Launched in 2016 by Komori’s, the 37-inch offset press continues to prove its relevance and appeal to print professionals. The investment made in 2023 by the IGR (Industrie Graphique Responsable) Group exemplifies this ongoing appeal. The formation of the IGR Group reflects a broader trend in the printing industry toward consolidation and efficiency.
The IGR Group was established in September 2023 through the merger of Neuville Impressions and SEIC (Société d’Edition et d’Imprimerie du Centre), two printing companies based in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of central France. Neuville Impressions, founded in 1990 in Digoin, served a national clientele of public bodies, ad agencies, and communication departments. SEIC, established in the 1990s, catered primarily to local business clients. The complementary nature of their services led to SEIC’s acquisition by Neuville Impressions in 2017, with plans for an eventual merger.
Achieving Scale for Greater Efficiency
“To cope with rising production costs and meet client demands for quick turnarounds, printers need to improve performance and responsiveness,” explains Jean-Philippe Neuville, President of IGR. “This means accelerating investment cycles and enhancing capabilities in areas like digital printing, large format printing, and production workflow automation. To achieve this, companies must reach a critical size to secure and retain support from banks.”
By merging Neuville Impressions and SEIC to form the IGR Group, along with acquiring Imprimerie Buxynoise in 2022, Jean-Philippe Neuville, General Manager Emmanuel Gaillard, and CFO Carine Neuville have created a team of 25 employees capable of generating a turnover of €4 million (US$ 4.4 million) in its first fiscal year and investing in essential areas.
Enhancing Offset Capabilities
The IGR Group moved into a 4,000-square-meter facility in Montceau-les-Mines and launched a €2 million (US$ 2.2 million) investment plan. This included acquiring a five-color Lithrone G37 H-UV L (LED) with a flexo coating unit, operational since September 2023. The investment also covered a new ERP system, a computer-to-plate system, and a perfect binding system. The new press replaced Neuville Impressions’ and SEIC’s older 29-inch, four-color Komori presses.
“Our aim was to match the production of our previous two presses with one, while also preparing for business growth,” confirms Jean-Philippe Neuville. The Lithrone G37 was the perfect choice to meet this goal.
Optimal Machine Format
The 37-inch format chosen by IGR is intermediate between the 29-inch half-format and the 40-inch full format. The Lithrone G37 runs at 15,000 sheets per hour and supports paper sizes up to 640 x 940mm, allowing for 16-page impositions with registration marks and color control bars. The G37 also costs 15% less than a 40-inch press.
“Choosing this press allowed us to limit our investment and save on production costs, energy, and offset plates and blankets,” confirms Jean-Philippe Neuville. “We save €50,000 (US$ 55,000) annually.” The new press enhances the Group’s responsiveness and versatility, reducing production time for jobs by 50% and allowing the inclusion of spot or metallic colors, increasingly requested for packaging jobs.
Commitment to Sustainability
IGR Group is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), having been an ImpriFrance gold medalist for several years. The company has conducted a carbon footprint assessment and implemented measures to limit its environmental impact, including providing staff with electric cars for carpooling. By handling production on a single press with the optimal format, IGR has streamlined its energy and raw material consumption, reducing emissions in response to growing environmental concerns.
Exploring New Opportunities with H-UV L (LED) Technology
The savings from investing in a 37-inch press instead of a 40-inch model provided additional financing options. IGR opted for H-UV L (LED) technology for their Lithrone G37, consistent with a decision made ten years earlier by Neuville Impressions and SEIC. This technology allows printing on closed substrates like vinyl and PVC, which has become a significant part of their business.
“We invested in an H-UV press in 2010 to differentiate ourselves,” explains Jean-Philippe Neuville. “This choice helps us respond quickly to market trends and changes. Currently, such products account for 25% of our overall business.”
