Heidelberg's financial momentum aligns with key deals at PrintPack

Heidelberg is poised for a strong close to its financial year, with incoming orders rising 8.3% in Q3 and a high order backlog of Euro 903-mn expected to drive growth. At the same time, its presence at PrintPack India 2025 resulted in major deals, reinforcing its position in the expanding Indian market.

14 Feb 2025 | By Noel D'Cunha

The German press manufacturer reported a surge in orders for both its packaging and print divisions, defying broader trends in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. CEO Jurgen Otto credited the company’s restructuring efforts and growth strategy for improved sales and operational performance. “We have succeeded in continuously improving our sales and operating result quarter by quarter in a difficult economic environment,” he said, reaffirming that Heidelberg would meet its full-year targets.

The momentum was mirrored in India, where Heidelberg showcased its Speedmaster CX 92 and Diana Easygluer 115 at PrintPack 2025, drawing strong interest from commercial and packaging printers. “These machines set a new benchmark for efficiency and versatility in print production, helping our customers stay competitive in a fast-evolving market,” said Samir Patkar, president, Heidelberg India.

Live demonstrations underscored the machines’ capability to precisely handle commercial posters, folding cartons, and postcards. Heidelberg also highlighted its Prinect software, which is designed to optimise workflows and enhance operational efficiency. “Our customers are increasingly looking for ways to streamline production and reduce waste, and Prinect provides the perfect solution,” said Patkar.

Heidelberg’s PrintPack participation resulted in key sales, including Speedmaster CX 92 presses for Almats Branding Solutions, Mumbai, and Abhinav Print Solutions, Jalgaon. SSaravana Graphics, Tirupur, invested in a Speedmaster CX 75 4+L, while Sri Kaliswari Fireworks, Sivakasi, finalised a deal for a Diana Easygluer 115. Replika Press secured a Speedmaster SX 102 8P press with Push to Stop technology to enhance its publishing operations.

Despite positive order growth, Heidelberg’s Q3 results showed restructuring costs of Euro 29-mn, contributing to a net loss of Euro 7-mn for the quarter and Euro 42-mn over nine months. CFO Tania von der Goltz noted that significant improvements in Q4 and a reduction in inventories would positively impact free cash flow.

Heidelberg also announced expansion into green technologies, including plans to commission a hydrogen electrolyser prototype at its Wiesloch site. The company’s innovations in sustainability and digitalisation align with the broader market push towards efficient and environmentally friendly print solutions.

As orders swell globally and Indian customers continue to invest in Heidelberg’s technologies, the company’s PrintPack 2025 success reflects its broader innovation and market expansion strategy. “The success of our consumables and service business at PrintPack 2025 highlights the trust our customers place in Heidelberg for end-to-end solutions,” said Patkar.