New Progress Press inaugurated

The Prime Minister opened the new premises of Progress Press in Mriehel this evening, ushering in a new era for what is one of Malta's oldest and biggest printing presses.

Progress has invested €30m in the new premises and equipment, placing itself in position to roll out new products on the local and international markets.

Dr Gonzi and guests were welcomed by Managing Director Adrian Hillman who said that this project was a major achievement for Allied Group of Companies and continued a vision of excellence which was sought from the very beginning.

"Our new premises will allow us to be more competitive yet turn out work of high quality, including products which have never yet been produced locally. Indeed, this is an achievement for Malta as a country and puts us firmly on the printing map, competing against the best industry leaders beyond our shores."

The 10,000-square metre building was acquired partly finished and was extensively modified and developed to host avant-garde printing technology. The architectural design was in the hands of Paul Camilleri Architects, while a consortium headed by Blokrete Limited were responsible for the construction works.

Dr Gonzi unveiled a commemorative plaque and was shown around the complex by Mr Hillman and Vincent Buhagiar, chairman of Progress Press.

Those present included Archbishop Paul Cremona and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, shareholders, employees, clients and suppliers.

A PIONEER OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY AND JOURNALISM

In his address, Dr Gonzi said that in its 89 years, Progress Press had pioneered the Maltese printing industry and journalism in Malta.

It had established itself as a national institution providing information and news to Maltese and foreigners alike.

“Over the years, through the pens of journalists, lenses of photographers and hands of printers, Progress Press has shared unique moments of history with us all.  In Malta’s darkest hours you remained a beacon of hope for the Maltese even when bombs descended on our island’s during the Second World War.

“In recent times, when freedom of press, democracy and liberty were threatened, Progress Press became a symbol of this national struggle when its premises were torched down.

“From those ashes, Progress Press has today flourished into an important player in the local printing and publishing industry.

“Aware of its heritage and legacy, Progress Press and Allied Group, are today looking into the future with enthusiasm and confidence in continuing to register successes.

“Your successes are our successes,” Dr Gonzi said.

He said this €30 million investment in a state-of-the-art printing press represented the 'dynamicity, entrepreneurial flair and confidence' of the Maltese private sector. 

“Through this investment in premises and equipment, Progress Press is consolidating its operations and positioning itself to further reap international opportunities.  This project also evidences the role of Malta Enterprise in assisting local industry in penetrating foreign markets through investment support.

“This investment also symbolises the successful transformation of Progress Press.  Allied Group has expanded successfully thanks to its past investments in its people and equipment and today we are witnessing another step in this direction.”

Dr Gonzi also referred to the soul searching within journalism taking place particularly in the UK.  

“A newspaper is right to hold accountable and asks for transparency from all people having political and commercial power but it cannot itself fail to be accountable and transparent first and foremost for its audiences. Organisational and, particularly, personal agendas should be made manifest otherwise the noble profession of journalism can become an exercise in biased communication not in the communication of the truth.

“I do not believe that more laws and stricter statutory regulations will give us a more socially responsible and professionally dexterous journalism. But I do believe that a strong, effective and efficient system of self-regulation is essential. We need to build a more effective system of self-regulation in our country. I augur that efforts currently being made by the Institute of Maltese Journalists will bear fruit,” Dr Gonzi said.

Throughout the years, he said, Allied Group and Progress Press had helped to nurture through The Times of Malta and The Sunday Times the values of accuracy, fairness, truth telling, humaneness, thoroughness, hard work and independence, among many others.  

“Such professional, ethical and socio-cultural values need to remain a cornerstone of their operation irrespective of the media being used and regardless of the temptations of sensationalism, audience ratings and personal ambitions.”

NEW CAPABILITIES

Chief Operations Officer Noel Galea detailed the capabilities of Progress Press's new set-up in Mrieħel.

"The new web-printing and mailroom installation is capable of handling jobs that have so far been available only overseas," he explained. "The Global Web Systems G-145 Printline is made up of eight printing towers, two of which are equipped with UV ink curing. The equipment is capable of printing 64 newspaper-sized pages simultaneously, at a rate of 40,000 an hour.

The machine can print on glossy and matt paper. It can also print publications such as the popular door-to-door magazines. Due to the large print runs involved – 160,000 copies per edition – it is not feasible to print the latter on conventional sheetfed equipment.

Mr Galea added that the new machine also provides for automatic registration of colours and has improved colour balance controls that lead to good quality copies faster, cutting down on set-up time and waste.

An integral part of the project is the new FERAG mailroom, which streamlines the folding, stitching and trimming of products, to final stacking and bundle-strapping.

Mr Galea said this opens up further opportunities for large runs of publications, shortening the distance between the press and its clients.

The Prime Minister also toured the large newsprint stores as well as the basement floor which houses sheet-fed machinery.

Mr Hillman pointed out that the company's long-term vision includes an increasing capacity for flexibility in all roles, particularly as the evolution of printing methods and the competitive market will necessitate new processes.

"Some people will question the future of printing," he said. "Clearly there is a global threat to some areas of printing. But businesses have to be agile enough to shift products in different markets and there is nothing to stop us from identifying new areas."

Progress Press is part of the Allied Group, owners of timesofmalta.com

www.progresspress.com.mt