Muller Martini’s SLS3000 Inserting System and SAM Software greatly improves newspaper’s productivity and capacity—while once again achieving prestigious industry accolade.

When The Tampa Tribune, published by the Florida Communications Group, installed its first Muller Martini SLS3000 Inserting System in October 2005, and three more in 2006/2007, no one was thinking literally about “award-winning” performance.  But that’s precisely what’s transpired. 

With one 40-head (double-out) SLS3000 running at the paper’s Packaging and Distribution Center, plus two 18-head double-out SLS3000s, and one 12-head (single-out) SLS3000 installed at their Parker Street facility, the Tribune has significantly elevated its inserting capability.  Prior to the installations, the newspaper utilized 20- year old machines with limited capacity and on-going costly repair and maintenance issues. Thus, the decision to purchase all-new, state-of-the-art inserters.  And, although the Tribune thoroughly scrutinized a number of manufacturers, Muller Martini Mailroom Systems was its clear choice.

According to Stan Volland, Operations Manager, Packaging and Transportation, “Muller Martini provided the best equipment for the monies available to us.  Moreover, their training sessions significantly shortened the learning curve and proved invaluable to those employees working with the SLS3000s.”

With the addition of the Muller Martini inserting systems, The Tribune has increased its productivity, going from a two-pass insert operation to just one pass, with averages well above the norm.  In addition, they’ve also enhanced their profit potential. Since they’re now able to insert a greater range of product than ever before, they’re running inserting projects for other newspaper chains as well.

The SLS3000 is a fast, reliable inserting system that optimizes the production work within a tight time window that is so typical for modern mailrooms.  It’s characterized by high efficiency and is designed for the most demanding zoning needs as well as for the processing of a large number of inserts. 

To maximize the efficiency of its entire operation, The Tampa Tribune also uses Muller Martini’s SAM Production Planning and Control System.  The software centrally monitors the performance of the newspaper’s production, ensuring precise advertising fulfillment and reliable distribution by zones or regions.

And the “award-winning” performance?  This March, for the second consecutive year, The Tampa Tribune was awarded the Kohl’s Distribution Excellence Award from Kohl’s Department Stores.  Kohl’s is The Tribune’s largest preprint customer, running more than 140 inserts annually in the paper—which in 2008 achieved error-free distribution.  Even more impressive considering the paper’s Sunday circulation numbers more than 277,000.

“Without question, we would not have achieved the Kohl’s award without the Muller Martini Mailroom Systems’ equipment.  And incorporating the SAM system into our operation has been a valuable tool, not just for the packaging operation, but for Circulation and Advertising as well,” concluded Mr. Volland.