Heidelberg makes its push into packaging production

The packaging production sector is to become a major target for Heidelberg, and is emphasized by the company as important part of its strategy to consolidate its recent return to financial profit.

Heidelberg points to the continued process of globalization as the driving force behind the growth in the packaging sector, in particular to the emergence of China as a dominant force. These developments are expected to continue to place a strain on providers in traditional markets for packaging, and Heidelberg claims it will provide the machines to ensure commercial printers can remain competitive in this new environment.

At a press conference in the German village of Wiesloch, Dr Juergen Rautert, board member for engineering and manufacturing at Heidelberg, confirmed the company intends to throw its full weight behind the push into the packaging sector. “It’s a part of the market that our competitors are very strong in, and it is one that we intend to use our unparalleled industry experience and technology to move into,” he said.

Rautert also pointed to the emerging global markets as responsible for encouraging Heidelberg to extend its focus into the packaging production sector. “With the packaging capabilities of our new technology, we will be moving into expanding markets such as China, where packaging plays a very important role.”

The first major signpost of the company’s new direction will be the Speedmaster XL 105, a peak-performance press redesigned from the ground up to meet the needs of the packaging and industrial print markets, and capable of printing at a speed of 18,000 sheets per hour. The Speedmaster XL 105 is due for launch in Australia next month.