January 31, 2001 At the end of last year, Günter Thomas, owner of the Thomas Group Gelsenkirchen, and representatives of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) signed the contract for a world innovation - the Speedmaster CD 102 LY-6LYYL(X). This machine includes a coating unit positioned before the first printing unit. It is ideal for opaque white applications on metallic foils or for high-quality gold and silver colors which can be overprinted inline using offset ink. "This Speedmaster means that printers can achieve the best possible metallic effects, allowing them to cater to the discerning demands of their customers", explains Dr. Jürgen Rautert, Head of Heidelberg's Sheetfed Business Unit. In addition to the CD 102 LY-6LYYL(X), the Thomas Group has also ordered a pure finishing press, the Speedmaster CD 102-LLY(X). In addition to the goal of further developing existing coatings expertise, the future will also see a sharp upturn in the development of color design effects. The Thomas Group is therefore responding to the wishes of its customers for more finishing on their printed products. This challenge has been set by many customers, one of whom is H.G. Heinrigs of Aug. Heinrigs Druck + Verpackung GmbH, Aachen. By signing this contract, both partners have concluded a cooperation agreement to push ahead with the development of printing technology in the finishing sector. Heidelberg has found an ideal partner in the Thomas Group, since the Group possesses significant experience in the field of finishing - for both paper and packaging of all grammages and qualities - as evidenced by its four plants. With around 300 staff, the Thomas Group achieved sales of DM 100 million in 1999, with 40% of its finishing products being folding boxes, and 60% commercial printing work.