Newspaper undergoes upgrade in technology

The Southeast Missourian is easier to read these days thanks to state-of-the-art technology that has dramatically upgraded the printing process, publisher Wally Lage announced Wednesday.

Lage said he doesn't know of another newspaper of this size in the Midwest that has such printing technology. "It's really a pretty big leap," he said.

The computer-to-plate process has been used to print the Southeast Missourian since late September, company officials said.

"The real advantage is the quality," Lage said.

"What this means is clearer photos, less ink rub off and better color," said Jon Rust, co-president of Rust Communications which owns the Southeast Missourian.

The pages of the newspaper, which have been written and designed on computers at 301 Broadway for years, are now sent directly via computer to the newspaper's printing plant and $3 million press at 500 William St. The new process reduces the time and manpower it takes to get the newspaper and other publications printed.

Reduction in timeA process that previously took six and a half hours can now be done in an hour and a half, Rust said.

Brad Hollerbach, director of information systems at the Missourian, said the technology allows for "cleaner, crisper products."

Customers will find it easier to read the newspaper and other publications that the company prints, he said.

The company is in the process of expanding the high-tech printing process to its commercial printing operations, Hollerbach said.

Rust said the newspaper has invested in $300,000 worth of high-tech equipment on top of the new press to improve printing quality.

"We have had a steep learning curve with the new press, but everything is starting to hum now," he said.

Rust said the newspaper appreciates the patience of its readers while the Southeast Missourian changed over to the new printing process.