On Monday (2 June) the world’s largest press manufacturer officially unveiled its revamped Print Media Center, now renamed the Home of Print, in front of 600 guests including customers, shareholders and partners.
Heidelberg has invested more than €20m (£16.8m) on the 9,000sqm facility, which hosts personalised demonstrations, open house events, and product testing by major brands. Some 120 Heidelberg experts are based at the site.
CEO Jürgen Otto and CSO Dr David Schmedding showcased the old and the new, with business cards printed on an original Heidelberg Tiegel press from 1921 that is still in operation today, but with a 21st century touch as the cards contained NFC chips allowing the contact details to be passed to smartphones.
Addressing the assembled guests, Otto spoke about Heidelberg’s deep expertise and his appreciation of the many long-standing employees within the group, and said: “Printers are proud to run a Heidelberg press, and our customers are proud to be owners.
“This spirit is what’s special about keeping the company successful, and this spirit is what our employees feel. It is in our DNA.”
He added: “It is sensational that we continue to be at the top of the industry. Neither in China nor the United States will you find a company that comes close to us.”
Speaking about the new partnership with Manroland Sheetfed for VLF presses, Otto quipped: “You can order it from today!”
He noted: “We will not put obstacles in your way. We will get the best solutions in the market and further develop it with you – we are complete again now.”
Otto also said that there would be more news soon on Heidelberg’s plans to leverage its technical and manufacturing know-how in areas beyond print and packaging.
“Not everyone wants to be dependent on supply chains in China, in Asia, or the USA. Our facilities in Wiesloch are a real asset,” he noted.
At the ceremony customers from all over the world sent good wishes via video, and many others are attending country and region-specific celebrations over the course of this week.
Attendees were wowed by an amazing live art show by sand artist Natalia Moro, who created a series of dynamic images spanning Heidelberg’s past through to the present day.
Rob Cross, joint managing director at Micropress was among the UK printers to be there in person.
The Suffolk firm is poised to go live with its new Speedmaster XL 106-8P, which is one of, if not the most automated presses in the world and has Plate to Unit and Push to Stop technology.
Cross told Printweek: "Heidelberg has been an excellent supplier to Micropress over the years.
“They consistently deliver outstanding manufacturing equipment, which plays a vital role in our production capabilities. Their support and innovation have helped us continually improve and adapt to the changing needs of our customers.”
The opening day of celebrations concluded with a circus-style night of entertainment at Palazzo Mannheim.
Schmedding said: “It was an amazing evening celebrating 175 years. It’s something once in a lifetime, to everybody from us. We, at Heidelberg are tradition and innovation. And you, our customers, are making the difference for us. Thank-you very much.”
More than 1,500 guests from all over the world are set to attend the celebrations this week.
