From Publication to Mail Production

Quad/Graphics plans to spend $25 million to transform a 300,000-sq.ft. operation in Pewaukee, WI, into a direct mail production facility with a digital pressroom. The investment includes digital and variable-cutoff offset presses, high-speed envelope inserters and commingling machinery and other upgrades. The Sussex, WI-based company revealed it will add 4-color variable data digital presses.

Quad says the move will strengthen and expand its direct mail services through its QuadDirect division. The newly transformed facility, slated for start up later this year, will complement QuadDirect's existing facility in Fredericksburg, VA, which it acquired with the purchase of Openfirst in 2006. QuadDirect consists of the combined work and equipment of several Quad divisions including QuadDirect Marketing, QuadData Solutions, Openfirst, QuadSystems, QuadCreative and QuadPhoto.

At drupa, the company purchased nine Kodak thermal platesetters, including seven Magnus VLF Quantum platesetters and two Magnus 800 Quantum platesetters, all equipped with the multiple cassette unit option. The platesetters, along with the Prinergy EVO workflow, will be installed in multiple Quad/Graphics locations across the U.S. In addition, Quad extended its contract with Kodak for thermal plates for multiple years in both the U.S. and Poland. qg.com