While print sites are shutting in other parts of the world because of COVID-19, a significant press project is pushing ahead in Spokane in the US Northwest.

With a new 6040m2 building ready in Spokane Valley, Washington, Northwest Offset Printing has started moving equipment in, and has an eight-tower Goss Magnum press currently being installed despite the pandemic.

Plans are apparently on target for a June start date, with contractor ImPressions Worldwide having also taken over additional work when SMC technicians responsible for the reel track system were unable to attend because of the emergency. "Our dedicated professionals are working seven days a week," says ImPressions president Tom Loesch. "Using safe practices, this essential press installation remains on schedule in the midst of the global pandemic."

The eight-tower Magnum, built in 2001, has two Universal 45 folders - one with quarterfold, another with an upper former, useful for sectionalised broadsheets - and a vertical heatset dryer for one web. Five 200hp drives for the shafted system are currently being installed, and a custom-built mezzanine away from the folders houses upgraded Allen Bradley controls.

Installation of a M600 heatset press is to follow, with production planned for August, and mailroom facilities are being expanded to include inserting and perfect binding.

Northwest Offset Printing's existing pressroom has a 12-unit Goss Metro - upgraded with two 1995 TKS towers - as well as a four-tower Web Press Quad-Stack and other equipment.

Pictured: The new Spokane Valley building and installation of the Magnum press (photos NWOP and ImPressions Worldwide)