New Format - Heidelberg Plans to Extend Product Portfolio with Larger Presses

• Focus on packaging printing
• Lead on sheetfed market to be extended

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is set to use the development of a new generation of presses for a larger format class up to 162 centimeters (63.8 inches), not previously catered for, to enlarge its existing portfolio of presses and extend its lead on the sheetfed market. This new generation of presses in the 6 (102 x 142 centimeters (40.2 x 55.9 inches)) and 7b (120 x 162 centimeters (47.2 x 63.8 inches)) format classes will be showcased on occasion of drupa 2008. The two presses will be called Speedmaster XL 142 and Speedmaster XL 162. Heidelberg currently offers presses in the 30 x 50 centimeters (11.8 x 19.7 inches) (small), 50 x 70 centimeters (19.7 x 27.6 inches) (medium), and 70 x 100 centimeters (27.6 x 39.3 inches) (large) formats.

As confirmed by CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Bernhard Schreier, at a press conference with the European trade press, Heidelberg will be offering sheetfed offset print shops a range of solutions above and beyond the existing portfolio. "Moving to a larger format extends our offering in the sheetfed sector. Heidelberg thus intends to enhance its lead in the largest market segment of the print media industry."

At present, the most important market for large-format sheetfed presses is in packaging, a relatively fast growing market segment. Heidelberg is looking to develop its range of solutions, especially for printing and finishing folding cartons. This requires large-format sheetfed offset presses as well as die cutters and folder gluers.

The new presses are being developed in Heidelberg and assembled at the main German plant in Wiesloch in a specially constructed assembly hall.

For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Investor Relations
Dirk Kaliebe
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 60 20
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 60 61
E-mail: dirk.kaliebe@heidelberg.com