Family firm Gremper will install the world’s first Jetfire 50 B3 device at its factory in Pratteln, and is also installing a new Speedmaster XL 106 in an eight-colour perfecting configuration, with coater.
Chairman Karl Gremper said the business switched plans to install an alternative digital device after seeing the Jetfire when it was launched at Drupa, with hybrid production and integration with the Prinect workflow a key benefit for the business.
Heidelberg revealed its fresh partnership with Canon for the Jetfire at Drupa in May. The press is based on Canon’s popular iX3200 but is “fully integrated” into Heidelberg’s service and consumables setup, and with Prinect.
Meinders & Elstermann will take the first Jetfire in Germany, with the press set to be operational at the Belm firm in April.
CEO Jens Rauschen cited Prinect integration as a decisive factor and is planning to adopt the Prinect Touch Free cloud-based system when it becomes available. Again, efficient hybrid production of digital and litho jobs was a priority for the business.
A second Swiss company, Schmid-Fehr in Goldach, will add a Jetfire over the spring. It will join its existing offset and toner-based digital setup, with the expectation that short-run work will migrate from litho to the Jetfire.
Heidelberg chief technology and sales officer Dr David Schmedding said the manufacturer was well on the way to achieving its targets for growth.
“Market demand for our new digital printing portfolio remains very high and, as announced at Drupa 2024, we will be installing the first Jetfire 50 presses for customers this spring.
“Our hybrid approach of integrating offset and digital printing systems into a single workflow gives our customers a competitive advantage.”
Heidelberg has a Jetfire 50 installed at its Print Media Center in Germany, and will also showcase the 4,170sph (B3), 4,560sph (SRA3) press at next month’s Hunkeler Innovationdays, where it will also take the wraps off the pilot version of a new nearline post-press system for the press.
The larger B2 format Jetfire 75 is set to be launched later this year.
2025 is a landmark year for Heidelberg, which will celebrate 175 years in business with special events planned over the summer.
