Germany’s Science, Research and Arts Minister Theresia Bauer has officicially launched Heidelberg’s new innovation hub at its Wiesloch-Walldorf site in Baden-Wurttemberg.
The company’s new chief executive Rainer Hundsdorfer with , Hunsdorfer says the new research facility signals the company’s reinvention.
Bauer says, “This investment represents a new beacon in Baden-Wurttemberg’s research landscape. Building a development centre of this size and quality proves that Heidelberg bases its decisions on a long-term strategy and makes the future worth looking to.”
The company expects the new facility to boost its efficiency and research output with the location hand-picked to help achieve this.
Heidelberg’s management board member for equipment, Stephen Plenz says, “Combining development, service, and production at a single location close to the customer will make us even faster and more efficient in the future.”
Heidelberg says it has continued to value research and innovation, maintaining its research budget in recent years despite what it calls a challenging economic environment. It currently employs 250 software specialists and chemists to develop and produce environmentally friendly inks.
The company is also building a presence in digital 4D printing by producing equipment to print on three dimensional objects made up of plastic, wood and glass.
Earlier this month, the German press supplier posted its second quarter results, with its net result in a major turnaround compared to last year’s loss of €9m, and saw its operating earnings rise by €11m.
The group’s positive net result of €9m came as overall sales for the quarter compared to the previous year fell slightly from €599m to €586m.
Heidelberg’s order backlog of €765m also soared above last years by 19 per cent due to its impressive drupa presence. The press manufacturer attributed drupa sales for saving its first quarter revenue shortly after the tradeshow ended.
Heidelberg expects to open the facility in 2018
