Offset Printing

Universal Printing Adds Heidelberg Press, Folders, Churns Out Materials for Presidential Campaign

Thursday 03. April 2008 - Universal Printing Company in Scranton, Pa. recently added a 4-color Printmaster PM 52 with perfector and two Stahlfolder B30s from Heidelberg to its 80,000-sq.-foot facility. Bill McGrath, husband of Universal’s owner Margi McGrath, said the shop chose the new Heidelberg press because of its flexibility, productivity and quality.

“We replaced three competitive presses with the purchase of the new Printmaster PM 52,” McGrath said. “My pressmen are very happy. They don’t have to struggle anymore to achieve consistent color as they did on the other presses. All the pressmen fight over the PM 52 because it is the easiest press to run and the quality is great.” As one of the main direct mail printers for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, Universal has been especially busy this election cycle. Leading up to the Ohio primary, the shop printed, folded and mailed 1.5 million pieces in just four days. “Without the new Stahlfolders, we would not have been able to keep up with the folding,” McGrath said. In addition to its new Stahlfolders and PM 52, Universal also runs an 8-color Speedmaster 74 with coater and perfector and a 6-color Speedmaster 74 with perfector from Heidelberg. The shop has been pleased with Heidelberg service, as well. “Every type of work we do is very time sensitive — you can’t wait,” McGrath said. “All of the service people are very responsive and know the equipment.” With 100 full-time employees, Universal runs general commercial work and specializes in healthcare, financial and direct mail materials.