Austrian newspaper printer - which produces Kronen Zeitung and Kurier - is to install QI control systems in the first of its four divisions.

The order covers IDS-3D, mRC-3D and IQM systems for its division in Vienna, providing combined colour control and colour registration, a cut-off and sidelay control, plus the IQM quality management system on three KBA Commander towers.

After satisfactory commissioning, QI Press Controls will install the technology on the remaining 21 towers in Vienna. This will be followed by nine towers in St Andrä and six in Salzburg, amounting to total order volume of 78 IDS-3D cameras and 117 mRC-3D cameras.

Vienna print centre manager Thomas Hofinger (right) says the phased investment programme means Mediaprint will be establishing a partnership with QI: "Our goal is not only to reduce production costs, but to achieve greater flexibilities in handling the increasing number of smaller circulation jobs and to meet the high standards of quality and colour accuracy."

QI managing director Menno Jansen says the partnership ensures that products will continue to evolve "so that we will be able to offer top quality products in the future as well".

Mediaprint is the largest coldset print company in Austria, producing 900 million copies a year. With an annual turnover of 500 million Euros it is the country's second largest media business.