Heidelberg USA Completes Successful Year in U.S. Market

KENNESAW, Ga.—Heidelberg has announced that it has completed a successful year in the U.S. market.

The company’s fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2006, brought many key accomplishments in the U.S., from the introduction of new products and service offerings to the opening of its Print Media Demonstration Center (PMDC) in Kennesaw, Ga. to increases in sales and new press installations.

“Heidelberg has seen increased momentum in the U.S. market in the past year,” said James Dunn, president, Heidelberg USA. “With our investments in new technologies and product innovations, we are well-positioned to satisfy the needs of our U.S. customers in the coming year.”

In the 40” market, Heidelberg experienced the largest growth from sales of its Speedmaster SM 102, CD 102 and XL 105 presses. With the versatile CD 102, the ultra-productive XL 105 and the SM 102 perfecting press, Heidelberg provides a comprehensive range of dedicated 40-inch print production options. Designed with industry-leading technology and available in highly customized versions, such as UV options on the CD 102, these presses set the industry benchmark in their format class. The newest addition, the Speedmaster XL 105 enables high-end commercial offset printing applications at speeds up to 18,000 sheets per hour for maximum throughput and significant productivity gains. Since its U.S. introduction at PRINT ’05, the XL 105 has seen tremendous acceptance in the market.

Another key milestone for Heidelberg USA during its 2006 fiscal year was the introduction of its systemservice 36plus offering at PRINT ’05. This proactive service offering provides Heidelberg customers with an innovative and expanded service package for a period of 36 months with the purchase of almost all models of new presses and includes intelligent support services and an annual Heidelberg inspection. Since its unveiling in September 2005, systemservice 36plus has been met with positive customer reactions and has exceeded the industry standard for service.

Among the U.S. highlights from the year:

* Heidelberg maintained its market leadership in all press formats that it produces with shipment of more than 1,000 printing units;

* Notable achievements included an 73 percent increase in 20” format press installations and a 58 percent increase in 40” format press installations;

* Heidelberg’s high performance consumables products saw a nearly 15 percent increase in sales;

* Prepress sales grew by 16 percent with increased CtP shipments and greater market penetration of Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow solutions;

* Postpress experienced a 44 percent increase in shipments of Heidelberg cutting systems, folders and saddle stitchers;

“Heidelberg USA is pleased to report a year of many accomplishments across key market sectors,” said Jim Dunn, president, Heidelberg USA. “We are successful when our customers are successful, and we are committed to continuing to deliver innovative solutions and services that equip our customers for success.”

During the fiscal year, Heidelberg USA also opened regional offices in six key cities. These offices, located in the metropolitan areas of Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis and San Francisco, join existing Heidelberg offices in Atlanta (Kennesaw), Chicago, Los Angeles and New York (NJ). Each office houses a team of Heidelberg professionals dedicated to supporting the local print community. Dunn explained, “each printer has unique requirements, and it is critical for our team to be close to customers in order to understand and respond to their needs. With each regional service team comprised of 40 to 60 technicians, it is crucial to have a place where our people can work together to develop support solutions for local customers,” added Dunn.

Another important event for Heidelberg USA was the opening of its 33,000 square-foot PMDC in Kennesaw, Ga. in May 2005. Home to a broad spectrum of prepress, press and postpress solutions as well as Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow and Consumables offerings, the PMDC is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Since its industry unveiling, the PMDC has hosted more than 250 companies and numerous industry organizations for demonstrations, peer groups and training seminars on topics ranging from UV to workflow management.