Finishing & Screen Printing

World Arts Installs Game-Changing Stitchmaster from Heidelberg

Tuesday 07. October 2008 - Binding is truly an art form at World Arts in Spencer, Ind., which employs several hand-bookbinding craftsmen for highly specialized binding assignments.

The company recently introduced greater automation, speed and productivity to its postpress operations by adding a new Stitchmaster ST 450 saddlestitcher from Heidelberg. “Saddlestitching is the backbone of our book binding process, and the Stitchmaster has already helped us increase our capabilities threefold,” Bindery Manager Matt Leach said. “I honestly can’t imagine life without it.” The Stitchmaster’s flexibility is vital for the company’s orders for very small books, which it considers “an exception to the rule.” Bindery operators who were working 60 to 70 hours a week are glad for the relief that the new saddlestitcher has provided. The pressroom is also reaping the benefits of an upgraded pressroom with the recent installation of a new 2-color Printmaster QM 46 press. The company already runs four of Heidelberg’s Stahlfolders in postpress, as well as Heidelberg’s Saphira Consumables throughout the shop. As World Arts continues to expand, it will look to Heidelberg to help ease its growing pains. Founded more than 45 years ago, the company now has nearly 100 employees.