Komori Corporation Unveils KGC Smart Factory, Ushering in a New Era of Automation in the Printing Industry

Komori Corporation Unveils KGC Smart Factory, Ushering in a New Era of Automation in the Printing Industry

Tokyo, Japan - October 21, 2024 -

Release Date: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tokyo, Japan – October 21, 2024 Komori Corporation (Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Mochida) proudly announces the opening of the newly upgraded Komori Graphic Technology Center (KGC) Smart Factory at its Tsukuba Plant. This renewal marks the third phase of renovations, aligning with Komori's commitment to developing cutting-edge printing solutions and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

KGC Smart Factory reopens after renovation

Redefining Smart Factory Innovation in Printing

The newly unveiled KGC Smart Factory is designed to address the growing demands for efficiency in today’s printing landscape. As the industry faces increasing pressure to manage smaller print lots, shorter turnaround times, and rising material and energy costs, the KGC Smart Factory represents a pivotal leap towards automation and higher productivity.

“The transformation of KGC into a fully integrated smart factory underscores our dedication to helping print service providers not just survive but thrive in a rapidly evolving market,” said Lance Martin, Vice President of Product Marketing at Komori America. "By leveraging cutting-edge automation and connected workflows, the KGC Smart Factory demonstrates what’s possible when technology and teamwork come together for the benefit of our industry."

Centralized Automation for Enhanced Efficiency

At the core of the KGC Smart Factory is a newly installed central control room that monitors all aspects of the print production workflow in real-time. The heart of this system is Komori's KP-Connect Pro, a sophisticated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that connects and tracks every stage of production—from prepress to postpress—enabling factory managers to oversee and control the entire operation with unprecedented precision.

The “central control room” that tracks the progress of all printing processes in real time

Additionally, the KP-Connect Alliance Program, launched in 2016, continues to expand. It connects all print-related workflows across different technologies, fostering collaborative innovation between Komori and its alliance partners.

Automation Through Collaboration

Komori’s Connected Automation concept integrates all stages of production, from prepress, printing, postpress, to quality inspection and logistics. The automation of printing processes is not achieved by Komori alone but in collaboration with partner companies. With the involvement of advanced CTP sorting equipment and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) to transport printing plates, the factory achieves unprecedented levels of workflow automation.

CTP sorting equipment and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) to carry printing plates

Educating the Next Generation of Print Innovators

Alongside the technological advancements, the KGC Printing College continues to provide educational resources, offering hands-on training, seminars, and expanded curriculum focused on the operations of smart factories.

An Open Innovation Hub for the Printing Industry

In its new role, the KGC Smart Factory will serve as an open innovation hub, where Komori, printing companies, and alliance partners can work together to push the boundaries of print technology. By combining human expertise with the latest in printing automation, the KGC Smart Factory aims to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability across the global printing industry.

Open space for communication and new conference room

About Komori America Corporation

Tokyo-based Komori Corporation, a premier manufacturer of offset and digital presses, provides world-class technology based on three tenets core to which all Komori products are delivered—product reliability, outstanding print quality and substrate flexibility. From unsurpassed print quality and impressively fast makeready to intuitive software, Komori is dedicated to helping its customers navigate the changing market landscape. With hundreds of patents, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and representation around the globe, Komori is laser-focused on the advancement of print. Komori America Corporation is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, IL and manages a sales and service organization throughout North America.

Visit Komori America at https://www.komori-america.us/ and follow us at:

Marketing Contact:

Lance Martin
VP Product Marketing
Komori America
630-725-8740
lmartin@komori.us