08/20/2007 -- All the corporate activities of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) are committed to the principle of sustainability. This principle places equal emphasis on responsible management in the areas of economics, ecology and social commitment. Specifically, sustainability at Heidelberg means - satisfying the needs of today's generation without jeopardizing the resources of future generations.
The recently published Sustainability Report for the 2006/2007 financial year documents how the company puts these principles into practice. "During this period, we have made improvements in all relevant areas of our company," emphasizes Bernhard Schreier, Chief Executive Officer of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. The report covers around 30 pages and includes details of key indicators.
In terms of economics, the company will improve its financial base considerably in the long term by moving into the very large format sector. At the Wiesloch-Walldorf site - the largest and most state-of-the-art printing press factory in the world - the company invested 45 million Euro to build an assembly hall covering 35,000 square meters. Offering solutions for the very large format sector will enable Heidelberg to strengthen its position in the packaging and label printing sector. This growth sector is relatively immune to economic cycles.
When it comes to ecology, one aspect of the Sustainability Report shows how Heidelberg is using its "Star system" in a number of different ways to minimize the resources used by the peripherals of sheetfed offset presses. The Anicolor short inking unit, developed by Heidelberg, also saves a considerable amount of paper. It also reveals how the Ludwigsburg site of the company's postpress operations has been turned into a model of environmental soundness.
As market requirements are increasing all the time and the retirement age is being raised, Heidelberg employees have to cope with greater physical and mental demands in the long term. Heidelberg is showing them how to do this with a specially developed FIT program. Elements of this program include healthier food, more exercise, lifelong learning and ergonomic workplaces.
The new Sustainability Report can be ordered by e-mailing [email protected] or faxing +49 (0)6221 92 50 69.