Heidelberg hits the big time with new Speedmasters

The two new machines will be the Speedmaster XL142, a size 6 (102x142cm) model, and the Speedmaster XL162, a larger size 7b (120x162cm) variant. Local operators will have to wait to get their hands on them with Heidelberg indicating it does not plan to show the machines until the next Drupa in 2008.

Glenn Plummer, marketing manager for HAN, confirms another three local orders have been taken for the current large format press, the XL105. This will increase the number of presses in the region to five – the first two are at Scott Print in Perth. According to Plummer, this means the company has exceeded the objective it set for itself at PacPrint earlier this year.

When discussing the local market for very large format presses, Plummer claims that while it is not nearly as big as the general offset segment, it is one the company has deemed worthy to pursue.

“In some regards, the packaging sector that new Speedmasters are targeted towards is always ready for new technology,” says Plummer. “While they don’t invest as often, when they do they tend to spend up big on capital investment.

“There’s still a way to go yet before we see the models in Australia and New Zealand, but we expect to be involved in some big projects around that stage.”

The new presses are being developed in Heidelberg in Germany, and will be assembled at its central plant in Wiesloch in a specially constructed assembly hall.