Heidelberg has taken orders at Drupa in excess of Euro1bn. This figure includes the seven Mainstream 80 newspaper web presses purchased by West Ferry, the largest order taken at a trade fair in the companys history. Chairman, Bernhard Schreier, said: This fantastic result means that weve tripled the orders received at Drupa 1995.
Heidelberg marketing and sales director, Holger Reichardt, added that Drupa had seen the companys debut into the digital colour printing market. He said: In the digital market weve gained a lot of market share theres been a lot of interest. Reichardt added that the company had refused to take orders on its NexPress 2100, saying that it was too early.
Around half of the agreed sales were initiated prior to the show, however many were spontaneous said Reichardt. Some customers came and we expected them to buy perhaps one Speedmaster, but they bought two and a complete finishing system.
The UK was Heidelbergs third largest customer in terms of sales, behind the US and Germany. Its healthy all over the world. The fear of the internet is over, printing is a complete medium, said Reichardt.