MHI-PPM Receives Order for Two Sets of "DIAMONDSPIRIT" Newspaper Offset Presses from Kobe Shimbun

DIAMONDSPIRIT presses can print up to 160,000 newspapers an hour. They reduce the number of printing plates used by half, compared to conventional printing presses, and also reduce power consumption and running costs. This is achieved by setting the plate cylinder, around which the printing plate is set to "4 page width × 1 page circumference". In addition to reducing the size and weight of the machine as a whole, MHI-PPM has adopted proprietary technology that significantly reduces vibrations when plate cylinders rotate, thus improving print quality.

Kobe Shimbun has the largest print circulation in Hyogo Prefecture, distributing about 530,000 copies of the morning edition and about 190,000 copies of the evening edition. The company has a nearly 120 year history, having been established in 1898. The Kobe Shimbun company also publishes "Daily Sports" nationwide.

In 1999, MHI-PPM delivered two new sets of offset presses (of the "LITHOPIA BTO-N4" model series) to Kobe Shimbun. In 2006 work was undertaken to further increase the number of printing units. In placing this order, Kobe Shimbun highly appraised the reliability, print quality and low running costs of DIAMONDSPIRIT, proven through delivery and operation of over 40 sets, as well as MHI-PPM's extensive after-sales service.

MHI-PPM, in proceeding with this order, will focus more on detailed proposal-based sales, and will identify diverse customer needs for newspaper offset rotary presses domestically and overseas. It will also continue to contribute to improvements in paper quality and productivity.