HEIDELBERG Launches VLF Press for High-volume Packaging
Cartonmaster CX 145 aimed at growth segments in folding carton printing; customers benefit from integration into digital ecosystem and global service operations; HEIDELBERG now a full-range supplier in folding carton production
The packaging sector has seen strong growth over the past decade and continues to do so. The above-average annual growth applies in particular to long-run folding carton printing for food, beverage, and consumer packaging, with very large format (VLF) sheetfed offset presses playing a key role.
Coinciding with its 175th anniversary, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has added Cartonmaster CX 145 to its portfolio for packaging customers, delivering powerful performance in the format class 106 cm x 145 cm – ideal for high-volume packaging applications.
“Our new Cartonmaster CX 145 makes HEIDELBERG a full-range provider for folding carton printing,” says HEIDELBERG’s Chief Technology & Sales Officer Dr. David Schmedding. “As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our range of solutions for the packaging sector and, at the same time, plugging a gap in our portfolio.”
Integrated into HEIDELBERG Digital Ecosystem
The Cartonmaster CX 145 is based on the ROLAND 900 Evolution from Manroland Sheetfed, which HEIDELBERG is incorporating into its digital ecosystem. The press can be integrated into both the Prinect workflow and the workflow solutions of third-party suppliers. Additionally, customers can access performance data for their press in the HEIDELBERG Customer Portal. Besides the actual press in the HEIDELBERG design, the package on offer also covers sales, installation, training, and support, including service and consumables.
Customer Benefit from Global Service Network
Maximum press availability, minimal complexity, and a professional, well-established service from the supplier are key investment criteria, especially for packaging producers in the high-volume folding carton segment. The global HEIDELBERG service network offers added value for customers, who now have a more comprehensive portfolio in this market segment. “Our performance promise for all HEIDELBERG machines includes local support for parts, the global presence of qualified service staff, and quick response times,” emphasises Schmedding.
The new press is available to order from HEIDELBERG with immediate effect, with the first customer installation planned for 2026. Followed by a global rollout, HEIDELBERG is expecting the biggest demand to come from North America, Europe, and China.
“Adding the Cartonmaster CX 145 to our portfolio is further proof of our credentials as a system integrator for the end-to-end production of folding cartons,” says HEIDELBERG CEO Jürgen Otto. “Thanks to our excellent position in the folding carton segment, this new press is expected to be highly popular with customers and generate increasing sales.”
Full Range for Folding Carton Production
HEIDELBERG supplies a full range of products for folding carton printing. The German press maker offers packaging customers Speedmaster presses in the 50 cm × 70 cm and 70 cm × 100 cm formats, all the way through to the newly enhanced Peak Performance Speedmaster XL 106. Together with its Chinese partner MK Masterwork, HEIDELBERG also provides ideal solutions for postpress applications, including robotics. The Boardmaster flexographic web printing system in the HEIDLEBERG portfolio covers the top end of the productivity range in folding carton production.
By launching the new Cartonmaster CX 145, HEIDELBERG is now plugging the gap between its Speedmaster portfolio and the Boardmaster. The company has integrated all these presses into its digital ecosystem comprising equipment, Prinect software, consumables, and service as well as training and consulting. HEIDELBERG is expanding this ecosystem step by step as it moves toward fully comprehensive end-to-end production.
