Cerutti, the Italian manufacturer of gravure and flexo printing presses, participated in an IfraExpo for the first time in nine years. newspaper techniques spoke with Riccardo Berrone, senior vice president sales of Cerutti, about the company’s plans and expectations.

newspaper techniques: Why do you believe now is the right time to present your products again to the international newspaper industry?

Berrone: There are a number of reasons, including the development of our new, state-of-the-art, full-color CIC flexo line with vector drives, and the success of the 18 presses of this kind presently running. Also, the fact that three newspapers previously in offset have started to use flexo (Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, La Gazzetta di Parma). Furthermore, DMGT has chosen flexo and Cerutti for their new plant. In addition, CTP for newspaper flexo is now available, and all of this leads us to believe that the time is ripe for flexo.

nt: Following the order from DMGT in London, does Cerutti plan to become more strongly engaged in the broader European market?

Berrone: We have started promotion of flexo in several European countries, as well as in South Africa and in the United States.

nt: What are the highlights of Cerutti’s offering?

Berrone: Documentation and samples of current full-color flexo. We are also highlighting the ability of flexo to economically print commercial products (flyers, department store catalogues) on improved newsprint and on light coated paper.

nt: What is the current status of development in the CTP area (plate throughput, automation, plate offerings and costs, etc.) that makes flexo attractive?

Berrone: La Gazzetta di Parma in October began printing with all plates made by CTP at roughly 120 plates per hour. There are two plate suppliers are on the market. With volume up, plate prices will be driven down.