lead times, a 50% reduction in power consumption, and the elimination of powder from the drying process.


Q: What are your future plans with the machine?

A: Our RMGT LED-UV offset press is a pivotal part of our evolution in to a completely environment-friendly production process. We plan on shifting to ink, plates, and paper that also meet our criteria.


About Birmingham Printing


Over the past 100+ years, Birmingham Printing's reputation for excellence in service and value has flourished. As their relationships increased, so have the facilities and diversity of the commercial printing products and services they offer. The one thing that has not changed is their commitment to be more than just a printer. They build relationships by getting to know their customer's business and specific needs.


For more information: www.bhamprinting.com

NEW BERLIN, Wis. — March 21, 2016 — Why would a printing firm competing in the highly competitive retail marketing, retail packaging and nationwide field distribution segment of the print market make the leap into the full-sheet arena in just four short years? The answer is that having quadrupled sales since their foundation in 2012, partners Brad Flagge and Nick Bova saw no reason to slow down simply because they had reached capacity in their manufacturing plant. The investment in a new RMGT 9 Series press more than triples their capacity so the meteoric trajectory of well-named Push Solutions can push on into the future.

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Despite growing their staff from nine employees to 24 and running their existing Heidelberg equipment around the clock, Push Solutions highly demanding clients still needed more and more volume and shorter and shorter delivery times. “Serving our local customers throughout the Southeastern Wisconsin market and also our high volume retail customers in New York and Chicago was becoming a huge challenge,” states Nick Bova, VP. “Our projects are seldom a single process order so post print finishing, kitting and special field distribution adds time to our projects. We had to compress our timeline to continue our rapid growth plans. The LED-UV curing and full-sheet production of our new RMGT press has changed our entire approach to production. In addition, we are very excited about our future opportunities producing high value products for our customers. Printing on synthetics, plastics, vinyl and foil materials will really leverage the power of our LED-UV technology and our new RMGT press.”


Push Solutions need to expand capacity was really accelerated by their retail marketing and retail packaging clients, so the next decision was what brand of offset press to invest in to meet their customers’ demand. “The highest print quality, reliability and responsiveness from our equipment provider were our primary concerns,” comments Brad Flagge, president. “When Nick and I looked at the new RMGT 9 Series at Graph Expo 2014, we were very impressed. The vibrant color and instant curing of the sheets with LED-UV and the extremely fast make-ready was a great fit for our production needs. Every RMGT customer we spoke to raved about their experience, from installation to press productivity, so we decided to move forward and buy the 9 Series.”


Since commissioning their new RMGT 920ST-5+CC+LED-UV+IR in late January, the staff at Push Solutions has not only completed Graphco’s in-depth training regime and achieved G7 color standardization status, but also insourced dozens of jobs that were previously jobbed out. “Working with the Push Solutions pressroom staff was a real pleasure,” says John Arnold, technical service manager for Graphco, the RMGT Distributor for the Midwest. “It’s great to work through our training process with such professional pressmen.” Joining the new RMGT 9 Series is a new full size CTP system, so the G7 process was smooth and efficient.


The press configuration chosen by Push Solutions includes a full array of RMGT Smart technology including the patented Smart Insta.Color makeready technology, 16,000sph production speeds and RMGT/Panasonic LED-UV Curing along with IR/Hot Air drying to provide Aqueous Coating when that is appropriate for their customers’ needs. Brad Flagge adds, “Speed to market is key for our retail marketing and packaging customers and nothing beats LED-UV when it comes to moving our customers’ projects through the plant. The efficiency we have already achieved is proving out our theory that the RMGT 9 Series is the lowest cost-to-print on the market and our finishing house loves our powder-free and completely dry printing. Our pressmen have commented on the workplace and environmental advantages, as well since the new press is so much easier to run than our old press and with no VOCs or powder the pressroom stays clean and odor free.” Flagge says RMGT was the only press manufacturer to satisfy all five of their requirements for power consumption, footprint, color control, automation and cost.


“We are proud to be part of Brad and Nick’s success and it’s certainly exciting to work with such a fast growing and results-oriented organization. Based on how quickly their team has adopted the new RMGT technology, we feel a great partnership has emerged between Push Solutions, RMGT and Graphco,” states Derek Gordon, Midwest regional manager for Graphco.


About RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology
RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology (RMGT) is among the world’s largest manufacturers of sheetfed offset printing presses and the world leader in LED-UV technology with over 165 placements worldwide. Its high-speed, fully-automated presses are respected worldwide for unsurpassed print quality, low total cost of ownership, extreme ease of operation, and unmatched reliability. In partnership with Panasonic, RMGT released LED-UV Curing for Print at Drupa 2008 and it now offers the only G3 LED-UV technology on the market. Headquartered outside of Hiroshima Japan, RMGT is a joint venture company bringing together the best technology and manufacturing expertise of Ryobi Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The enhanced product lineup and strengthened manufacturing prowess makes RMGT an indispensable brand for the printing industry.

