Record-Breaking Run for JS McCarthy on Sentinel iPro Equipped Offset Press
CARROLLTON, TX – Sentinel, a global leader in automated ink management solutions, proudly congratulates J.S. McCarthy Packaging + Print on achieving a new world record for folding carton production. In March 2025, the company's HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106—equipped with Sentinel's iPro Ink Management System—produced an astounding 429,246 net sellable sheets (431,451 gross) in just 24 hours.
Sentinel iPro on HeidelbergBased in Augusta, Maine, J.S. McCarthy has evolved significantly over its more than 75 year history. In the past 18 years, the employee-owned company has steadily expanded beyond their origins in high-end commercial print to include the dynamic folding carton packaging industry. Now, the company derives 80% of its revenue from packaging, serving clients in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors.
"For decades we were known for commercial print," says Lisa Oakes, J.S. McCarthy Marketing & Business Development Manager. "We brought our laser-focused customer service mindset into the packaging world, which is something that's rare in this industry. That's why we're proud of how we run our business and how we treat our customers." Their investments in diversification have clearly paid off, as J.S. McCarthy continues to thrive, most recently with a 12,000 square foot expansion of their Augusta facility and continued success in their growing packaging segment.
One constant throughout J.S. McCarthy's evolution has been the competitive edge provided by the Sentinel System, a fully automated ink management solution. "We've used Sentinel on our presses for at least 25 years," says Randy Robbins, Pressroom Manager. The iPro system uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor ink levels and automatically dispense ink with precision, maintaining consistent color without interrupting production. When J.S. McCarthy recently upgraded their offset operations with two HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106 8-color presses, both iPro systems were integrated seamlessly into the new setup.
"The iPro systems aren't just reliable, they're robust," says Robbins. In order to set their new production record, the iPro needed to keep pace as the Speedmaster press ran at 21,000 sheets per hour across two twelve-hour shifts. "I was a little concerned that the iPro wouldn't be able to keep up with that kind of demand," Robbins admits. "But it had no trouble handling heavy coverage at that speed."
Beyond record-breaking efficiency, Sentinel systems also support a cleaner, less wasteful pressroom for J.S. McCarthy. With 8-pound cartridges that swap out in under 10 seconds and utilize over 98% of their ink, waste in both product and time is drastically reduced. "Our presses look like they did when they first came in the door," adds Robbins. "No mess, no waste—and the canisters last so long, we're swapping them far less often. I personally wouldn't run a press without an iPro on it. All in all, I'm a huge Sentinel supporter."
Sentinel Sales Director David Doucette concludes, "We're thrilled to see J.S. McCarthy set this remarkable world record. It takes the right people and the right technology to accomplish something like this, and we're honored that Sentinel has played a role in their success over the past 25 years. Congratulations to the entire J.S. McCarthy team!"