Chief executive Bernhard Schreier revealed at Print 05 that the firm was looking at a larger format press than the Drupa-launched XL105 (pictured), which has a sheet size of 1,050x750mm.

Head of trade press Hans-Dieter Siegfried confirmed the firm was investigating the market: "We are checking if it fits our portfolio with customers and investigating the market potential. Larger machines are a niche market, we have to check it makes sense." Siegfried added that the firm was discussing internally what format the firm's larger press might be, but declined to add details until it was ready to make a public announcement, which he hoped would be by the end of this year.

The firm has considered mounting a challenge in VLF, the one sheetfed market that it doesn't dominate, before but never made a move. This time it appears more likely.

It is understood that the design of the XL 105, which includes completely different sideframes from the other Speedmasters, could easily accommodate larger sized-sheets. Heidelberg's Diana, Dymatrix and Polar finishing kit is already capable of handling large sheet sizes and the firm's increasing focusing on packaging makes a larger press attractive.

One source said that the firm would have a prototype ready next year and a product for Drupa 2008, although Siegfried said the firm had not decided on a timescale.

The firm also confirmed that there would be a long-perfector XL 105 but again refused to be drawn on its launch date. It is understood that a prototype has yet to be built.

Heidelberg was also considering how to address its customers' digital requirements following the expiry of its non-compete agreement with Kodak next year.

Heidelberg's free float has increased by 10% to 67% following Commerzbank's sale of its 8.6m shares. The firm plans to increase its free float to 82% by 2007. Remaining major shareholders are RWE, which holds 15%, Allianz, (12%) and Munich Re (6%).

Story by Barney Cox