HEI speed ahead for drupa

Heidelberg’s latest Speedmaster XL 105 evolution will make its first public appearance at drupa 2012, running at 18,000 sheets per hour in perfecting mode for lean production.

When compared to the 15,000-sheet speed of its 105-P predecessor, showcased at drupa 2008, the productivity of the new press has been increased by 20%. The latest upgrade is scheduled for release by July 2012.

Alongside the new Speedmaster, Heidelberg will present its current portfolio through commercial and packaging print shop workflows during the tradeshow in Hall 1.

According to CEO, Bernhard Schreier (pictured), trust and reliability are priorities for its customers in this changing industry. "We see drupa as an opportunity for our sector to prove that it is prepared for the challenges of the future. It is our job to show customers that printed communication is here to stay.

"There are opportunities for growth, but in an environment that is becoming increasingly fragmented, both in regional and international terms as well as in existing market segments, growth will not come on its own,” he says.

Heidelberg products and services portfolio has grown since IPEX 2010, adding the eco-consumable line Saphira Eco and extending the workflow functions of Prinect. In addition to new equipment, the company will present new service contracts to optimise customer’s productivity.

“If a company wants to offer its customers more, it needs optimized business management processes and innovative business models more than anything else,” Schreier adds.

The stand in Hall 1 will host presentations on seven market trends covering green printing, web-to-print, print-on-demand and lean production. Topics also to be explored include differentiation through coatings and special effects, the future of packaging printing and gaining an edge through the latest know-how.