04/06/2008 Press release 4.6.2008 M-real Graphic Papers today (4 June 2008) announces a fuller and more comprehensive service that provides expert advice to publishers and printers on improving quality, efficiency and consistency. The Galerie Print Performance Services Team will cover all stages of the production process, with particular emphasis on colour management and printing efficiency. Gregory Gettinger, Executive Vice President, M-real Graphic Papers, said: “Our customers are faced with a very challenging market, and we hope to help them prove the competitiveness of printed media through high quality, appealing appearance and correct colour reproduction. There is also significant potential for increasing cost efficiency. To provide two examples from a Printing Efficiency Service project conducted in Finland: a 2% improvement in run time on a 16-page press, for example, can generate €35,000 annual savings. Moreover, a 2% reduction in waste from a 16-page press results in €50,000 annual savings. Ultimately, these kinds of savings can add up to remarkable cost reductions.” M-real's Colour Management Service combines a unique set of software, tools and specialist consultancy skills that will help customers bring full control over colour reproduction. It spans the entire production process, ensuring colours and images are reproduced consistently. The aim is standardised workflow and fewer mistakes, simplified and more realistic proofing, and greater printing efficiency through faster make-ready and decreased quality waste. M-real's experts have already conducted 50 colour management evaluations for customers worldwide over the last year. One example is a project undertaken by M-real for Litografia Rosés, one of Spain's leading printers in the publishing sector, helping build their colour management system and obtain ISO profile certification. M-real provided analysis of proofs and printed samples, colour management training to sales and production people, recommendations for Galerie ISO profiles, and advice on quality consistency. “We thought it unusual to find a paper supplier that was interested in colour management issues,” said Francesc Farres, Prepress & I+D Director, Litografia Rosés, “but we were impressed with the support M-real provided and we will continue our future collaboration with them as a key partner.” The Printing Efficiency Service evaluates the printing process, identifies targets for improvement, and can result in notable cost savings and efficiency gains. Evaluation uses sensitivity analysis techniques, tailor-made software and specific measurement tools. The service covers press, postpress (binding and stitching), production planning, and working practices and processes. The service team also benefits from cross industry collaboration with other leading players in the graphics market, such as ink and paper machine manufacturers. These groups are working together to find solutions to printing problems and increase joint understanding. A recent example is the Troubleshooting Guide, produced jointly with Sun Chemicals. These new services form part of M-real's Galerie Customer Program, announced November 2007, introducing a simpler choice of products, faster availability, optimised paper quality and consistency, and improved print performance services. Link to photos: http://databank.metsaliitto.com/metsaliitto/mreal.jsp?x=6051254&i=45133236375126 123291092422816123117615196 For further information please contact: Marjo Halonen Vice President, Marketing Communications, M-real Graphic Papers Mobile: +358 50 5987 046 Email: marjo.halonen@m-real.com Lasse Lerche AVP, Techical Services, M-real Graphic Papers Mobile: +358 50 381 93 15 Email: lasse.lerche@m-real.com www.m-real.com