As part of our continuing coverage of Heidelberg's announcement of Thursday, November 27, 2003, WhatTheyThink contributing columnist Cary Sherburne spoke to Mark Weber, senior vice president at NexPress Solutions LLC, the joint venture between Heidelberg and the Eastman Kodak Company. Weber is responsible for the Heidelberg Digimaster and Nexpress 2100 product lines. Weber was able to add some clarity to the somewhat cryptic discussion of the future of the organization in the Heidelberg press release originating in Germany.

The press release stated, “In the Digital division, Heidelberg must adapt capacities and will refocus its activities. The Management Board will present an appropriate solution by the end of the current fiscal year.” [ Heidelberg's fiscal year ends in March.] It also referred to the reduction of some 1,000 employees, without specific reference as to where those cuts would come from.

Weber was able to specifically address the areas of the Heidelberg organization that are targeted for cutbacks. He has already indicated, in discussions with the press, that these reductions will not affect the digital business in Rochester NY. Rather, he says, four specific areas have been identified: