HEIDELBERG Expands Printing and Packaging Leadership with manroland sheetfed Integration and POLAR Acquisition
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has strengthened its position in the global printing and packaging industry by completing the integration of the lifecycle business and worldwide sales and service operations of the manroland sheetfed Group. The transaction, finalized at the beginning of July, marks a significant step in HEIDELBERG’s strategy to expand its role as a systems integrator.
The company has also signed an agreement to fully acquire POLAR, taking over the future production and development of POLAR presses and systems. Following the earlier integration of POLAR’s technology, brand, sales, and service activities, the move further enhances HEIDELBERG’s capabilities, particularly in the packaging and label segments.
According to HEIDELBERG CEO Jürgen Otto, the integration of manroland sheetfed and POLAR strengthens the company’s leadership in the printing and packaging market while expanding its value chain and delivering greater value to customers.
The full acquisition of POLAR is expected to accelerate the development of advanced solutions in automation and workflow integration. POLAR’s portfolio includes systems that automate key post-press processes such as loading, shaking, cutting, die-cutting, unloading, and banding, helping customers improve productivity and operational efficiency. Existing service, sales, and support processes for customers will remain unchanged.
HEIDELBERG plans to gradually integrate POLAR’s production operations into its manufacturing network. The transition will take place over time, as the current POLAR production facility in Hofheim is expected to be phased out following its sale.
The company emphasized that maintaining product quality, delivery reliability, and customer support remains a top priority throughout the integration process. HEIDELBERG stated that the acquisition reinforces its long-term commitment to the market and provides customers with stability, innovation, and reliable partnerships during a period of industry transformation.
The partnership between HEIDELBERG and POLAR dates back to the 1950s. With the complete integration of development, production, sales, and service functions, HEIDELBERG aims to create a fully connected, high-performance offering across the printing and packaging value chain, focused on productivity, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for customers worldwide.
