SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 9, 2024 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has announced a comprehensive "Zukunftsplan" (Future Plan) for its Wiesloch-Walldorf site in Germany, aimed at strengthening competitiveness and enabling strategic investments. Developed in collaboration with the Works Council and IG Metall union, the plan focuses on cost efficiency, innovation, and securing the long-term future of the site.
Key Elements of the Zukunftsplan
- Cost Reduction: The plan targets over €100 million in personnel cost savings over the next three fiscal years through various measures, including offsetting future wage increases and a socially responsible reduction of approximately 450 jobs.
- Investment and Job Security: The agreement guarantees a minimum workforce size of 3,500 employees until the end of 2028 and includes investments in the Wiesloch-Walldorf site, ensuring its continued importance within the HEIDELBERG network.
- Focus on Future Technologies: The plan prioritizes future-oriented investments, including a modern data center, infrastructure and production facility upgrades, employee training and qualification, and projects for software and AI.
Supporting HEIDELBERG's Growth Strategy
The Zukunftsplan is a crucial component of HEIDELBERG's broader growth strategy, which focuses on:
- Expanding international business: Particularly in growing markets like China and Asia, where HEIDELBERG has a strong market presence and local production capabilities.
- Capitalizing on digital printing growth: Through its partnership with Canon, HEIDELBERG aims to capture a larger share of the expanding digital printing market.
- Meeting the demand for sustainable packaging: HEIDELBERG is well-positioned to benefit from the global shift towards sustainable packaging solutions.
- Expanding service, software, and automation offerings: These areas offer significant global revenue potential.
"The Zukunftsplan at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site is an important step for HEIDELBERG to lay the foundation for future growth in the Group," said Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. "Through this agreement, we are reducing costs at the largest location in Germany and creating space for important investments. We are convinced that we can manufacture further industrial and highly complex products at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site, also for other industries."
Balancing Cost Efficiency and Employee Well-being
While the plan includes job reductions, HEIDELBERG emphasizes a socially responsible approach, focusing on demographic changes and retirements, as well as offering solutions for employees who wish to leave earlier. The company also remains committed to training and developing its workforce, ensuring a skilled and qualified team for the future.
A Pilot Project for Other Sites
The Zukunftsplan, while specifically designed for the Wiesloch-Walldorf site, serves as a pilot project for other HEIDELBERG locations in Germany, demonstrating the company's commitment to optimizing its operations and securing its long-term competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
With the Zukunftsplan in place, HEIDELBERG is well-positioned to navigate the evolving printing industry landscape and capitalize on new opportunities. The company's focus on innovation, international expansion, and strategic partnerships, combined with its commitment to its employees and sustainable practices, will be crucial to its continued success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main goal of HEIDELBERG's Zukunftsplan?
The Zukunftsplan aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the Wiesloch-Walldorf site and enable strategic investments for future growth.
2. How does the plan address personnel costs?
The plan includes measures to offset future wage increases and a socially responsible reduction of approximately 450 jobs.
3. What are HEIDELBERG's key growth strategies?
HEIDELBERG's growth strategy focuses on international expansion, digital printing, sustainable packaging solutions, and expanding its service, software, and automation offerings.
4. How does the Zukunftsplan impact employees?
While the plan includes job reductions, HEIDELBERG prioritizes a socially responsible approach and remains committed to employee training and development.
5. Will the Zukunftsplan be implemented at other HEIDELBERG sites?
Yes, the plan serves as a pilot project for other HEIDELBERG locations in Germany.