Heidelberg masters speed in time for drupa stand set up

Heidelberg races against the clock to prepare its drupa stand.

The 7,800 square metre exhibition area is being set up in a record time of 28 days in Halls 1 and 2 at the Dusseldorf exhibition centre.

"This would normally take six months to set up," said Franz Haaf, technical manager in charge of Heidelberg's trade show presentation. "We made a start on 1 May. From May 29 through June 11, visitors and customers will be able to see a complete printshop incorporating prepress, postpress and networks."

Haaf is confident that a four-week window will be sufficient time, and points to the fact that he has been involved in setting up Heidelberg's stand for eight drupas in a row as proof that the stall is in good hands.

The biggest challenge has been the Speedmaster XL 162 sheetfed offset press which weighs over 200 tonnes. Arriving in Hall 2 at 7.30am on 7 May, the machine required a special delivery truck which brought the individual components from Heidelberg's production site in Wiesloch/Walldorf to Dusseldorf where two eighty-tonne heavy-duty cranes lifted the 41-tonne paper delivery from the loading area.

Teams worked two shifts a day to have the XL 162 fully assembled by 6pm on 8 May. A spokesperson from Heidelberg confirmed that all went according to plan and that the "big lady" is now completely installed.

Grand entrance: the Speedmaster XL 162 rocks da Heidelberg house.