Goss International, a manufacturer of newspaper and other presses based in Durham, NH, USA, has announced its entry into the narrow web market with the introduction of a new Sunday web offset press model, which features variable repeat capabilities.

Goss has appointed PacSys Inc., of Pawcatuck, CT, USA, to assist in marketing the new Goss presses for packaging applications in North America. The agreement with PacSys, headed by Klaus Dietel and Mike McGuinness, follows the adaptation of Goss Sunday web press technology for packaging printing requirements.

“Variable sleeve web offset technology is gaining momentum as a high quality, cost-effective alternative to flexo, gravure, sheetfed offset and traditional cassette-style web offset for many packaging applications,” according to Dietel. “By adapting proven Sunday press technologies to address the specialized requirements of this market, Goss International has created exciting new possibilities for packaging producers to cut costs and achieve higher productivity and quality.”

The new Goss Sunday press models are available in narrow and wide web widths from 20 inches (510 mm) to 75 inches (1905 mm) for flexible packaging, label and folding carton applications. They feature quick-change sleeve technology to allow variable repeat settings. The inking, dampening and process control systems used in Sunday presses for high-quality commercial offset printing have also been incorporated, along with Goss automation and workflow technologies to reduce makeready requirements and waste.

The new variable sleeve offset Sunday press models are available as complete production systems, including roll handling and converting components to meet various application requirements.

Graham Trevett, vice president of sales for Goss International in North America, says packaging printers have expressed interest in this new Goss variable sleeve web offset press option due to the proven print quality, speed and low-waste efficiency. He notes that Goss International recently installed a Sunday web press in the United States that prints on packaging stocks and interfaces with an advanced in-line finishing system.

“The PacSys team knows the North American packaging industry and has specialized expertise that will complement our own product development and sales efforts,” says Trevett. “Our goal is to open up a dialogue with progressive packaging printers interested in breaking away from traditional workflows and exploring new web offset alternatives.”