MARIETTA, GEORGIA — March 4, 2016 —  Graphic Systems North America (GSNA), the Authorized Distributor for RMGT (RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology Ltd.) sheet-fed offset presses in North America, announces that the third annual ELITE RMGT LED-UV Users Group will meet at the Trump International Hotel on March 16, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This meeting will be held just prior to the opening of the Print UV Conference, March 16-18, 2016.

The ELITE RMGT LED-UV Users Group is the premier event for printing companies using RMGT offset presses featuring LED-UV technology. This year’s meeting will feature sessions focused on business, technical support and product education, moderated by top suppliers in UV printing from around the world. RMGT customers, partners, suppliers and executives will gather to discuss industry trends and share best practices for leveraging LED-UV technology in their print operations. Kozac Takata, Manager of International Sales and Marketing for RMGT, will deliver the opening keynote on Wednesday, March 16, sharing company news and technology updates with attendees.

“The ELITE RMGT LED-UV User Group represents a dedicated group of business owners who are focused on using the best technology to grow their business,” states Kian Hemmen, Print & Finishing Solutions, Western Distributor for RMGT.  “We look forward to meeting the different RMGT users from across North America and hearing them share their experiences using LED-UV technology as they expand into UV Print.”

About the Print UV Conference
RMGT is a Platinum Sponsor of the 9th Annual Print UV Conference, March 16-18, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Print UV Conference is the premier all-in-one conference event for leaders in the global UV printing industry. Attendees meet annually in Las Vegas to network, engage with printers and leading suppliers, uncover new ideas and growth opportunities, dive deep into core UV processes with experts from multiple fields and hear case studies from successful UV print initiatives around the world.

To get more information and register for the Print UV Conference, visit www.printuv.com

About Graphic Systems North America (GSNA)
GSNA is the largest independent source of printing equipment, technical service and parts in North America. GSNA delivers exclusive access to RMGT’s full line of offset and digital presses for commercial, packaging and in-plant printers in the U.S. and Canada, together with immediate technical support and parts fulfillment. Formed in July 2013 with co-headquarters in four U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, the GSNA group has more than $60 million in revenue and constitutes the single largest offset press sales and service team in North America.

Learn more about GSNA at www.ryobimhi.com

MARIETTA, GA — February 1, 2016 — Graphic Systems North America (GSNA), the Authorized Distributor for RMGT (RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology Ltd.) sheet-fed offset presses in North America, announces that it will repeat as a Platinum Sponsor the 9th Annual Print UV Conference, March 16-18, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference features technology tracks and roundtable discussions featuring the best UV printers and UV suppliers as they uncover new ideas and growth opportunities that UV printing enables.

“Our customers are leveraging LED-UV printing technologies and growing their business in so many different ways. In addition to traditional benefits, we are seeing customers use creative coatings and printing on unique substrates such as PVC, synthetic paper, and styrene,” states Chris Manley, President of Graphco, the Midwest Distributor for RMGT. “RMGT was the first press manufacturer to offer fully integrated LED-UV curing systems as a factory installed option for sheet-fed offset presses. We look forward to hearing our customers share their success stories and add our voice to the innovative dialogue around UV printing during the upcoming Print UV Conference.”

What is LED-UV Curing Technology?

UV printing allows printed sheets to be quick-cured by UV light immediately after printing, offering distinct advantages such as shorter lead time, powder-less printing, and printing on unique substrates. In 2008, RMGT became the first sheet-fed offset press manufacturer to commercially develop a next-generation, energy-saving, environmental-friendly LED-UV printing system. RMGT and Panasonic’s LED-UV technology was awarded Japan’s “Nippon Brand Prize” at the 39th Machine Design Award competition in 2009. It was also named a top new press technology at the 2013 Canadian Printing Awards.

Winning high praise among RMGT customers, the system continues to evolve. New versions of the LED-UV printing system have been added to enable varnish coating, greatly expanding the range of value-added printing and providing powerful support for customers. Since LED technology is used to cure UV inks, RMGT systems have a 15 times longer life span, consume 70 to 80% less electricity, and generate much less heat than a conventional lamp system, delivering an ROI in energy efficiency along with a greatly reduced environmental impact.

About RMGT (RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology)

RMGT is among the world’s largest manufacturers of sheet-fed offset printing presses and the world leader in LED-UV technology with over 165 placements worldwide. Our high-speed, fully-automated presses are respected worldwide for unsurpassed print quality, low total cost of ownership, extreme ease of operation, and unmatched reliability. In partnership with Panasonic, RMGT released LED-UV Curing for Print at DRUPA 2008 and we now offer the only G3 LED-UV technology on the market. Headquartered outside of Hiroshima Japan, RMGT is a joint venture company bringing together the best technology and manufacturing expertise of Ryobi Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The enhanced product lineup and strengthened manufacturing prowess makes RMGT an indispensable brand for the printing industry.

