Boston Globe Puts :Polaris Online, Bringing the Number of Agfa CtP Systems at NY Times Co. Newspapers to 25

Two :Polaris engines at the Globe make Agfa technology the nationwide standard in newspaper CtP.

Agfa Graphics announced today that the Boston Globe, a New York Times Company newspaper, has purchased two Agfa Polaris CtP engines. The move enables the Globe, one of the largest dailies in the Northeast, to produce up to 350 plates per hour, with the ability to image multiple resolutions across one production run.

With the two new :Polaris engines, The New York Times Company now has 25 Agfa CtP systems, effectively positioning Agfa as the standard-bearer for computer-to-plate imaging technology for daily newspapers.

The Globe (daily circulation 355,000 Sunday 530,000) is using the multi-cassette version of :Polaris to provide automated plate production with faster production times to meet its tight deadline. Its online plate cassettes keep hundreds of plates online for maximum productivity, with automatic plate loading and handling to save time and increase workflow efficiency. The newspaper also uses Agfa’s :Arkitex NewsDrive for even higher productivity.

“When we did our research into the available technologies, it became clear to us that Agfa’s CtP imaging technology offered one of the most advanced and reliable solutions,” said the Boston Globe’s Bob Burns, senior vice president of production. “The :Polaris engine has evolved into a worldwide standard for the largest newspapers. Quality, reliability and cost efficiency were the goals we needed to achieve and we’re glad we made the decision to go with Agfa.”

“The New York Times Company is one of preeminent newspaper organizations in the entire world, and now, with the Boston Globe on board as a user of Agfa CtP, we can say that we do indeed represent an industry standard for quality and efficiency,” said Agfa’s Peter Wilkens, VP, Sales and Marketing.

Violet technology brings a new level of quality and production benefits to newspaper CtP imaging, with reliable, automated platesetting speeds, turnaround and make-readies; exceptional press performance that saves on time and costs; fewer remakes to eliminate unnecessary waste, and more. As part of their system, the Boston Globe also uses Agfa’s :Arkitex NewsDrive, which sends data to all imaging devices to increase throughput and ensures smoother production flows.