The world’s biggest press manufacturer reports first half figures showing sales and profits heading upwards.
Heidelberg’s sales in the first six months climbed to €1.16bn ($1.9bn), up from €996m in the same period last year. However, half of that rise came from favourable currency movements. Incoming orders in the six months improved by 14 per cent.
Digital now comprises half of Heidelberg’s research and development budget
All regions except Eastern Europe report a rise in sales. Incoming orders in the period under review improved to €1.32bn compared to the previous year’s €1.167bn. EBITDA excluding special items rose by almost 30 per cent from the previous year and EBIT excluding special items more than doubled the previous year.
Heidelberg says the results vindicate its strategic re-orientation, adding its full year results remain on target. It sees its growth areas as service and consumables, while the processes and structure of its sheetfed manufacturing business has become leaner.Dirk Kaliebe, CFO and deputy CEO of the company says, “We are systematically implementing our growth strategy. New business models and a dynamic portfolio have led to a significant increase in sales. The reorientation of Heidelberg has also made us more flexible, which means we are better able to respond to market fluctuations and can further improve profitability.”
Heidelberg expecst service and consumables to account for more than 50 per cent of its revenue in the coming years.
The company says digital printing now takes at least a third of its entire research and development. It points to the successful sales launch of the company’s new digital label press for the packaging market. Heidelberg has also succeeded in winning over a German start-up company from the food industry for its latest development in what it calls 4D printing.
Unveiling the first industrial sheetfed digital press at drupa next year will mark the next milestone in the digital strategy. The press, a single sided B1 inkjet printer with Fujifilm inkjet technology, will target the folding carton market.
