First stage of a project to replace control systems a manroland Colorman at Groupe Sud Ouest in Bordeaux, France, is complete with the commissioning of the first tower.

ABB says its systems for the tower have been completely integrated with the existing PECOM press control system without requiring support from the manufacturer, providing a proving ground for the company's modular retrofit concept for the presses.

Integration is already so complete that operation from the PECOM control consoles can continue as normal. Controls on five further printing towers will now be replaced, followed by those on the three folders and six reelstands. At the same time the obsolete and proprietary interbus loop devices will be replaced with standard components, with the whole project set for completion during 2017.

Pictured: ABB controls in operation alongside PECOM units in Bordeaux