Customers, prospects and a few of us in the media were invited to Heidelberg’s North American launch of the new CX 102 on November 9-10, 2010. The CX 102 has a production speed of 16,500 sheets per hour and joins the ranks between the Speedmaster SM 102 and Speedmaster CD 102. As WhatTheyThink columnist Andy Tribute has noted, the new press puts the finishing touch to the Heidelberg 70 x 100 cm format and offers a solid solution for every press speed and level of productivity. The Speedmaster CX 102 officially launched at IPEX 2010.

However, the first evening of the event focused in part on Heidelberg and Unisource. This partnership, announced in June, kicked in this week. The partnership combines Heidelberg's consumables with the logistics knowledge of Unisource. Earlier in the day, Offset Litho of Atlanta placed an order for Heidelberg consumables and paper from Unisource. Unsiource delivered the products later the same day.

Jim Dunn, president of Heidelberg USA and Al Dragone, CEO of Unisource Worldwide opened the event with an overview of what this means for printers. Dunn said the partnership was obvious andm eventually the program would become a “one call, that’s all” process for customers of both companies.

A newly decorated delivery truck was parked outside the event showing off the co-branded partnership. Placing Heidelberg’s name on their trucks, Dragone said, emphasized the depth of the agreement. “We have many mutual customers. This is a great fit.” Unisource will deliver the full line of Saphira-branded consumables. (See picture)

It was good to see a few of our readers at the event too. Many are doing well in this tough economy. Of course the main attraction for the printers I spoke with was the new CX 102. I had to leave the event before day two of the event, but Patrick Henry will be diving into the new press soon on these pages.