Business News

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Decides on New Corporate Structure

Friday 27. November 2009 - Reorganization strengthens strategic orientation ; Management Board responsibilities rearranged

The Management Board and Supervisory Board of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) (FWB:HDD) has today reached a decision to restructure the company. In order to make implementation of the Heidelberg strategy even more efficient, the company will be split into the “Heidelberg Equipment”, “Heidelberg Services”, and “Heidelberg Financial Services” divisions from April 1, 2010. “The new corporate structure will result in more targeted market approach and enhance the efficiency of the services we offer customers,” stated CEO Bernhard Schreier. The Supervisory Board has also decided to reorganize the Management Board.

The focus on the “Heidelberg Equipment” and “Heidelberg Services” divisions strengthens the company’s strategic orientation. Heidelberg offers its customers both technologically advanced products and a comprehensive range of innovative services. The company is also responding to the changing structures in the global print media industry by putting in place plans to significantly expand the “Heidelberg Services” division, which is relatively independent of economic cycles. The objective is to provide services that will help Heidelberg customers enjoy greater success on a sustainable basis. In addition to improving machine availability, Heidelberg also aims to boost productivity and efficiency and facilitate process integration and environmentally friendly printing. The existing “Press” and “Postpress” divisions will be incorporated in the new divisional structure. Both new divisions bear complete responsibility for their results. The “Heidelberg Financial Services” division will continue in its present form.

“With the “Heidelberg Equipment” division, we will continue to build on our market-leading position in the commercial printing segment and also achieve growth in packaging printing and its finishing,” said Schreier. The new “Heidelberg Services” division also underpins the company’s claim to be the best service partner for print shops in the print media industry. “We will expand our service portfolio and, in addition to our current range of services and Heidelberg spare parts, we will also strengthen our services in the areas of Saphira consumables, Prinect software and integration, and consultancy for print media companies,” continued Schreier.

Marcel Kiessling appointed to the Management Board

In line with this reorganization, responsibilities within the Management Board are also being rearranged. Responsibility for the “Heidelberg Equipment” division will lie with Stephan Plenz (44), who was previously the member of the Management Board responsible for technology and operations. At today’s meeting, the Heidelberg Supervisory Board appointed Marcel Kiessling (48) to the Management Board with effect from January 1, 2010. He will take charge of the “Heidelberg Services” division. Kiessling has been working for Heidelberg for 20 years. He progressed from heading up a business unit to being in charge of sales in Germany, and since September 2004 he has been responsible for the Heidelberg Americas sales region. From January 1, 2010, the Management Board will therefore comprise CEO Bernhard Schreier (55), who will be in charge of the international sales network, CFO Dirk Kaliebe (43), who will continue to be in charge of the “Heidelberg Financial Services” division, Stephan Plenz, and Marcel Kiessling.

Dr. Jürgen Rautert, previously member of the Management Board responsible for sales, is leaving the Board by mutual consent as part of the reorganization. His responsibilities will be taken over by CEO Bernhard Schreier. The Supervisory Board thanked Dr. Rautert for his many successful years in various management positions at the company. Dr. Rautert (51) had joined Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG in 1990. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and was appointed to the Management Board in 2004. In this capacity, he was initially responsible for products, engineering, and manufacturing before taking over responsibility for the markets in July 2008.

Marcel Kiessling – CV

Marcel Kiessling was born on March 4, 1961 in Heilbronn, Germany, and had joined the company in 1989. A graduate in business studies, he held several senior positions in product marketing and management, and in 2001 he was appointed Chairman of the Management Board at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Vertrieb Deutschland GmbH where he was responsible for sales in Germany and Switzerland. In 2004, as President of Heidelberg Americas, Inc., Kiessling assumed responsibility for Heidelberg operations in this region. He is married and has two children.

Heidelberg Services

In addition to its proven Heidelberg Systemservice and Original Heidelberg spare parts, the “Heidelberg Services” division offers customers worldwide Saphira consumables, Prinect software solutions, services, and consultancy, thereby helping print shops to enjoy long-term success. Key focal points include improving machine availability, boosting productivity, enhancing process efficiency, and providing consultancy services geared towards environmentally friendly printing. Customers around the globe have access to the Heidelberg service team, with around 4,500 employees in some 170 countries.

Heidelberg Equipment

The “Heidelberg Equipment” division offers products and technologies along the entire process and value added chain for print media companies in the commercial and packaging printing sectors. It is also responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision presses in the format classes 35 x 50 cm (13.78 x 19.69 in) to 120 x 162 cm (47.24 x 63.78 in) in sheetfed offset printing, plate imaging units, and postpress equipment. Innovation projects such as Linoprint – for customized decoration and labeling of folding cartons, labels, and blister packs based on inkjet technology – and organically printed layers round off the portfolio.

Heidelberg Financial Services

In an environment dominated by customers from small and medium-sized businesses, financial services are a great help when it comes to making economically astute investments in Heidelberg products. The associated opportunities and risks require unique know-how and transparency that has little to do with more traditional areas of business. All sales financing activities will still be combined in a dedicated segment. In addition to direct financing through one of the Group’s own financing companies, this primarily involves putting customers at small and medium-sized companies in touch with Heidelberg financing partners.