Heidelberger Druckmaschinen is maintaining its collaborative strategy with Manroland Sheetfed, even as its partner entered a protective shield procedure in early March. The companies’ joint development of a large-format press for packaging printing continues, with a concrete timeline now in place.
Strategic Focus on Packaging Drives Expansion
The positioning within the packaging print sector is gaining strategic importance for Heidelberger Druckmaschinen. The company is targeting the specific requirements of packaging producers with a network of approximately 2,300 service staff across more than 170 countries and four logistics centers. The decision to continue the cooperation despite the partner’s protective shield proceedings signals continuity in the product portfolio—a critical consideration for buyers of large-scale industrial equipment.
For the current 2025/2026 fiscal year, the group reported a revenue increase of roughly 6.1 percent for the first nine months. Its adjusted EBITDA showed marked improvement due to efficiency measures, though this was counterbalanced by a decline in new orders received. The technological expansion into large-format machinery aims to capture new market share within this challenging environment.
Demo Machine to Serve as Live Showcase
From the beginning of April 2026, the corporation will install the first demonstration machine of the “Cartonmaster CX 145” type at its Wiesloch-Walldorf site. This equipment is based technologically on Manroland Sheetfed’s “Roland Evolution 900” model. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen will fully integrate the press into its own digital ecosystem. Clients will have the option to incorporate the system into the proprietary “Prinect Workflow” or into third-party systems, with performance data accessible directly via the Heidelberg customer portal.
The company is assuming extensive responsibility for the machine, which features Heidelberg’s design: worldwide sales, installation, training, service, and the supply of consumables. This vertical integration is intended to be a competitive advantage in the high-volume folding carton segment, where machine availability and a reliable service network are decisive purchasing factors. The demonstration unit in Wiesloch-Walldorf will function as a physical showroom for potential customers in the packaging industry.