Heidelberg acquires CSAT

Heidelberg has acquired CSAT, a Karlsruhe, Germany-based manufacturer of digital printing systems, including consumables for the packaging industry. The price of the acquisition has not been made public.

CSAT, which employs around 70 people, is one of the market leaders for industrial digital printing systems that can be integrated into production lines. This takeover expands the existing digital print portfolio of Heidelberg for the packaging sector. Heidelberg also gains access to technology and expertise in the areas of drop-on-demand inkjet (DoD) and electrophotography.

‘Acquiring CSAT is in line with the digital print strategy of Heidelberg. Parallel to our digital print activities in advertising printing, we are expanding our portfolio for the cost-effective production of short and variable print runs in packaging and label printing. In doing so, we are strengthening our strategic position in these markets. At the same time, this acquisition is a further step in our plan to build up promising new business areas that offer additional growth potential for Heidelberg,’ said Stephan Plenz, member of the Heidelberg management board responsible for the Heidelberg Equipment division.

‘With an international customer base and comprehensive expertise in digital printing for the packaging industry built up over many years, we have established a strong position in the pharmaceuticals industry. Integration with the global Heidelberg Group will improve the efficiency of our operations and enable us to unlock the considerable potential of our digital printing technology by expanding into previously untapped areas,’ said Hans Mathea, the former owner who continues as managing director of CSAT.

‘The acquisition of CSAT gives us access to new technologies and pioneering know-how that will speed up the expansion of our current digital print activities for the packaging industry,’ explained Daniel Dreyer, head of the Digital Packaging Printing business unit and responsible for the joint DoD inkjet and electrophotography activities.

CSAT's current portfolio based on dry toner technology includes the DTS 1200 printing system with a resolution of 1200 dpi which is used in the pharmaceutical industry for inline or offline printing of blister packs and package inserts. Two years ago, CSAT expanded its portfolio by launching the ITS 600, featuring drop-on-demand inkjet technology. With a resolution of 600 dpi, the system is suited to high-quality and variable full-color label printing.

Pictured: Heidelberg has acquired CSAT, based in Eggenstein near Karlsruhe, a digital printing specialist for the packaging industry

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