Kennesaw, GA - As the world's largest supplier to the folding carton market, Heidelberg far outstrips its rivals for dominance in the global packaging segment. Heidelberg backs up its leadership with a portfolio of innovative packaging solutions, from prepress and workflow, to 29", 40" and VLF sheetfed, to postpress and finishing, and from entry-level to high-performance. 
  
Recently concluded market research reveals that Heidelberg maintained its leadership position in 40/41" press installations for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, and currently boasts well over 50 percent market share in the U.S. alone. Heidelberg became the U.S. market leader in VLF packaging presses (Speedmaster XL 145 and XL 162) for the first time in 2014. Several orders from repeat customers confirm the unique advantages of the most recent VLF platform. Just 10 months ago, some key innovations on Heidelberg's Speedmaster XL 145/162 VLF press series platform were recognized with the InterTech™ Technology Award - the first press ever in the 57"/64" class to be so honored. 
  
Earlier this week, Heidelberg announced the full acquisition of Gallus Holding AG, Switzerland, a leading supplier of labels and folding cartons. The takeover will accelerate the development and use of Heidelberg digital products in the growing labels sector, including a new digital printing system incorporating Fujifilm technology, to be unveiled this fall. 
  
Made-to-Order 
  
Heidelberg leads in the packaging segment precisely because it focuses on what the print providers are trying to achieve in terms of quality, brand value, and responsiveness to customer needs. The growing demand for custom-built press configurations capable of delivering the highest quality specialized applications in the shortest possible time reflects a key requirement in the packaging segment to lower manufacturing costs while maximizing profits. A high-productivity press enables the user to meet this demand without accumulating excess inventory. Coupled with reduced passes or touch points, unrivaled color management, inline color control and detailed production reporting, Heidelberg packaging presses promote lean manufacturing at its best. 
  
Last year alone, Heidelberg shipped dozens of multiple-coating-unit (LYYL) presses, which incorporate IR/HA/UV. Sixty-three percent of all 40" inch units are equipped with the Heidelberg Dry Star UV Combination Dryer, a critical element of Heidelberg's UV packaging success, designed and built specifically to optimize sheet travel and deliver peak output with maximum drying and curing. Heidelberg supplies a full range of UV/LED options-including low-energy UV for use with heat-sensitive substrates-fulfilling need for integrated solutions designed to promote maximum curing in the minimum amount of time, using no more energy than needed to satisfy the requirements of the application. 
  
Leading Through Innovation 
  
True leadership is proven by consistency, however, and Heidelberg proudly continues its unique history of innovation in the packaging market. From the 1987 launch of the Speedmaster CD 102, the first dedicated packaging printing press, to the addition of presses and CtP devices in the VLF format range at drupa 2008, to the introduction of the ultra-productive Speedmaster XL 106 at drupa 2012, Heidelberg has applied its core skills in sheetfed offset production to the manufacture of high-quality folding cartons. 
  
Today, Heidelberg not only offers equipment for every stage of the packaging production process, but also integrates each area into a streamlined, JDF-based Prinect Packaging Workflow. By cutting makeready times, reducing waste, and optimizing material flow, integrated solutions from Heidelberg achieve the lowest possible cost per folding carton. 
  
Heidelberg is the only manufacturer to offer end-to-end production and software solutions. The opportunity to view equipment from Heidelberg's packaging portfolio draws hundreds of visitors to Heidelberg's North American Print and Packaging Technology Center each year. Below, a summary of Heidelberg's newest innovations in end-to-end package production: 
  
Sheetfed

• Heidelberg's groundbreaking XL 75 Anicolor press. At a break-even of just 250 sheets, the XL 75 Anicolor is a cost-efficient rival for digital market run lengths in the 29" format for label, package printing and POP applications.
• Packaging speed performance options for Speedmaster 145/162 presses: After receiving the 2013 InterTech Technology Award from Printing Industries of America, the 57"/64" presses will now be available with increased maximum speed of up to 18,000 sph.
• The ability to perfect at 18,000 sph on board stock up to 32-pt on Heidelberg's 40/41" XL presses.

Labels

• Heidelberg's unparalleled strength in label production combines of state-of-the-art prepress technology with diverse printing and finishing processes, especially in the manufacture of 40" cut-and-stack, self-adhesive and in-mold labels. Cost- and brand-sensitive customers demand the kind of flexibility, quality and high productivity only Heidelberg can supply.

Postpress

• Heidelberg offers a full range of die cutters and folder gluers, including the highly productive Dymatrix 106-CSB, new Dymatrix XL 145 CSB, as well as the renowned Diana X 80 and 115 range. Significant enhancements to these lines include:
• Integration to the Dymatrix XL 145 CSB of the Dyset II optical registration system, the latest innovation in sheet registration with the ability to read printed marks on the leading edge and side of the sheet, as well as from below for litho laminated sheets, delivering perfect register up to 9,000 sph.
• The brand-new Diana Smart folder-gluer, a flexible, quick-makeready machine ideally suited for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. The Diana Smart will be available from Q3 2014, initially in 21.50" and 31.50" machine widths.
• Both the Diana Smart and the Diana X 80/115 range can be integrated with the proven Diana Inspection Control module for the ultimate in quality control, as well as a Braille module for pharmaceutical packaging.

Workflow

• Heidelberg is the only company to offer an integrated, design-to-finishing packaging solution linked seamlessly by its Prinect workflow modules. The company continues to develop its powerful packaging prepress and production workflow to support its customers. Prepress-to-press integration is utilized by a vast majority of Heidelberg's Prinect customers.
• One important innovation is the development of the Prinect Signa Station Packaging Pro imposition tool, which combines the structural and graphic design of the carton, then automates the addition of color marks, color control and station marks to the sheet. Signa Station Packaging Pro can import and export CAD format, step-and-repeat work, and create ganged jobs, optimizing plate use while reducing production waste.

Single-Source Solution 
  
Heidelberg supports efforts in the packaging realm with comprehensive print media expertise, and a menu of equipment, software and services developed to help customers meet their business goals. Examples include the best service coverage in the market for industrial production machines requiring maximum up-time, together with a full line of Saphira consumables (including UV) and Business Consulting Services to keep equipment running at peak efficiency throughout its life cycle. 
  
With its long history of innovation in the packaging market, Heidelberg has developed a persuasive value proposition that's borne out by the longevity of its installed base and the enduring appeal of its technology. Whether printers plan to enter the packaging segment or already have high-volume requirements and want to improve their 24/7 productivity, Heidelberg is a one-stop shop for a complete packaging solution.