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• Highly automated LITHOMAN IV sets new productivity standards
• Comprehensive inline control systems ensure top-tier print quality
• Investment creates 100 new jobs and strengthens Lakeside Book’s Willard site

Lakeside Book Company recently unveiled its new LITHOMAN IV to the public during a formal inauguration ceremony. The 64-page, 4-color web offset press represents a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing technological advancement. It delivers a maximum production speed of 50,000 cylinder revolutions per hour and supports a web width of up to 75 inches (1,905 mm).

Cutting-edge technology for maximum efficiency

Efficiency is maximized through a fully Automatic Plate Loading (APL) system with robotic plate handling, which executes all plate changes with speed and precision – without manual intervention. An integrated inline control package, including color, register, and cut-off control, guarantees consistently high print quality with minimal waste. A standout feature is the highly flexible PFC-252 pin folder, which allows for a broad range of formats – including A3 and A4, with quarter-fold options – and supports highly versatile folding combinations, significantly enhancing downstream finishing processes.

Strong commitment to the Willard site

The investment is supported by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and highlights the successful collaboration between Lakeside Book, the City of Willard, the Huron County Development Partnership, JobsOhio, Team NEO, and other regional stakeholders. In total, the project will create approximately 100 new jobs and help secure more than 400 existing positions.

Dave McCree, CEO of Lakeside Book Company, stated:

"This investment not only supports our ability to deliver outstanding and reliable solutions to our customers – it also reflects our deep commitment to our employees and the strong support we receive from key constituents here in Ohio. This project allows us to align our Willard facility with the evolving needs of the print industry by leveraging leading-edge technology."

Franz Kriechbaum, CEO of manroland Goss, added:

"With this investment, Lakeside Book demonstrates a remarkable commitment to the future of the printing industries. The combination of cutting-edge technology and strong regional roots sends a powerful message – both for the Willard site and for the North American book market. We are proud to contribute to this project with our LITHOMAN technology. The creation of new jobs in a high-tech environment also underlines the dynamic and forward-looking nature of the print industry."

Future-ready production site with a long-standing tradition

Lakeside Book Company’s Willard facility is 1.3 million square feet and has been in operation since 1956, currently employing over 500 talented employees at this location. The company produces books for several markets across the book publishing industry and as the book printing business transformed in the 2000s, the Willard location became the industry leader in printing high quality 4-color trade, education, government and healthcare books, as well as industrial catalogs.

About Lakeside Book Company:

Lakeside Book Company, together with its subsidiaries Marquis Book Printing and Phoenix Color, is recognized as the premier book printing, binding, and distribution company in North America. The Company has a rich legacy of innovation in crafting quality books enjoyed by readers all around the globe since 1864 when it began as a small printing company in Chicago. As the decades passed, Lakeside Book Company acquired multiple complementary organizations that share a passion and commitment to the book industry and expanded its services to include full book supply chain solutions from book manufacturing, components, fulfillment, packaging and kitting solutions, as well as distribution services. The company’s mission states, “We are committed to crafting books and services that are meaningful. We take pride in the challenge of fulfilling our customers‘ visions.”