Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG reorganizes

Printing press, converting machinery maker to have three-part structure (equipment, services and financial services) starting April 1, 2010.

PRESS RELEASE -- Converting Magazine, 11/28/2009 8:15:24 PM

The Management Board and Supervisory Board of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) 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.

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.