It will show two machines at Drupa in 2008: the Speedmaster XL142, a size 6 (102x142cm) press, and the Speedmaster XL162, a size 7b (120x162cm) machine.

"Moving to a larger format extends our offering in the sheetfed sector," said chief executive Bernhard Schreier (pictured). "Heidelberg thus intends to enhance its lead in the largest market segment of the print industry."

The larger sized presses complement Heidelberg's packaging post-press kit, in particular for folding cartons, which includes Dymatrix die-cutters and Diana folder-gluers that already cater for sheets larger than B1.

Schreier revealed that the firm was mulling a move into larger format machines at Print 05 in Chicago in September and the firm said it would make a decision before the end of the year.