CHICAGO, September 28, 2003 — Heidelberg USA today unveiled the much-anticipated Speedmaster SM 52-D with die-cutting, which offers new possibilities for in-line finishing steps that can be done in one pass, thereby significantly increasing efficiency and production speed and lowering total costs. The SM 52-D is now available exclusively through Heidelberg and being shown for the first time in the United States during Graph Expo/Converting Expo 2003. “Since its inception 150 years ago, Heidelberg has been introducing significant innovations that help our customers be more productive and profitable,” said Steen Jensen, senior vice president, sheetfed, Heidelberg USA. “The introduction of the new Speedmaster SM-52 with die-cutting is ideal for specialty printers, including those who handle packaging and envelopes.” The Speedmaster SM 52-D: - Features in-line die-cutting in one pass, enabling one operator to both print and finish - Features highly automated printing units which make changeovers fast and simple - Comes with an innovative short-path inking mode that considerably shortens the reaction time of the inking unit, especially when running light coverage forms - Maintains the same maximum press speed as the original Speedmaster SM 52 - The rotary die-cutting principle uses much less pressure than traditional platen-based methods which enhances die life and ensures accurate register Heidelberg will run a variety of jobs on the new SM 52-D, which is the fastest 20-inch press available, printing at 15,000 sheets per hour. Throughout the show, the company will demonstrate the flexibility and versatility of the press and show off its new die-cutting feature. Visitors should watch for the production of a hybrid job that uses the SM 52-D to produce the cover of a medical care brochure and the NexPress 2100 digital color press to develop the inside pages.