April, 1999
Grasso Graphics Completes 2 Million Dollar Expansion
Grasso Graphics has recently completed the most ambitious and equipment upgrade in its 20 year history.

Beginning in April 1999 with the ordering of a new state-of-the-art Heidelberg Speedmaster press, Grasso Graphics set the tone for this years' technological advancements.  Known as a "Speedmaster" by the finest manufacturer of printing equipment in the world, for good reason.  At 15,000 impressions per hour or yielding 30,000 impressions per hour in "perfecting" mode (printing both sides of a sheet in one pass) this is one of the most productive presses in the world - with quality that is second to none.  This increased productivity will provide their customers with quality printed products, at even more competitive prices for many years to come.  Now Grasso Graphics had to set out to acquire additional space for this new 30 foot long machine.

In June of 1999 negotiations were completed for the purchase of the balance of Grasso Graphics' building, more than tripling the company's production and warehousing space.  Plans began on the interior build-out to provide the most advanced pre-press and pressroom space possible.

By September, construction had begun.  Demolition to the existing interior of the newly acquired space came first.  Soon after a new reinforced concrete pad was poured to hold the weight of the massive new press.  As well, a huge new cooling system was installed to provide a comfortable work atmosphere for their pressmen, but more importantly an optimal environment for paper.  Even the floor coating of the pressroom and paper storage area was custom designed to provide a dust-free and easily maintained work space.

October brought the second major equipment acquisition with the purchase of a new Heidelberg pre-press system.  This new system provides new, cost saving, capabilities to Grasso Graphics and their customers.  Called CTP (Computer-to-Plate) this "Quasar" system eliminates the need for film in the pre-press arena by lasering the image direct to plates run on Grasso's presses.  The image quality is as good as conventional film-to-plate systems but completely eliminates the cost and labor of the film step.  An existing technological advancement that improves quality, saves money and speeds turn-around time.

In January the construction of the pre-press area as well as improvements to office and conference areas were completed.  Grasso Graphics is proud of the newly improved operation and look forward to having you stop by and view the future of printing for yourself.