3/20/07 -- Heidelberg expanded its worldwide Print Media Academy (PMA) network to 16 training sites by opening a venue in Brussels, Belgium, in cooperation with its local sales partner Plantin. "In order to effectively compete on the market, our customers need the knowledge and expertise that will allow them to keep pace with technological changes and respond quickly to new developments," explained Bernd Schopp, Head of the PMA network at the inauguration ceremony attended by 120 participants. Together with its Belgium sales partner, Plantin, Heidelberg can now also provide existing and prospective customers in that region with on-the-spot product and management training. The Print Media Academy in Brussels will also provide a platform for exchanging information in the form of congresses and forums. It will provide guidance and highlight the opportunities that new technologies can offer. The range of seminars is geared to sheetfed offset printing specialists, professional users, owners of printing and media businesses, and technical and commercial managers. Experts from advertising agencies, designers, print buyers, students, teaching staff and professional associations will also profit from the courses on offer. "Many companies know that having a workforce with better expertise would enable them to increase productivity and meet higher quality requirements. Giving print shops in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg more expertise will strengthen their competitiveness," said Johan Bruyndonx, Head of the the PMA in Brussels.