Company Background

GFG Grafotisak was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Grude, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a family‑owned, second‑generation business that operates two main divisions: a production arm that manufactures books, leverage files, security products and packaging boxes, and a trade‑distribution arm that supplies stationery, school articles and graphic materials. Rafa Tisak leads the book‑manufacturing segment, focusing on the international market.

Production and Operations

The company delivers roughly 25 million books each year and employs a total of 660 people across the group. Minimizing production interruptions is a top priority, and Grafotisak relies on prompt, dependable installations to keep the line running smoothly. Machines are typically replaced after about five years with the latest state‑of‑the‑art technology, a strategy that sustains competitiveness in the commercial book‑printing market. Upgrading technology boosts productivity, which in turn keeps production costs low.

Despite a market trend toward smaller print runs, Grafotisak maintains an exclusive focus on offset printing. The decision is driven by cost‑effectiveness, superior print quality, precise colour accuracy and consistency. Calculations show that, thanks to a high degree of standardisation, automation and efficiency, offset printing delivers more favourable manufacturing costs while achieving better quality.

Heidelberg Technology and Installation

Heidelberg serves as Grafotisak’s strategic technology partner. The printer demonstrated the ability to install multiple machines within a tight nine‑week window, dismantling five existing presses and setting up 44 new units, including six Speedmaster XL106 presses. To meet the deadline, three full‑service teams of four people each worked in parallel, and every Heidelberg machine was factory‑tested and calibrated before delivery, enabling rapid on‑site setup.

Key innovations include the “push‑to‑stop” automated production setting, which maximises output, and the inline spectral measurement system Prinect Inpress Control 3. The latter dramatically reduces make‑ready time, especially for short‑run jobs, by providing real‑time colour monitoring. Fast plate changing with the third‑generation XL plate further minimises downtime between jobs.

The Speedmaster XL106 is tailored to Grafotisak’s needs, offering high productivity, an easy‑to‑use interface and reliable local service. Hi‑Color Pro automates the dampening system, allowing precise adjustments from the Prinect Press Center XL3 console. Remote adjustability enhances efficiency by enabling finer ink‑water balance corrections, reducing waste and speeding up make‑ready processes.

Partnership and Future Goals

Grafotisak views Heidelberg as a long‑term partner integral to its growth and success. The recent installation was described as a “huge step” and an important milestone for the company’s future. With Heidelberg’s support, Grafotisak aims to achieve its desired productivity targets and remains proud to have Heidelberg as a strategic business partner.