By Lisa Larson
Managing Editor

George R. Hall Contracting entered the double-width, slip-in, four-high tower market last month, announcing that it will sell, install and service the Americolor tower, manufactured in the United States exclusively for Hall by Dauphin Graphic Machines Inc.

“Hall and DGM complement each other perfectly,” said Bill Moore, president of George R. Hall. “Hall has the expertise to install and integrate the tower to any double-width press, and DGM is a well-respected industry leader in the manufacture of high-quality press equipment.”

The Americolor tower is designed as a 50-inch-wide, shaftless addition to an existing double-width offset press. The tower’s low profile of less than 16 feet allows for installation in most pressrooms. The heavy-duty foundation base is designed for installation on any existing press substructure, wall bracket or bed rail.

“Because of current economic conditions the timing for this product is perfect,” said Ron Ehrhardt, vice president of sales for Hall. “The Americolor tower is a cost-effective solution to increasing the four-color capabilities of existing presses without replacing those presses with new, or the expense of building a new production facility.”

While designed to be added to any double-width press, Ehrhardt added: “Our target market is Goss Metro, Headliner Offset, and Cosmo users. Along with our affiliate company, T. W. Davis Electrical Contractors, we have been installing, rebuilding and upgrading Goss presses for decades. Our mechanical and electrical knowledge of Goss presses is extensive. We want to be a viable option for Goss users who currently have real concerns, and limited options for upgrading their existing press.”

In addition to the integration capabilities, the Americolor tower features a commercial-style, three-form roller ink train, spraybar dampening, no-tool plate lockup, in-line cylinder geometry, and either digital injector or open fountain inkers.

As part of any tower addition project, Hall can rebuild and reconfigure the existing press, reduce the web width, and upgrade the ink, dampening, and control systems to match that of the tower.

“It’s an opportunity for newspapers to kill two birds with one stone,” Ehrhardt said. “Add high-quality, four-color printing and more color flexibility to the press, while extending its operational life and making it more efficient.”

Hall will begin sales promotion of the Americolor tower immediately with the goal to secure the first order by the end of the year.

“With any new product, we’re looking for a partner. We are confident in the design and capabilities of the tower, we are confident in our abilities, and the newspaper industry has shown confidence in both Hall and DGM for many years,” Ehrhardt said.