Learn more about RMGT: www.ryobimhi.com

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MARIETTA, GA — November 3, 2015 — Since the RMGT (Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology) Atlanta Demonstration Center opened to the North American Printing Industry in October of 2013, over 100 North American printers have experienced live VIP demonstrations of the most sought after print technology from RMGT, the world leader in LED UV curing and pressroom automation.  Fully automated RMGT 9 Series 8-Up presses have been the platform for live demonstrations of the industry leading Smart RPC (Simultaneous Plate Changing) Technology, Smart Insta.Color make-ready automation and RMGT/Panasonic’s G3 LED UV Curing Technology. Graphic Systems North America (GSNA), the Authorized Distributor for RMGT offset presses in North America, also announces that a number of additional Demonstration Centers will be opening throughout the U.S. during 2016.

Until the recent announcement by another company also based in Georgia, the Atlanta RMGT Demonstration Center had been the only major press manufacturer in North America showcasing LED UV curing live and on press. This recent endorsement of RMGT's nearly 8 year commitment to providing the lowest energy cost and most consistent UV curing in the industry comes on the heals of the 100th live RMGT VIP demonstration just last week. “We are excited to see the other major press manufacturers coming around,” states Kozac Takata, Manager of International Sales and Marketing, RMGT. “The high level of acceptance in North America follows our experience world wide with over 200 LED UV equipped RMGT presses in operation every day.” To learn more about RMGT and our G3 LED UV Curing Technology go to http://bitly.com/LED-UV.

“Our go to market strategy continues to be getting closer to our customers. We’ve learned that once a printing firm’s owner sees what RMGT brings to the table the natural next step is investment so we will continue to bring our technology closer and closer to our customers.” states Chris Manley of Graphco, RMGT’s Midwest Distributor.  "Whether that technology presentation takes place at major trade shows like Graph Expo, at our very successful Open House Events or at live VIP demonstrations which will shortly take place regionally, RMGT remains committed to the North American Print Market.”

“Seeing is believing with LED UV,” states Takata. “Our customers worldwide have learned that the question is not whether RMGT’s well-evolved LED UV technology is ready but instead whether they are ready for all the production, quality and cost advantages LED UV brings to any pressroom.”  A case in point is Paducah Printing’s owner Bruce Shulman, who came to the very first RMGT Open House in October of 2013.  Bruce was able to learn about the RMGT press and Panasonic's G3 LED UV curing technology during that event. Next month, Paducah Printing’s 138-year-old pressroom will become the home of a new RMGT 9 Series press with in-line coating and Panasonic’s G3 High Power LED UV curing technology. This makes Paducah Printing the first Kentucky printer to offer their customers access to the latest in print technology and quality.

“We would like to thank the North American print community for the outstanding support we have received thus far and we plan to repay their Commit to Print outlook by bringing RMGT’s industry leading technology closer than ever.” Adds Chris Manley of Graphco. “Our regional approach is only possible with the heightened demand for RMGT presses and we look forward to sharing our message throughout North America.”

About Graphic Systems North America (GSNA)

GSNA is the largest independent source of printing equipment, technical service and parts in North America. GSNA delivers exclusive access to RMGT's full line of offset and digital presses for commercial, packaging and in-plant printers in the U.S. and Canada, together with immediate technical support and parts fulfillment. Formed in July 2013 with co-headquarters in four U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, the GSNA group has more than $60 million in revenue and constitutes the single largest offset press sales and service team in North America.

Learn more about GSNA at www.ryobimhi.com

Adding a LED-UV Perfecting System to your plant has many advantages. The RYOBI MHI LED-UV Perfector dries printed sheets instantly and efficiently. Here are seven more reasons to buy an offset press with LED-UV technology.


1) Shorter Lead Times

LED-UV offset printing is high speed and on demand. With no need to wait for printed sheets to dry, work can immediately move on to the next process. You also won't need space to store printed sheets while they dry.


2) Environmentally Friendly

Powderless printing ensures a cleaner work environment and less equipment failure due to powder contamination. Also, LED-UV ink is recyclable and easily removable. 


3) Consistent Print Quality

Printed sheets are dried instantly so you do not need to worry about color changes during dry-down. The problem of powder dropping on to printed sheets is eliminated, and printed sheets do not shrink due to heat.


4) Compatible With Special Media

The ability to print on resin film, synthetic paper, metalized paper, and other types of special media.


5) Reduced Power Consumption

LED-UV technology uses 1/8th of the power a conventional UV lamp system consumes. The LED-UV light source can be instantly switched on/off to reduce power consumption during job turnover.


6) No Infrared Light

LED-UV perfectors do not produce infrared light, so the unit generates less heat and requires less air conditioning in the press room.


7) Long Life

LED-UV systems have a life of approximately 15,000 hours. This is five times the approximate 1,000 - 3,000 hour life of conventional UV lamp systems.