The business began life in 1850 as the Hemmer, Hamm & Co bell foundry and machine shop, based in Frankenthal.
The mechanical engineering and printing press business was sold in 1895, and the HQ relocated to Heidelberg.
A special microsite to mark the anniversary contains a trip down memory lane featuring the firm’s iconic presses, including the Tiegel platen press – also known as the Windmill – launched in 1921 and printing at a mighty 3,000sph.
More than 160,000 Tiegels were manufactured. The company’s presses had a manufacturer’s plate bearing the “Original Heidelberg” trademark as a way of protecting the products from imitations.
In 1926 Hubert H. A. Sternberg, a key figure in Heidelberg's history, was appointed to the board, a position he retained for 46 years. He was credited with modernising production and described as a “marketing genius”, and also a big influence in setting up the first Drupa, held in 1951. He is pictured below at the show alongside two baby elephants.
Heidelberg has paid a lasting tribute to him since with its ‘Sternberg lounge’ hospitality events at the show.
Sternberg also masterminded the creation of its huge production site at Wiesloch, near Heidelberg, which opened in 1957.
In 1972 the popular GTO – Großer Tiegel Offset – SRA3/B3 press launched, with Heidelberg describing the GTO as “perhaps the most successful series of offset presses of all time”.
This year also marks 50 years since Heidelberg launched its iconic Speedmaster sheetfed press. The first model printed at 11,000sph.
At Drupa 2024 the firm showcased the latest generation of Speedmaster with an XL 106 featuring Push to Stop technology, fully automatic plate changing, and printing at 21,000sph.
Long-serving UK head of system/service Kevin Ramsbotham, who has worked at Heidelberg since 1979, is featured in a piece about the group’s employees around the world.
He said: “What keeps me motivated? Solving customers' problems. There's nothing like a face-to-face conversation to understand the customer's needs.”
Ramsbotham joined the firm not long after leaving school as a mechanical engineer. He told Printweek that notching up 50 years was a distinct possibility: “I love the challenge of it and I'm not bored of it,” he said.
“I never look back in this job, it's been a fantastic job and a fantastic company to work for, for all these years. Great people, and great customers – that's why I'm still here!”
Long-standing UK customer Bahson Colour, based near Bradford, is also included in a global customer round-up having been a user of Heidelberg technology for 30 years. Today 99% of its systems are sourced from Heidelberg and span pre-media, printing and post-press, which the firm said was “a testament to the trust we have in the brand”.
Bahson’s most recent press is an 18,000sph ten-colour Speedmaster XL 106 long perfector with Generation 4 CutStar, fully automatic plate change, and Push to Stop driven by AI.
Heidelberg CEO Jürgen Otto, who took over the top job last summer, commented: “A company that can sustain its success over such a long period, become a world leader in its industry, and continue to shape the entire sector right up to the present day has strong credentials that are testament to its innovative capabilities.
“The defining feature of Heidelberg is the company’s understanding of markets, customers, and exceptional product quality. We also intend to maintain and build on this leading position in the future.”
A variety of celebrations are planned this year, including family days for staff at various sites; and an anniversary magazine providing insights into the company’s past, present, and future.
2025 also marks 50 years since Heidelberg Germany has owned the Heidelberg UK business, with the UK team also planning local celebrations.
Heidelberg chief technology and sales officer Dr David Schmedding said the loyalty of Heidelberg customers, partners, and staff was “a mainstay of the company’s success”.
“The numerous anniversary activities throughout the year are our way of saying thank you to everyone. At the same time, we want to encourage a shared commitment to shaping the future.”
Heidelberg recently revamped its Print Media Center at Wiesloch as 'The Home of Print' and the facility will host a number of events as part of the celebrations.
The special anniversary website and more information can be found at www.heidelberg.com/175.
