Heidelberg and Fujifilm form strategic alliance for inkjet printing

Fujifilm Corporation and Fujifilm Global Graphic Systems are to work with Heidelberg as part of a strategic tie-up. This gives Heidelberg access to Fujifilm's inkjet technology, and Fujifilm will leverage Heidelberg's strengths in engineering and manufacturing.

 

The alliance has a special focus on bringing next-generation products to the digital printing market and gives both companies access to advanced technologies Heidelberg and Fujifilm have in the pre-press area. 

 

The news follows the recent announcement that Landa and Komori have formed a strategic alliance for the supply of sheet-fed platforms for Landa Nanographic Printing presses.

 

Gerold Linzbach, chief executive officer (CEO) of Heidelberg, said: 'In Fujifilm we have found an internationally recognized partner with innovative strengths in future-oriented areas - consumables and inkjet technology. This marks a significant step forward in our corporate strategy.

 

'Fujifilm's pre-press capabilities and their technologies in the area can enhance and grow existing business. With Fujifilm's inkjet technology we can build on the experience in digital printing gained through other partnerships and quickly move into the peak performance segment. It is our goal to also become a global player in the growing digital printing applications market. Together with Fujifilm we can meet customer needs more efficiently and more quickly. Within three years we envision a sales potential for Heidelberg in the digital business of more than €200 million." 

 

Shigetaka Komori, chairman and CEO of Fujifilm Corporation, added: 'Fujifilm and Heidelberg have led the printing industry in each domain. Heidelberg's reputation among world's printers is unique.

 

'Its strong customer network opens important new possibilities  for state-of-the-art inkjet technologies. With Heidelberg's global market presence in the printing industry we can introduce our products to new customer groups and increase their potential. 

 

'With Heidelberg's manufacturing know-how we will be able to enhance innovation and develop technologies that will open new roads in digital printing. Our cutting-edge inkjet technology, leveraged by the Jet Press 720 for example, gains a new potential.'