Heidelberg to Create Giant Print Shop in a Record Time of Just 28 Days

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY—04/28/2008—On May 1, 2008, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will start construction work for drupa in Düsseldorf. The world’s largest trade show for the printing and paper industry will run from May 29 through June 11, 2008. On an area of 7,800 square meters in Halls 1 and 2, Heidelberg will be showcasing its integrated portfolio of solutions for commercial and packaging printing that extends right up to the end product. “We are facing a particular challenge this year - creating a giant print shop in a record time of just 28 days,” reports Franz Haaf, Technical Manager in charge of the Heidelberg trade show presentation. “Normally, it would take over six months to set up such a comprehensive print shop with prepress, press, postpress and networks,” explains Haaf. The tight timeframe is the result of the interpack trade fair, which is also being held in Düsseldorf - from April 24 through 30, 2008. Heidelberg is also participating in this event, though without exhibiting any equipment.

Visitors to the Heidelberg booth at drupa will be able to see how a fully integrated commercial or packaging print shop operates. In collaboration with adidas, around 80 real-life print products, such as advertising posters, autograph cards, product and service brochures, and packaging products, will be prepared in prepress, then printed and finished.

Heidelberg will also be using the event to demonstrate its commitment to an integrated environmental concept. All printed products will have FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and environmental protection guidelines will be complied with when disposing of paper, washup solutions and consumables.

At over 200 tons, the new Speedmaster XL 162 is the centerpiece of the Heidelberg exhibits

This year, Heidelberg has opted for a completely new booth architecture with an even clearer layout for visitors. The construction work has been organized and prepared down to the last detail. First, the infrastructure for the two halls will be put in place. This involves laying over 70 kilometers of power and data cables and installing 2,500 spotlights. Things will really start to take shape on May 7 with the installation of 17 presses incorporating around 120 printing units. Franz Haaf and his team of 150 qualified engineers will assemble a total of 50 prepress, press and postpress exhibits.