With the installation of a Heidelberg Primesetter, Bates Printing has added computer-to-plate technology to its traditional computer-to-film-to-plate work flow.

“Eliminating a step has increased quality,” says John Bates, president of the 88-year-old Massillon company. “Everything is sharper, clearer.”

“The equipment itself isn’t as awe-inspiring as new printing presses,” says vice-president Dan Bates, the fourth generation to operate Bates Printing, “but moving into filmless production puts us at the forefront of commercial printing companies in our area.”

Bates Printing has always relied on Heidelberg quality in their pressroom, where five presses operate daily to provide a range of services from single color printing to complex full color work to die cutting. Heidelberg has historically been the world’s premium press manufacturer.

The new processing equipment was produced in Germany specifically for Bates Printing. As it was being manufactured and shipped, crews made many changes at the printing firm to accommodate the new machines.

Chris Merz, senior field service tech in Heidelberg’s prepress division, says this is the first Primesetter installation he has handled out of his Columbus headquarters.

In addition to enhanced quality, customers have seen a difference in proofing: revisions and corrections are made with a few keystrokes, without the financial burden of remaking film.

Bates Printing, a full service commercial printing company, works with advertising agencies and design professionals to produce top quality marketing pieces, annual reports, pocket folders, and catalogs. They are known throughout the area for their work with sports programs and tickets. Hospitals, retailers, industries, schools, and museums are among their regular customers.