Offset company GmbH, Wuppertal. New spirit in old walls - Market and technology in unison

The Offset Company GmbH in mountainous Wuppertal, Germany has grown from a traditional family enterprise that since 1925 is now in its third generation. H. Brune, an offset printer, who took the position in 1978, now manages the company. Since then the advent of the use of the computer in production led to a reduction in staff from 30 to 15. In 1981, damage to the offset machine led to the installation of a four-colour machine by Bohs & Laufs company of Dusseldorf, which further reduced the number of personnel. To print prospectuses and catalogues economically, new technology was needed. A two colour offset machine in 70 by 102 cm format and a Stahl folding machine were obtained. The company has since built up partnerships and now there are 30 personnel. The company now seeks niche markets such as label production. In July 2001 the company installed new computer-to-plate (CtP) facilities. The CtP capability allows poster production in DIN-Al format or 70 by 100 cm more economically. The company wants to use the CtP facility also as a servicer for proofing. In this way 50 plates/day in addition can be produced. In the average edition of 5000 copies about 75 printing plates/day are needed.