Web Systems

Folder Operators Go Back to School WESTAMPTON, NJ—Twelve folding machine operators representing seven different companies came to MBO America headquarters recently to participate in 2.5 days of in-depth, hands-on training at the MBO Fold School. Trainees were able to observe or operate three different folding machines, including the automated Perfection. Directed by Dave Trutzenbach, an authority on binding operations and equipment, the MBO Folding School provides the opportunity for operators to improve their knowledge and proficiency regardless of their skill level. NAK Marketing & Communications, an agency that has served many of the leading brands in the graphic arts industry for over 14 years,

KENNESAW, GA--July 19, 2004--Heidelberg announced the departure of Niels M. Winther, the head of its North American business operations. Effectively immediately, the management of all sales, service and support functions provided by Heidelberg USA, Inc. will be assumed by James P. Dunn. Winther, who had been a Heidelberg employee for more than 30 years, reportedly has expressed interest to leave the organization and pursue other opportunities while spending more time with his family. He will remain available to Heidelberg during the transition phase. Dunn previously was responsible for the holding company that supports all of Heidelberg's North and South American activities. He has held

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY--June 17, 2004--Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will transfer its web offset division (Web Systems) to Goss International. The two companies signed an according agreement, which is yet to be confirmed by the relevant European antitrust organizations. The transaction is expected to be closed within the next weeks. The deal includes the business areas of Commercial Web, Newspaper and, in the US, Finishing Systems for web offset machines. Heidelberg reportedly will hold a 15 percent share in Goss International, but the companies said they agreed not to disclose the financial specifics of the transaction. "By combining and restructuring activities, both companies are aiming for better

by chris bauer Managing Editor As printed media, especially newspapers, battle outside competition from a growing number of digital sources, non-heatset web press manufacturers have to keep up with the technology that will help newspapers compete and survive. More color, faster speeds, and versatile and automated presses are now needed in most newspaper pressrooms. "Coldset printing—particularly newspapers and semi-commercial newspaper supplements—remains an extremely effective, economical and accepted medium for delivering advertising and editorial content," points out Greg Norris, marketing manager for Heidelberg Web Systems. "Advertisers will continue to demand more color and higher print quality. Newspapers and coldset printing specialists will continue to respond

By Mark Michelson Editor-in-Chief The rain may have made it a bit more difficult for visitors to maneuver between the 17 halls during the first week of the 14-day Drupa 2004 trade exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany, last month, but that surely didn't dampen the spirits of the reported 394,000-plus attendees. Nor did it keep the 1,862 equipment, software and consumables exhibitors representing 52 nations from showcasing their latest R&D and product development efforts. And while there may not have been any one "blockbuster" piece of equipment or technology that everyone at the show was buzzing about, there surely was an assortment of new product

Glimpse Into Print Giant's Show Plans HEIDELBERG, GERMANY—It only seems fitting to travel to the birthplace of printing and the home country of the world's largest printing trade show for a pre-Drupa press conference. And when the company you are covering is Heidelberg, the show's biggest exhibitor, there is no better place to be than Germany during the spring season of a Drupa year. The two-day international press event opened at the Heidelberg sheetfed manufacturing facility in Weisloch with a speech from Heidelberg management board member Dr. Klaus Spiegel, who gave an overview of the company's recently announced deals—the selling of the Digital unit

by chris bauer Managing Editor Finally, the rumor mill can go silent concerning the status of industry giant Heidelberg Web Systems. Just days before closing this issue, Heidelberg and Goss International reached an agreement on major issues for the intended transfer of the Heidelberg Web Offset division to Goss International. An outline deal has been agreed upon in principle, but some issues remain to be resolved before definitive documents are expected to be executed over the coming weeks. Heidelberg will still display web presses at the upcoming Drupa trade show in Germany, reports Greg Norris, manager of marketing communications. Its newest

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY—As part of its traditional year-end press conference in early December, Heidelberg senior executives used the occasion to better explain its recent announcements. Those announcements had included the impending sale of its web systems business, an additional worldwide work force reduction of up to 1,000 employees (primarily in Europe) and the repositioning of its digital division. Instead, the company will concentrate on the more profitable sheetfed offset printing market and its related value chain. Heidelberg Chairman Bernhard Schreier revealed that, by the end of Heidelberg's fiscal year in March of 2004, he expects the web division to be sold and a determination made public

DOVER, NH—Heidelberg Web Systems recently completed a $5 million modernization of its Customer Training and Technology Center, located here. Begun last November, the new training center now includes a static lab for hands-on training on freestanding printing units; a folder lab equipped with three fully operational folders and a Contiweb splicer; and, most notably, a new wing with a fully operational printing tower from a Heidelberg Mainstream newspaper web press. Additional teaching assets include an XCalibur VLF thermal platesetter consigned by Agfa; and related equipment and materials from Agfa, QTI, Baldwin, Böttcher, Sun Chemical, AWS, Rima and Heidelberg postpress. As a result of the

Komori Hosts Screening Seminar ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Komori America recently hosted an educational seminar on screening technologies at its demonstration facility here. The second in the press manufacturer's series of "Survivor" seminars saw printers from around the U.S. learning about screening applications. Representatives from Creo, Enovation Graphic Systems and Screen (USA) were also on hand to present their screening technologies, Staccato, Co-Res and Spekta, respectively MBO/Muller Martini Co-host Second Open House WESTAMPTON, NJ—Building on the success of its previous joint open house, MBO America and Muller Martini held a second, even larger event recently that also featured running equipment and product information from Creo, hhs