Centro Stampa Quotidiani SpA (CSQ) has successfully transformed its operations into a leading printing facility in Italy by adopting a hybrid printing strategy. Established in the late 1990s through a collaboration between two local publishers, L’Eco di Bergamo and Giornale di Brescia, CSQ has evolved from a niche manufacturer to a versatile production company serving approximately 80 clients.
During a recent address at the World Printers Summit in Munich, CSQ’s general manager, Dario De Cian, highlighted the significant changes the company has undergone. The transformation was fueled by investments in small-format presses, automation, and a comprehensive hybrid printing approach. To date, CSQ has invested a total of 137.5 million euros, employs 76 people, and achieved a turnover of 22.5 million euros in 2024.
Investment in Automation and Modern Technology
The company’s journey began in 2000 with an initial investment of 45 million euros. Over the years, CSQ has prioritized automation, smaller printing formats, and advanced ink control systems. Notably, it was the first facility in Italy to implement the QI press system. De Cian remarked on the impact of these advancements: “The installation of automatic ink and dampening control systems has changed our production organization entirely.”
CSQ has adapted its workforce accordingly. Following a three-month trial, a restructuring plan was approved by unions, reducing press staff from four to two workers per line. This shift allowed the company to transition to a more flexible workforce capable of meeting diverse customer needs.
As the printing industry trends toward smaller formats to reduce costs and paper usage, CSQ has positioned itself advantageously. The investment in small-format presses has enabled the company to offer varied options to its clientele, enhancing its competitive edge.
Handling Complex Print Runs with Flexibility
Since commencing operations in April 2000, CSQ has grown into one of Italy’s largest printing plants, equipped with five offset lines and one digital inkjet line. The facility began with two WIFAG OF 370 presses, later adding two WIFAG OF 373 6×2 presses in 2008 and 2010. The latest addition is a refurbished Goss Universal 75, purchased in 2019, which began production in 2023.
CSQ’s unique capability to produce newspapers using both offset and inkjet technology sets it apart. “We are the only printing center in Italy that operates both technologies,” De Cian stated. This hybrid workflow allows the facility to adapt its printing method based on circulation. For example, on October 2, 2024, CSQ printed copies of Süddeutsche Zeitung and Bild using offset due to high circulation demands.
The mailroom at CSQ is designed for flexibility, capable of handling various printing requirements efficiently. The company prints for its founding newspapers, L’Eco di Bergamo and Giornale di Brescia, as well as national titles like Il Sole 24 Ore and Avvenire. Furthermore, it produces runs for international publications such as The New York Times and Le Monde, allowing it to maintain high production levels.
As the landscape of newspaper printing continues to decline in Italy, CSQ has adapted successfully. In 2004, Italy boasted 98 newspaper printing centers, a number that has since dwindled to just 39. In Lombardy, where CSQ operates, the number of printing sites has decreased from twenty to eight since 2004. Despite this decline, CSQ has found ways to thrive, increasing its print jobs from 4,474 in 2007 to 5,822 in 2024, though the total number of printed copies has decreased from 155 million to 88 million.
CSQ’s ability to maintain a diverse client base while producing smaller runs reflects its strategic investments in technology and innovation. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of a changing industry, its commitment to hybrid printing positions it well for the future.
