The Timsons litho book presses are set to be back in production thanks to a deal between Kolbus, which brought the remains of the Timsons press business when it collapsed last year, and Timsons Engineering, which operates the foundry and the rest of the business.
The deal covers the Timsons T48 and ZMR (Zero make-ready) presses. Timsons mono web presses have been the cornerstone of the global book press market for decades. With specific cut sizes and fold patterns they are perfect for both paperback and hardback book production. The ZMR Press also introduced an exceptional two colour press.
Timsons Engineering will build the print towers, which will then be sent to Germany where Kolbus will manufacture the inking system and folders. It will also buy in stackers and reelstands to go with the presses, which will carry the Kolbus badge.
They will be marketed, installed and serviced by Kolbus except in the USA and Canada where Timsons Incorporated will continue in this role. The 300 Timsons presses already in use worldwide will continue to be supported and serviced by Timsons Engineering, Timsons Inc and Easydot, depending on their geographical location.
Robert Flather, Kolbus UK managing director, believes that it was the state of the market rather than a problem with the presses that led to them being dropped from production, adding: “The Timsons press was a niche product, highly valued and with a solid client base.”
Kolbus is also manufacturing the Timsons T-Fold.
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