Houston Chronicle Press Launch: Uniliner Relocation and Start-Up

Customer: Houston Chronicle
Location: Houston, Texas
Project Type: Press relocation, commissioning, and start-up support
Press: Uniliner (6 plates wide / 4 printing towers)
Output Capability: 48 straight / 96 collect (full color)
Timeline: Less than 12 months from signed contract to running newspapers

 

Project Overview

The Houston Chronicle completed the launch of its new state-of-the-art press through the relocation and start-up of a large Uniliner press system. The press was decommissioned and moved from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to Houston and relocated “as-is,” preserving its existing configuration to support an accelerated schedule.

manroland Goss web systems Americas supported the project with engineering resources focused on delivery coordination, execution support, commissioning, and performance validation to ensure the press drives and performs as intended.

Key Highlights

  • Relocation and commissioning completed in less than 12 months from contract signing to printing newspapers

  • Press moved exactly as it was configured to accelerate installation and reduce complexity

  • Facility availability enabled faster execution (existing Houston Chronicle space sized appropriately for the press)

  • Significant foundation requirements and system complexity addressed through engineering planning and support

Press Configuration

  • 6 plates wide press with 4 printing towers

  • Yields 48 straight / 96 collect (full color)

  • Supports higher production capability with fewer towers

“Relocating and commissioning a press of this scale in under 12 months is a major achievement. manroland Goss was a strong partner throughout the project—from engineering support to onsite execution—and helped ensure the press performs as expected as we bring this new capability online.” – Joel Meyer, VP of Operations | Houston Chronicle

The Challenge

Relocating and commissioning a press of this scale required extensive planning, coordination, and precise execution, including:

  • Decommissioning and relocation logistics for a large press system

  • Complex building and site preparation requirements

  • A complex foundation system to support the press installation

  • Aggressive project timeline expectations

  • Start-up mode readiness and operator training support

The customer also required confidence that the press would perform to expectations following relocation—matching performance standards similar to when the press was first installed.

The Solution

manroland Goss web systems Americas supported the Houston Chronicle throughout the project with engineering and execution expertise, including:

  • Engineering resources supporting delivery and execution

  • Coordination and collaboration with installation partner support

  • Commissioning support and performance validation

  • Start-up mode support, troubleshooting, and detail completion

  • Training support to help operators transition into production

The Houston Chronicle’s facility provided an ideal fit for the press footprint, enabling the relocation to proceed efficiently and helping maintain schedule speed.

“manroland Goss provided outstanding support throughout the relocation and startup of our new press. Their engineering expertise and onsite execution helped us move quickly and confidently from installation to producing newspapers.” – Joel Meyer, VP of Operations | Houston Chronicle

Services Provided

  • Engineering support (delivery through execution)

  • Commissioning and start-up support

  • Performance validation

  • On-site support and troubleshooting

  • Operator training support

📷 Photo Credit: Raquel Natalicchio

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