DS Graphics Installs First Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 Perfector in U.S.

KENNESAW, GA—November 19, 2008—DS Graphics of Lowell, Mass., has installed the first Speedmaster XL 105 press with a perfecting device (XL 105-P) in the U.S. shortly before the press made its official North American debut at Graph Expo in October. The 10-color press, which features Prinect Inpress Control for measuring and controlling color and register on the fly, already is producing one million two-sided impressions per week for DS Graphics.

“It’s a wonderful piece of equipment,” said Jack McGrath, vice president of sales and marketing for DS Graphics. “Being the first in the U.S. to have this technology on board is a big win. We’re experiencing significant benefits from one-pass productivity, and the press has also helped our green footprint. We’re wasting a lot less material during a run thanks to the XL 105-P’s self-adjustment features and extremely fast makeready.”

DS Graphics chose the XL 105-P as part of its commitment to become more efficient, and ultimately, offer its customers more value and faster turn-around times, which has long been a priority for the company. Even in a down economy, DS Graphics has maintained its focus on value, service and innovation. According to McGrath, the company prides itself on offering much more than just ink on paper.

“We decided several years ago when the average industry turn-around time was four to five weeks and most printers offered only core printing services, that we would do things differently for our customers,” said McGrath. “Heidelberg has helped us deliver on this promise to give our customers more value, and we plan to continue on our current growth path with our latest investment in the XL 105-P.”

Making its worldwide debut at drupa 2008, the XL 105-P can print and perfect at speeds of up to 15,000 sph. The press features an enhanced three-drum perfecting system, and can handle up to 24-pt. board at a maximum sheet size of up to 750 x 1050 mm. Features including end-to-end preset abilities, fully-automatic changeover, an innovative transfer system and advanced delivery functions were all specifically designed for the XL 105-P, ensuring the highest quality results.

DS Graphics opened its doors in 1974, and today has more than 180 employees. The company has a diverse client base spanning several vertical industries, including software and hardware, retail and B2B, and upscale commercial marketing. DS Graphics also offers value-added services, including logistics, distribution and fulfillment.

The XL 105-P joins a full line of Heidelberg equipment at DS Graphics, including a Suprasetter 105 multi-cassette loader (MCL) platesetter, a 4-color Speedmaster SM 102 press with coater and perfector, a 2-color Speedmaster SM 102 press with perfector, a 4-color Speedmaster SM 52 press with coater, a Stahlfolder TH 82 folder, a Stahlfolder SSP folder, and a POLAR 137 ED cutting system.

For additional information about the Speedmaster XL 105-P and other Heidelberg press, prepress and postpress equipment, visit www.us.heidelberg.com.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
With a global market share for sheetfed offset printing machines of more than 40 percent, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is the world's leading solution provider for commercial and industrial customers in the print media industry. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, the Company focuses on the entire process and value chain for popular format classes in the sheetfed offset and flexographic printing sectors. Apart from printing presses, the product portfolio includes plate imaging devices and finishing equipment, as well as software components designed to integrate all print manufacturing processes. In addition, Heidelberg offers a wide range of spare parts, consumables, used equipment and services, along with extensive training programs provided by the Print Media Academy. Furthermore, the Company assists its customers' investment plans by offering financing concepts.

Heidelberg is most active within the major OECD industrial regions and is expanding its involvement within growing markets such as Asia and Eastern Europe. With development and production sites in six countries and some 250 sales offices worldwide, the Company offers services to more than 200,000 customers around the globe. Heidelberg generates 85 percent of global sales through company-owned sales offices and above 85 percent outside of Germany. In fiscal year 2007/2008, Heidelberg achieved sales of Euro 3.670 billion referring to the divisions Press, Postpress and Financial Services as well as a net profit of Euro 142 million.