IFRA

WAN-IFRA: What will be the main topics Goss will focus on at IFRA Expo 2010?

ERIC BELL: For the main topics, see´our pre-show news release – additionally, higher-speed single-width Universal model will be announced at the show]
 

WAN-IFRA: Has the economically very interesting Triliner technology been installed already? Have newspaper presses been converted from 2 to 3 pages around?

BELL: There has been a lot of interest in the Triliner technology in the U.S. but no newspaper has taken this step as of yet. A three-around conversion is a very practical concept that makes a lot of sense in terms of achieving added color and paging along with an appealing and more economical paper-saving format – all with existing presses and a fast ROI.

The Triliner innovation reflects our Lifetime Support approach at Goss International and the considerable resources we have put behind this program. We focus proactively on extending the competitive lifespan of existing press and finishing systems, and this has resulted in many enhancement products and opportunities, similar to the Triliner.

Customers also appreciate the fact that our aftermarket Lifetime Support program is comprehensive and has the resources and the scale to support them for routine needs, in an emergency, and over the long term. This distinguishes us from many third-party aftermarket specialists.

WAN-IFRA: After the late of May announced change in ownership, Goss belongs 100% to the Shanghai Electric Group. What will be the consequences for Goss employees and for Goss clients in the medium term?

BELL: This ownership structure strengthens Goss International and gives us a clear path forward into the future. Being part of a large, strong group with an industrial focus will enhance our ability to innovate and to support our customers. Customers know that they will be able to count on us when they make long-term decisions.

This structure is also opening up opportunities to integrate the resources, products and technologies of Goss International with those of the other printing supply companies within Shanghai Electric. This will allow us to deliver a higher level of value and a more diverse range of products and services to a wider range of customers.

WAN-IFRA: Will the headquarters stay in the US or move to China?

BELL: There is no plan to dissolve the Goss International organization or for it to be absorbed within Shanghai Electric. Goss International enjoys many advantages through its structure as a truly global company, with manufacturing in America, Asia and Europe. This makes us unique among suppliers and puts us in a stronger position to provide an advantageous combination of worldwide resources and local access.

WAN-IFRA: Will the development and manufacturing of newspaper presses stay one of the core businesses for Goss?

BELL: Absolutely. We are confident that ink on paper will remain vital, and that we can drive this vitality with technology that makes it faster, easier and less expensive to produce the next generation of printed products. Newspapers will evolve, commercial printing and newspaper production requirements will continue to converge, and we will provide a comprehensive portfolio of products to address emerging requirements and opportunities throughout the world.

WAN-IFRA: After a number of difficult years in the newspaper industry and for its suppliers, is there a slight market recovery to be felt? Are the order books filling up again?

BELL: The newspaper market is not homogenous, and it can be misleading to generalize about recoveries or declines. There are some positive signs and investment activity in some regions, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Activity in North America and Europe remains quite slow, despite the need for many newspapers to upgrade their facilities.

The market for single-width presses has been stronger, relative to the market for double-width systems over the last few years. This reflects the strength of smaller, more localized newspapers in many regions. Goss is the global leader in the single-width sector with our Community SSC, Magnum and Universal press platforms.