Oosterhout, July 2025
Oosterhout, July 2025 – Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL), India’s largest media group and the world’s biggest newspaper printing organisation, continues to invest in press automation by awarding a new order to long-standing partner QIPC-EAE. Known globally as the publisher of The Times of India, The Economic Times, Navbharat Times, Maharashtra Times, and Vijay Karnataka. BCCL operates one of the most advanced and high-volume newspaper production networks in the world.
As a global leader in automation solutions for the printing industry, QIPC-EAE will retrofit the COLORMAN press line at BCCL’s Airoli facility. This marks the eighth manroland press within BCCL-group to be upgraded with QIPC-EAE technology. The project represents the ongoing strength of the partnership between the two companies and their mutual commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable newspaper production.
Eighth manroland press upgrade with QIPC-EAE technology
The cooperation began in 2017, when BCCL decided to replace the outdated control and drive technology on one of its GEOMAN presses. The existing components had become costly, difficult to source, and offered limited service flexibility due to locked software.
QIPC-EAE provided a future-proof solution by integrating standard Siemens components, EAE press control software, and Q.I. Press Controls’ optical measurement and control systems. This approach not only resolved the technical limitations but also resulted in significant savings in energy, ink, and paper, while improving overall production reliability and flexibility.
Encouraged by the success of this first retrofit, BCCL ordered a series of follow-up projects. The latest order, covering press line number eight, confirms the publisher’s continued confidence in QIPC-EAE technology. This project involves the COLORMAN A press at the Airoli site and includes a full EAE press control upgrade for six towers and two double folders, along with QIPC IDS-3D systems for closed-loop colour and damp control. It also replaces the existing manroland PECOM system. With these retrofits in place, BCCL is now well-positioned to produce newspapers efficiently and reliably for at least the next 15 years.
A partnership built on trust and local presence
The partnership began long before the first official project. Since the opening of QIPC-EAE’s Indian office in Ahmedabad in 2004, the printer and publisher has relied on their local presence, technical expertise, and responsive service, forming the basis for a collaboration that has grown steadily over the years.
Rakesh Dave, Managing Director of QIPC-EAE India: "QIPC-EAE has proven to be a reliable partner with excellent service from its office in India. Our collaboration with BCCL is more than technical, it's built on mutual trust and shared ambition."
In a changing print market with growing demands, both companies know that long-term success requires stability, teamwork, and ongoing innovation. By continuing to invest in modern technology, they show their shared commitment to quality, efficiency, and a strong position in the global newspaper industry.
