Business News
Heidelberg expands its printing chemicals portfolio and acquires BluePrint Products NV
Tuesday 02. December 2014 - Investment in consumables growth sector Acquisition secures comprehensive expertise for Heidelberg in key market sector of printing chemicals
“With the acquisition of BluePrint, we are further expanding our portfolio in the growth area of consumables,” says Harald Weimer, member of the Management Board responsible for Sales and Heidelberg Services. By acquiring this Belgian supplier of printing chemicals, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is gaining vital know-how for developing and producing consumables in a key market segment. BluePrint offers a comprehensive range of dampening and washup solutions for sheetfed offset presses and has a particularly innovative approach to environmentally friendly products.
“BluePrint and Heidelberg have already worked together closely in the past,” says Peter Tix, head of Consumables at Heidelberg. “Under the umbrella of the Saphira portfolio, well be continuing to develop the BluePrint range of consumables for print production while maintaining the highest standards in terms of the environment and reliability. The products will gradually be made available on the key markets for Heidelberg.” Sales of BluePrint products outside of Heidelbergs customer base will be continued and are also to be expanded.
Purchasing BluePrint is a further logical step in expanding the Heidelberg consumables portfolio following the acquisition of UK coating manufacturer Hi-Tech Coatings in 2008. Heidelberg intends to systematically increase sales of consumables in the future. “Were looking to become the worlds leading supplier of consumables in our industry in the medium term,” says Weimer.
Focus on Heidelberg customer needs
With BluePrint, Heidelberg can offer its customers the expertise of an established supplier of printing chemicals. This gives Heidelberg the means to tailor products to customer needs and develop them further in-house without the delays that result from consulting external suppliers. Customer-specific solutions are also possible.
BluePrint Products serves customers in 60 countries. The company, based in Sint-Niklaas near Antwerp, Belgium, has well-developed expertise in research and development, particularly with regard to environmental aspects. BluePrint will continue to operate on the market under its own name led by the founder Kris Temmerman.