Heidelberg UK can now offer UK customers Masterwork machines such as the Duopress alongside the Promatrix die-cutter and Diana X and Diana Smart folder-gluers.

The Duopress, which can hot foil and emboss work in one pass at 6,000 cartons per hour, can also incorporate both stripping and blanking facilities in a single pass.

The agreement also includes offline inspection systems and other machines from the Masterwork product range.

Heidelberg will have access to Masterwork UK’s Wakefield demonstration and training facility.

Heidelberg packaging product specialist Paul Thompson said: “It’s a win-win situation for UK carton, label and commercial printers. They have access to an even broader pool of experts and a wider selection of products with the demonstration, training and overall support services they need.”

Heidelberg first announced its outsourcing deal with Masterwork last August, when it announced that the OEM partner would manufacture its packaging post-press products going forwards as part of a major shake-up of its post-press operations.

Heidelberg UK will deliver the UK’s first Promatrix 106CS to Zenith Print & Packaging this month while the first Diana Smart is due for installation in the autumn.

Masterwork said the UK agreement, as well as agreements with other European branches, highlights the company’s determination to increase its global sales.

Masterwork international trade department general manager Ken Farnsworth said: “Masterwork is a very well respected brand. Everyone who visits the factory is astonished and impressed by how modern and well run it is, producing a multitude of innovative solutions for the packaging and graphic arts market.”

Heidelberg managing director Gerard Heanue added: “Heidelberg has highlighted that its strategy is to increase the number and strength of partnerships so that it can provide customers with comprehensive solutions, backed up by unmatched consultancy and support services.

“Having visited the factory in Beijing in May I know the scale and dedication to development and growth and in the UK we are very pleased to be part of that aspiration and to be helping to increase market share here. We respect the work that Masterwork has done in the UK to date.”