The impressive price-performance ratio of the Speedmaster CX 104 makes it a popular choice among a wide range of customers and therefore the bestseller in the product portfolio of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG). The 1,000th press in this series has now rolled off the production line and is destined for the Hoifu Group, a Chinese packaging printer with around 2,500 employees that is enjoying strong growth. The 14-unit special configuration equipped for UV printing will soon start operating at the new site in Yancheng, where it will be integrated into the company’s end-to-end Prinect-based workflow. By making this strategic investment, the Hoifu Group is looking to tap into new markets in the premium packaging segment, especially the luxury food, beverage, and tobacco industry.
By making production more efficient, the enhanced automation and stability of the Speedmaster CX 104 also boosts productivity and ensures consistent, reproducible quality. The tried-and-tested color accuracy of this press meets even complex requirements when it comes to printing high-end packaging. What’s more, the combination of automation and consistent color reproduction reduces both makeready times and material consumption.
The wide-ranging service promise of HEIDELBERG also played a key role in the investment decision. “Besides exceptional technology, HEIDELBERG also offers excellent service support that goes a long way toward ensuring we achieve our productivity and quality targets in high-end packaging production,” says Ou Shun Chou, Chairman of the Hoifu Group, during acceptance testing for the new Speedmaster CX 104 at the HEIDELBERG production site in Shanghai.
“The Speedmaster CX 104 is our global bestseller, and special long configurations – particularly for premium packaging production – are a HEIDELBERG specialty,” reveals Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG. Long presses combine a whole host of different processes in a single inline operation, meaning end products are available faster and the logistical outlay is minimized.
Founded in 1996, the Hoifu Group quickly became a well-known producer of high-end packaging. Once commissioned, the new acquisition will be one of three Speedmaster CX 104 presses in the Yancheng site’s production department. The company also operates further HEIDELBERG sheetfed offset systems at other sites.