Heidelberg adds very large format sheetfed offset press to portfolio for packaging sector

Packaging Solutions

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 × 145 cm) sheetfed offset presses playing a key role.

For this reason and to coincide with its 175th anniversary, Heidelberg 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,’ said the company’s chief technology and sales officer, Dr David Schmedding. ‘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. What is more, customers can access performance data for their press in the Heidelberg Customer Portal. Besides the actual press in the Heidelberg design, the package on offer also covers sales, installation, training, and support, including service and consumables. 

Maximum press availability, minimal complexity, and a professional, well established service from the supplier are key investment criteria, especially for packaging producers in the high volume folding carton segment. The global Heidelberg service organisation offers added value for customers, who now have a more comprehensive portfolio in this market segment. ‘Our performance promise for all Heidelberg machines includes local support for parts, the global presence of qualified service staff, and quick response times,’ emphasised David Schmedding. 

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. The company 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,’ said CEO Jürgen Otto. ‘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 × 70 cm and 70 × 100 cm formats, all the way through to the new Peak Performance generation of the Speedmaster XL 106. Together with its partner MK, it also provides ideal solutions for post press applications, including robotics. The Boardmaster flexographic web printing system in the portfolio covers the top end of the productivity range in folding carton production.

By launching the new Cartonmaster CX 145, it is now plugging the gap between its Speedmaster portfolio and the Boardmaster.