Its another first for Fiji Sun with its latest groundbreaking introduction of the Muller Martini Alphaliner inserting machine into the Fijian market.

The equipment was installed and training done at the Fiji Sun production centre at Walu Bay by prominent Asia-Pacific newspaper press suppliers Webco, of Tauranga, New Zealand. It continues the Fiji Sun’s series of firsts in Fijian newspaper production.

Kevin Sinclair, one of the expert trainers brought in by Webco managing director Brendon Whitley, said: “When it’s going at full speed, you can do 15,000 copies an hour.

The Alphaliner basically puts the sections of the newspaper and inserts together.

“Most newspapers in New Zealand have these machines,” Mr Sinclair said.

He said the machine improves the work flow and the handling of the sections.

Muller Martini is a Swiss company that is a world leader in such equipment and has manufacturing plants in Switzerland, Germany and the United States of America.

Fiji Sun publisher/chief executive officer Peter Lomas said: “This acquisition, and our other recent developments, is indicative of the continuing growth of the Fiji Sun.

“It also underscores again the willingness of our owners to invest in the Fiji Sun and Fiji.

“On the production side we have been the first to invest in computer-to-plate technology, four-high colour towers, UV glossy printing and optical plate punching and bending technology.

“The Fiji Sun now has by far the most advanced newspaper printing in the Pacific Islands. Our use of UV is even ahead of New Zealand.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj