January 17, 2025
Heidelberg Celebrates 175 Years with a Growth Strategy
The printing equipment manufacturer Heidelberg is celebrating a milestone anniversary—the 175th
anniversary of the company’s founding—and has announced a clear and focused growth strategy to tackle
future challenges. March 11, 2025, marks the 175th anniversary of Heidelberg’s establishment. The company was originally founded as a clock foundry in Frankenthal, a region in the Palatinate of Germany.
Heidelberg stated that, by implementing various strategic initiatives, its sales growth potential is expected to
exceed €300 million by the 2028/2029 fiscal year. At the same time, the company aims to further
consolidate its existing performance and enhance operational efficiency.
Heidelberg CEO Jürgen Otto said: “To further expand our market share and leadership position, we are
continuously tapping into the growth potential of our core businesses, including packaging printing, digital printing, as well as software and lifecycle services. In addition, we will continue to broaden our product portfolio and business scope in the booming green technology market. This includes key areas such as high-precision mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, charging infrastructure and related software, and the emerging
hydrogen energy technology.”
Heidelberg noted that it is benefiting from the growing global demand for packaging products. The company also
stated that, through its collaboration with Solenis, it is actively responding to the global packaging industry’s
transition from plastic and foil packaging to paper-based solutions. “In the future, we will provide the market
with printable and recyclable packaging solutions, particularly tailored to the needs of the food industry,” the
company said.
Heidelberg has stated that more than half of its revenue comes from the packaging sector, and this proportion is showing a clear upward trend. At the same time, the company has seized opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of industrial digital printing, including a partnership with Canon. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost its digital printing technology sales, with incoming orders for the next fiscal year already affirming this potential.
Additionally, the company announced plans to continue advancing its internationalization strategy, focusing on growth markets with significant potential, such as Asia, the United States, and other emerging markets.
Another key business area for Heidelberg is the industrial sector, where the company aims to explore new product fields, markets, and industries. The company highlighted its extensive expertise, skills, and resources, which are increasingly being applied outside the printing industry, particularly in high-precision mechanical engineering, the automotive sector, electric vehicles, and hydrogen energy.
Throughout its history, Heidelberg has introduced numerous iconic products, including the original Heidelberg Tiegel printing press and the Speedmaster series for sheet-fed offset printing. “Heidelberg’s 175-year history is a testament to its consistent quality, strong innovative capabilities, and vibrant outlook for the future,” said Mr.Otto. “Building on the outstanding achievements of the past 175 years, Heidelberg looks forward to furthergrowth by leveraging its current market position, employee expertise, and global customer relationships.”
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Heidelberg plans to host a variety of events. This summer, the company’s new demonstration center at its Wiesloch-Walldorf headquarters will be the venue for a week-long celebration, including a grand anniversary ceremony with guests from around the world. Additionally, family days will be organized at various plants for employees and their families. The company also plans to release a special anniversary publication that will highlight its remarkable history and share its vision for a bright future.
