Heidelberg and Masterwork agree sales deal in the UK

The sales accord enables Heidelberg to sell not only the Promatrix die-cutter, and the Diana X and Diana Smart folder gluers, but also hybrid machines like Masterwork's Duo Press products, which allow both hot foiling and embossing work in one pass at 6,000 cartons an hour. Duo Press machines can also incorporate both stripping and blanking facilities in a single pass, effectively providing 12,000 impressions an hour, producing fully finished product that traditionally would require two machines. The agreement also includes off-line inspection systems and other machines from the Masterwork product range.

For Heidelberg, the deal gives it access to Masterwork UK’s Wakefield demonstration and training facility, and many years of packaging expertise from the team based there. For Masterwork this agreement with Heidelberg in the UK and other European branches further underlines the Chinese manufacturer’s determination to increase global sales.

Paul Thompson (pictured), packaging product specialist at Heidelberg UK, described the deal as a, ‘win, win situation for UK carton, label and commercial printers’, and giving them access to an even broader pool of experts and a wider selection of products with the demonstration, training and overall support services they need.

In summer 2014, Heidelberg realigned its post-press portfolio with products for the packaging market to be developed and manufactured by Chinese OEM partner Masterwork Machinery.

Ken Farnsworth, general manager for international sales at Masterwork Graphic Equipment (UK), said: ‘Masterwork is a very well respected brand. It has an established place in graphic arts – it has been in business over 40 years and was the first Chinese company to exhibit at drupa in 1990 – and everyone who visits the factory is astonished  and impressed by how modern and well run it is, producing a multitude of innovative solutions for the packaging and graphic arts market.’

Heidelberg UK managing director Gerard Heanue added: ‘Heidelberg has highlighted that its strategy is to increase the number and strength of partnerships so that it can provide customers with comprehensive solutions, backed up by unmatched consultancy and support services.  Having visited the factory in Beijing in May I know the scale and dedication to development and growth and in the UK we are very pleased to be part of that aspiration and to be helping to increase market share here. We respect the work that Masterwork has done in the UK to date.’