FUJIFILM Corporation, together with FUJIFILM Global Graphic Systems Co., Ltd., and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG have unveiled a strategic partnership in the area of inkjet printing.

Heidelberg and Fujifilm are forming a broad alliance aimed at strengthening existing business and establishing a platform to drive new business in future-oriented markets. The alliance has a special focus on bringing next generation products to the attractive digital printing market and gives both companies access to advanced technologies Heidelberg and Fujifilm have in the prepress area. Meeting current and future customer needs remains primary for Fujifilm and Heidelberg as both companies continue to focus their portfolios on market segments with the greatest potential for profitability and growth.

"In Fujifilm we have found an internationally recognized partner with innovative strengths in future-oriented areas - consumables and inkjet technology. This marks a significant step forward in our corporate strategy," said Gerold Linzbach, CEO of Heidelberg. "Fujifilm's prepress capabilities and their technologies in the area can enhance and grow existing business. With Fujifilm's inkjet technology we can build on the experience in digital printing gained through other partnerships and quickly move into the peak performance segment. It is our goal to also become a global player in the growing digital printing applications market. Together with Fujifilm we can meet customer needs more efficiently and more quickly. Within three years we envision a sales potential for Heidelberg in the digital business of more than € 200 million."

"Fujifilm and Heidelberg have led the printing industry in each domain. Heidelberg's reputation among world's printers is unique," said Shigetaka Komori, chairman and CEO of FUJIFILM Corporation. "Its strong customer network opens important new possibilities for state of the art inkjet technologies. With Heidelberg's global market presence in the printing industry we can introduce our products to new customer groups and increase their potential. With Heidelberg's manufacturing know-how we will be able to enhance innovation and develop technologies that will open new roads in digital printing. Our cutting-edge inkjet technology, leveraged by the JET PRESS 720 for example, gains a new potential."