A press control and automation technology upgrade at the Times of India’s Airoli facility extends a longstanding relationship with QI Press Controls and EAE, and will be their eighth manroland press upgrade.

The world’s largest newspaper printer, BCCL is also the publisher of the Economic Times, Navbharat Times, Maharashtra Times and Vijay Karnataka, with one of the most advanced and high-volume newspaper production networks in the world.

The European technology group’s relationship with publisher Bennett, Coleman & Co goes back to 2017 – with the replacement of control and drive technology on a Geoman press for which components had become costly and difficult to source – and before to the 2004 opening of QIPC-EAE’s office in Ahmedabad. QIPC-EAE’s solution to the Geoman issue involved integrating standard Siemens components, EAE press control software, and QIPC’s optical measurement and control systems, resolving the technical limitations and leading to energy, ink and paper savings and improved reliability and flexibility.

Encouraged by this, BCCL ordered a series of follow-up projects, the latest involves the Colorman A press at Airoli, Navi Mumbai. It includes a full EAE press control upgrade for the six towers and two double folders, along with QIPC IDS-3D systems for closed-loop colour and damp control, replacing the existing manroland PECOM system.

QIPC-EAE India managing director Rakesh Dave says it’s a relationship built on mutual trust and shared ambition. “QIPC-EAE has proven to be a reliable partner with excellent service from its office in India,” he said.

Pictured: QIPC founder and chairman Menno Jansen (below, centre) and Indian partners mark the beginning of a new strategic collaboration, and (top) the Times Of India Building, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Mumbai