KENNESAW, Ga., July 24, 2003 – Two Heidelberg solutions received the prestigious GATF InterTech Awards announced yesterday in Pittsburgh. Heidelberg's ST 400 saddlestitcher and Magnapak newspaper packaging system were recognized as examples of excellence in innovative technology for the graphic communications industry by GATF. Heidelberg won two of the 13 awards this year and was the only company honored with more than one winning entry. The company has won 20 InterTech Awards since the program was started in 1978. Heidelberg was honored for two of its postpress solutions, the ST 400 saddlestitcher and Magnapak, the industry's only newspaper packaging system capable of inserting, collating or inserting and collating simultaneously. The selection of these postpress products highlights Heidelberg's unique position as a solution provider for entire print media industry. Heidelberg's ST400 integrates state-of-the art electronic design technology with the quality and integrity long associated with the Heidelberg name making the ST400 the premiere saddlestitcher in today's market. Heidelberg's signature touch screen user interface enhances input functions for the operator, which eases make ready and creates a working environment that is embraced by both the operator and management. The ST400 make ready occurs in an unprecedented time saving fashion -- automatic synchronization takes place in the blink of an eye. This synchronization process optimizes all saddlestitcher settings and the time saved equals greater profit margin. Heidelberg designed the ST400 to meet the demands of shorter turn around times and high productivity that customers demand. Automating the manual processes with computer driven stepping motors and servo drives for each component of the stitcher allows the operator to independently control each area without influencing any other part of the stitching process. In the end, the operator has more control of the functionality of the ST400 and the computer enhanced makeready procedures with independent servo drive motors reduces makeready time up to 50%. The Magnapak provides unique versatility, speed and zoning advantages to enhance advertising insert capabilities for newspapers. The packaging system is the first to allow standard inserting, collating and wrapping, or both functions simultaneously with a single machine. Systems are modular and easily expandable, to accommodate a wide range of speed, circulation and insert volume requirements. The Magnapak cycles at up to 30,000 papers per hour, and a shaftless design allows independently driven hoppers to be shifted in and out of production at full speed. With this feature, newspapers can zone inserts into specific papers according to geographic or demographic data without compromising production speed. The shaftless design also reduces maintenance requirements, an important feature in deadline oriented newspaper operations. Several major U.S. newspapers are already utilizing the Magnapak including: The Cincinnati Enquirer (Ohio), The Roanoke Times (Va.), The News & Record (Greensboro, S.C.), The Everett Herald (Wash.) and the York Daily Record and York Dispatch (Pa.). Additional systems are planned for The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Pa.) and several other papers. "Heidelberg is proud of GATF's recognition of the ST400 and Magnapak. They are both indicative of Heidelberg’s commitment to developing integrated products focused on our customers' needs," said Niels M. Winther, president, Heidelberg USA. "Through innovations such as these, we will continue to be the complete solutions provider for the print media industry."