While some branches of industry are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, the consequences of the financial crisis are still very much in evidence in the printing industry. This being the case, it is more important than ever to optimize and ensure the sustainability of cost-effective print shop operation. The key is to streamline core production equipment to achieve maximum benefits and to avoid waste wherever possible.

In the latest issue of its customer magazine, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG highlights why effective lean manufacturing is a good way of combating the recession. For instance, Heidelberg News No. 269 takes the example of the French print shop Baudat to demonstrate how a Speedmaster SM 74 can be used for efficient and eco-friendly production of high-quality print media. In addition, the magazine reports how, thanks to a visit from the Pope and its highly productive Speedmaster XL 105, Slovakian print shop i + i print is leading the way on a fiercely competitive market. Readers will also discover how Norwegian print shop Moltzau Plasttrykk has practically reinvented itself, emerging from its worst ever crisis as one of the country's leading packaging printers.

Another article describes the efficiency improvements that packaging printers can achieve with the new Dymatrix 106 Pro CSB. Heidelberg News also investigates how Heidelberg Systemservice provides an effective response to the totally unexpected breakdown of such a highly reliable die cutter at Faltschachtelwerk Hammer-Lübeck. Last but not least, it takes a look at the successful web-to-print business of German company printoo GmbH and asks the sprightly typography legend Kurt Weidemann about the purpose of this art form in modern times.
The current issue also includes a 20-page supplement with information about the innovations that Heidelberg will be showcasing at IPEX 2010 (May 18 - 25 in Birmingham, U.K.).

Issue 269 of Heidelberg News is available now.