Heidelberg

HEIDELBERG, Germany—Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) recently opened its first Print Media Academy (PMA) in Chennai, India. Heidelberg now runs a total of more than 18 PMA sites in 15 different countries. Sections of the Indian print media industry have recorded annual growth rates that run into double figures, with package printing achieving particularly strong growth. Many companies are looking to match the production standards of their counterparts in industrialized countries and are therefore investing heavily in cutting-edge printing technologies. However, if they are to be successful in implementing market demands in day-to-day print production, operators and technical management teams in India will also need

Offset printing is a standard bearer for quality in package printing and has a long history of successful use in the folding carton arena. As much headway as flexographic printing has made during the last decade, its quality is still measured against that of offset. It is not surprising that offset printing is still the process of choice for many folding carton converters in the packaging market. Many suppliers with a long history of providing high-quality printed products to their customers hold firm to their successful roots. Carded Graphics, located in Staunton, Va., is one such folding carton converter that focuses entirely on

PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has announced the 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech™ Technology Award recipients. Twenty-eight nominations were submitted from 21 domestic and international companies, and 10 innovative technologies were selected to receive the award. The independent panel of InterTech judges deliberated over a unique cross-section of technologies, from consumables to MIS systems to large-format printing. Innovative advancements in technology were demonstrated in the form of digital press design, prepress content and color control, flexographic printing material, and value-added print processes. Process efficiency was a prevalent characteristic among many entries; submissions contained solutions to automate production steps, provide in-line process

KENNESAW, Ga.—Proteus Packaging has become the first U.S. company to purchase Heidelberg’s new Speedmaster XL 145 press—one of two very large format (VLF) press models Heidelberg unveiled at drupa 2008. The Franklin, Wis.-based folding carton producer chose the 6-color Speedmaster XL 145 press with inline aqueous coater to upgrade its pressroom and keep the company competitive in a challenging marketplace. The new machine will be the first VLF press from Heidelberg installed in North America. Proteus expects to replace two older VLF presses with the XL 145, thanks to major gains in efficiency expected with the new press. “Our existing larger-format presses are 23

HEIDELBERG, Germany—During drupa 2008, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) announced it is expanding its Saphira range of consumables with the launch of an extended system solution for its InkLine automated ink supply system, which will be renamed InkStar. The new solution includes InkStar cartridges made from recycled materials, and Heidelberg is also introducing a two-stage cutting and shredding system for disposing empty cartridges that helps cut waste volumes by up to 70 percent. Heidelberg launched InkLine in 1998 and since then has installed more than 16,000 units around the world, even under license on presses from competitors. Due to its high level of automation, InkLine

Company: Heidelberg, www.us.heidelberg.com Product: Diana X 115 What is it?: Heidelberg’s new Diana X 115 folder/gluer features an open-frame design and modularity that allows customization for folding carton converters. Features: • From the prefolder to the folding station, all upper and lower roller bars, including the center carrier, are integrated into the AutoSet system for fully automatic make-ready • With the turning module, speciality cartons can now be folded and glued in one pass • The modularity of Diana X 115 allows for a tailor-made configuration for processing a virtually unlimited range of folding cartons • Precise and reliable processing of complex blanks •

Heidelberg is showcasing a broad range of end-to-end solutions spanning all aspects of offset printing this year at drupa. The company will be using a display area of more than 7,800 square meters (approximately 84,000 square feet) to demonstrate a diverse range of print jobs from all relevant segments. From prepress through press to postpress—every single stage is integrated using the various modules of the Prinect workflow software. This huge portfolio gives Heidelberg customers the tools they need to cope with the cost pressures in the industry. Heidelberg is taking part in the tradeshow presentation under the slogans “HEI Performance” and “HEI Value”.

HEIDELBERG, Germany—Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will take over the high-performance coating manufacturer Hi-Tech Coatings based in the UK and the Netherlands. This move will enable Heidelberg to add the manufacture and sale of high-performance coatings for the production of printed materials and packaging to its solutions portfolio for consumables. Based in Aylesbury in the UK and Zwaag in the Netherlands, Hi-Tech Coatings develops and produces over 1,000 environmentally friendly products and formulations for the print media industry, primarily water- and UV-based coatings. “By acquiring Hi-Tech Coatings, Heidelberg is pursuing its consistent strategy of expanding the range of services available to our customers,” stated Heidelberg

NORTHVILLE, Mich.—Allegra Network franchise members honored Heidelberg USA with the “Supplier of the Year” award at its 2008 Allegra Network convention. The three-day event was held at the Hilton Americas April 2-5 in Houston, Texas. The award is given to a supplier that provides strong financial incentives and problem solving avenues, fosters strong communication, resolves customer complaints quickly and efficiently, and has growth initiatives in place to aid a franchise member’s business. Carl Gerhardt, president and CEO of Allegra Network, announced Heidelberg as Allegra Network’s Supplier of the Year. He said, “Heidelberg has worked closely with us for more than ten years in providing

Market conditions worsened considerably for Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) in financial year 2007/2008 (April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008), with sales, operating result and net profit all down on the previous year’s levels. “Poorer economic prospects have taken their toll over the past financial year, in particular during the second six months,” stated Heidelberg CEO Bernhard Schreier. “This has led to a reluctance to invest in a number of regions,” he added. There is no market improvement on the horizon for the current financial year 2008/2009. With drupa - the hugely important trade show running from May 29 to June 11, 2008 -