An article in the AC-T this morning details the last day of operation of its huge press out on Sardis Road:

http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901040354

When I was active in publishing newspapers and tabloids here in Asheville, we only had three choice of presses locally—AC-T’s plant (yes, they would print for anyone), IWANA (Bill Taylor was always great to work with), and Rudy out at the Waynesville Mountaineer. I used all three. On the papers I could afford color for, AC-T was by far the best choice, they did marvelous work.

So it’s more than just AC-T itself losing a local press but also other periodical publishers in the area.

Just out of curiosity, where is MountainX published these days and does the AC-T press closing affect you guys?

And, by the way—for those who might know of my book publishing (we’re done about a thousand titles right here in Buncombe County) —there are no book printers or manufacturers in this area who can do a bookstore quality book. We use the same presses the New York publishing houses do. While located all over the place, we do a lot of books in Canada now and even did a leatherbound collectible edition in China last year. I suspect newspaper printing is getting equally global.

Ralph: Xpress is now printed by the Fayetteville Observer, which has state-of-the-art presses capable of improved color registration and even ink coverage—because both parameters are digitally controlled on the fly. Additionally, I understand, the registration is improved by the unusual paper path (vertical towers, each one handling all the inks for 16 pages broadsheet or 32 tabloid in a pass).

Xpress and its precursor, Green Line, were printed by both Iwanna and Waynesville Mountaineer (with Rudie in charge). We’ve also been printed by the Daily Times in Maryville, Tenn. Each printer is different, and is the product of both the press technology and the personnel (from customer service, to prepress, to pressmen, and even the folks who handle the inserts, bundling, palletizing and shipping). A lot can go wrong to mess up a product you’ve worked hard on to make excellent.

As I’m sure you know, being in the publishing business.

As for the AC-T losing its press operation: 1) It is a shame for our daily to lose that capacity; it’s a lessening of its role and ultimate significance in the community. 2) The job losses will echo for months, maybe years, from the shuttering.

As for the AC-T presses quality: My suspicion is that their presses were abused and morale has been low over the past 10 years, with periods of improvement during that time by different teams and regimes.

Thanks… very informative reply, Jeff. I would love to see the Fayetteville operation some time. It’s been my privilege to tour some great printing operations over the years and I remain fascinated by them. ... When I first got into the book business, I thought it would be economical to have my own presses. A friend of my in Waynesville did and had a very nice operation for many years printing and binding his own books in house. I bought a press from him and added another one. Loved running them but quickly found out economy of scale and the quality I needed was not achievable with an in-house operation. So, I let others invest the multimillions in the lastest presses and take advantage of the low prices they put out to get enough business to pay for the presses. ;-)

As you have over the years. It’s the only way to go.

Even Gannett is now figuring out some of it.

Ralph, I was there last night to watch the last newspapers come off the press. I talked to several of my former colleagues. No tears were shed, but a sense of resignation filled the building with the scent of newsprint and ink.

Look for my upcoming account.

Do people actually READ the AC-T?

Really?

Jason Sandford - 04 January 2009 01:16 PM

Ralph, I was there last night to watch the last newspapers come off the press. I talked to several of my former colleagues. No tears were shed, but a sense of resignation filled the building with the scent of newsprint and ink.

Look for my upcoming account.

I know what you mean, Jason. I’ve watched my own papers come off those presses. And I know one of the guys who came over from Germany to maintain them. In fact, he liked it so well he stayed.

So… wonder what happens now… I mean to the equipment. Have they already sold it?

Ralph, it’s my understanding that the property will be put up for sale almost immediately. The press will remain intact. So if you know anyone who wants to get into the commercial printing business ....

... and has a few million in loose change lying about.

Right. ;-)