The upgrade will replace EAE ANK interface modules, ABB KT98 control modules and DC IO on their existing KBA reelstands, as well as the ArcNet communications. Harland Simon will utilize off-the-shelf Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and Ethernet communications across the Desert Sun's press to reduce on-going cost and minimize risk to production. The project is scheduled to begin in the 3rd Quarter 2017, with the press remaining in production throughout the process.

This new contract follows the successful projects at this facility back in 2014 and 2016, which saw the upgrade of the frontend EAE press controls and on-unit KBA/ABB controls on their KBA Colora towers.

John Staiano, Managing Director – Americas for Harland Simon commented, “This once again shows the confidence Desert Sun has in our ability to undertake challenging projects, on time and within budget. As always, we are looking forward to working with the team in Palm Springs."

Harland Simon’s upgrade methodology ensures that throughout the project The Desert Sun's existing controls will remain operational until the new system is fully tested in order to remove any risk to production. Costs are minimized by retaining elements of the old system that can still be used and supported.

Furthermore, additional diagnostic software will be available on the Harland Simon supplied maintenance PC and P6000 control consoles, previously installed in 2014 and 2016. This will streamline fault-finding procedures and enable 24/7 remote diagnostic and support via a VPN line.

About Harland Simon
Harland Simon is one of the world’s leading suppliers of newspaper press control and management systems. With roots going back to 1915, the company has been providing innovative, user-friendly and reliable solutions to the newspaper printing industry for over thirty years, from ‘turnkey’ systems for new presses to cost effective upgrades on existing presses.

Utilizing the benefits of industry-standard hardware and software platforms, Harland Simon offers a complete range of products and solutions including press drives and controls as well as associated computer management systems and production tools. It’s an approach that Harland Simon has used on many occasions previously on systems supplied by Goss, Rockwell Automation, KBA, Honeywell, EAE and manroland to improve performance, minimize waste and maximize production quality whilst keeping presses in daily production.

(http://www.harlandsimon.com)