KENNESAW, Ga., March 2, 2006 - Heidelberg USA today announced that Ralph Pasquariello has been named vice president of postpress product management. Pasquariello replaces Larry Tanowitz, who held the position for more than 30 years before retiring earlier this year. In his new role, Pasquariello is responsible for the strategic direction and management of sales and service activities for all Heidelberg finishing products, including folding equipment, saddlestitching and perfect binding equipment, the POLAR line of cutting and labeling products and Heidelberg's line of postpress packaging equipment. "Heidelberg's postpress division has always been an integral part of the company's business, serving a wide range of customers from small print shops to large corporations," said Larry Tanowitz, former vice president, postpress product management, Heidelberg USA. "Ralph's extensive industry knowledge and postpress expertise make him well-positioned to lead Heidelberg's postpress initiatives." Heidelberg plans to launch several new products in the postpress sector this year, and Pasquariello reports that the company's new offerings will be highly integrated and fully automated. According to industry reports, 70 to 80 percent of existing bindery equipment in the average U.S. print shop is at least 10 years old. Pasquariello says that many shops will need to replace their out-dated bindery equipment with automated machines in order to survive in today's finishing market. "Heidelberg has noted a significant increase in customer demand for automated finishing equipment for several years now," said Pasquariello. "We will continue to meet this demand with innovative postpress solutions for our customers in every market segment, from small entrepreneurial shops to mid-sized commercial operations and highly industrialized providers. In addition, we hope to make a significant impact in the packaging market this year with our latest offerings, including the Dymatrix 106, Dymatrix 142 and the Diana X folder gluer. Pasquariello began his Heidelberg career as a full-line sales representative in the Northeast region, earning the honor of Salesman of the Year in 1987 and 1990. In 1990, he became a postpress product specialist for the Northeast region, where he continued to grow sales in the division. In 1996, Pasquariello relocated to Georgia for the role of postpress product manager for the South region. In 2005, he assumed the position of Director of Postpress, a position that he held until his recent promotion.