HEIDELBERG Adds VLF Sheetfed Offset Press for Packaging Sector

The packaging sector has been growing strongly for over a decade now, and this trend is continuing. The above-average annual growth applies in particular to long-run folding carton printing for food, beverage, and consumer packaging, with very large format (VLF)/format class 6 (105 cm × 145 cm /41.34 × 57.09 in) sheetfed offset presses playing a key role. 

For this reason and to coincide with its 175th anniversary, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG is adding the Cartonmaster CX 145 in format class 6 to its portfolio for packaging customers.

“Our new Cartonmaster CX 145 makes HEIDELBERG a full-range provider for folding carton printing,” says Dr. David Schmedding, chief technology & sales officer. “As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our range of solutions for the packaging sector and, at the same time, plugging a gap in our portfolio.”

The Cartonmaster CX 145 is based on the Roland Evolution 900 from manroland sheetfed, which HEIDELBERG is incorporating into its digital ecosystem. The press can be integrated into both the Prinect workflow and the workflow solutions of third-party suppliers. 

The new press is available to order from HEIDELBERG with immediate effect. The first customer installation of a Cartonmaster CX 145 is planned for 2026 and this will be followed by a global rollout. HEIDELBERG is expecting the biggest demand to come from North America, Europe, and China.

“Adding the Cartonmaster CX 145 to our portfolio is further proof of our credentials as a system integrator for the end-to-end production of folding cartons,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of HEIDELBERG. “Thanks to our excellent position in the folding carton segment, this new press, too, is expected to be highly popular with customers and generate increasing sales.”

HEIDELBERG supplies a full range of products for folding carton printing and can provide the right solution for every need. For example, the company offers packaging customers Speedmaster presses in all kinds of configurations in the 50 cm × 70 cm (19.69 × 27.56 in) and 70 cm × 100 cm (27.56 × 39.37 in) formats, all the way through to the new Peak Performance generation of the Speedmaster XL 106. Together with its partner MK, HEIDELBERG also provides ideal solutions for postpress applications, including robotics. The Boardmaster flexographic web printing system in the HEIDLEBERG portfolio covers the top end of the productivity range in folding carton production.

By launching the new Cartonmaster CX 145, HEIDELBERG is now plugging the gap between its Speedmaster portfolio and the Boardmaster. The company has integrated all these presses into its digital ecosystem comprising equipment, Prinect software, consumables, and service as well as training and consulting. HEIDELBERG is expanding this ecosystem step by step as it moves toward fully comprehensive end-to-end production.