Sohokkai Co. Ltd., with over 70 years of expertise, has evolved from a traditional print business into a comprehensive communications provider, embracing web and video content alongside print. This diversification enables the company to deliver high-impact, cross-media solutions tailored to customer needs.
“To create emotionally resonant printed materials, we focus on customer-centric planning, compelling design, efficient digital workflows, and presses that deliver vibrant, high-quality results,” says President Sohshiro Tamura. “This requires not only advanced technology but also the creativity and skills of our team—which we continue to nurture and develop.”
To meet growing demand for short-run, high-variety production and reduce internal costs, Sohokkai replaced its 18-year-old Speedmaster SM 102-8-P with the Speedmaster SX 102 Version 92.
The Speedmaster SX 102 combines proven perfecting technology with advanced automation. Its 650 x 940 mm plate format delivers up to 20% savings on plate costs compared to standard B1 presses. “Previously manual tasks are now highly automated, allowing us to run at 14,000 sheets per hour and change jobs more quickly,” says Shinji Shibata, Deputy Manager of the Printing Department. “This has boosted productivity and efficiency across the floor.”
Prinect Inpress Control enables inline color and registration control throughout the production run, automatically adjusting on the fly. “Operators don’t need to constantly check sheets—they can trust the process and stay focused,” says Shibata. A single team can now handle up to 18 jobs per shift, a major leap in efficiency.
Working closely with the HEIDELBERG Japan consulting team, Sohokkai conducted a deep analysis of job data and production flows. The result: clear paths to reduce makeready time and waste while maintaining standardized workflows and high quality.
President Tamura acknowledges shifting customer expectations: “Traditional print sales alone aren’t enough. Clients want digital content—videos, websites, interactive media. But print still plays a vital role when integrated with digital.”
With a fully digital Prinect workflow, Sohokkai has streamlined operations to eliminate unnecessary costs and downtime. Going forward, the Speedmaster CD 102-5 UV will handle high-end jobs like fashion and art publications, while the Speedmaster SX 102 Version 92 focuses on fast-turnaround work with high efficiency.
“By combining both presses, we’re positioned to deliver exceptional quality and speed, regardless of the project type,” Tamura explains.
