SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 27, 2025 – In a pivotal move to diversify its production capabilities, Plural Industria Grafica LTDA, one of South America's leading offset printing firms, has integrated sheetfed offset technology from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) into its operations for the first time. This landmark decision underscores Plural's commitment to capturing new market segments and enhancing cost-efficiency for shorter print runs.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Web Offset
Based in Santana de Parnaíba, São Paulo, Plural has long been a dominant force in web offset printing, serving sectors from publishing to commercial and security printing. With its newly installed Speedmaster XL 106-8-P+L and the 100th unit of the fourth-generation CutStar reel sheeter, the company is now targeting previously inaccessible market segments that demand shorter run lengths.
“Traditional web offset print shops are increasingly looking for solutions that will enable them to embrace the global trend toward shorter print runs cost-effectively. Plural’s decision to invest in sheetfed offset and CutStar technology from HEIDELBERG underlines just how attractive the HEIDELBERG solutions are for this customer segment, too,” stated David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG.
Technology That Meets Emerging Market Demands
The CutStar generation 4, now fully operational at Plural, is integrated with HEIDELBERG’s Prinect workflow and Prinect Press Center XL 4. Through Intellistart 3 software, the system can reduce makeready times by up to 50%, enabling faster production starts and higher throughput.
This configuration allows Plural to leverage reel stock cost advantages while maintaining the versatility and substrate range of sheetfed printing. It also opens the door to new applications, such as:
- Educational workbooks and textbooks in short-run volumes
- Customized print materials for specialist publishers
- Premium surface finishes and variable paper weights
Delivering Precision, Speed, and Flexibility
The Speedmaster XL 106 installed at Plural is part of HEIDELBERG’s Peak Performance class, introduced at drupa 2024. With a print speed of up to 18,000 sheets per hour and autonomous Push to Stop operation, the system is designed for fast job changes and maximum uptime.
“By investing in the Speedmaster XL 106, we are meeting a distinct customer need. Specialist publishing houses and public institutions need workbooks, textbooks, and other teaching materials that are printed in shorter runs than are customary in web offset printing. In our view, the only solution for producing these books and materials cost-effectively is sheetfed offset printing technology,” said Carlos Jacomine, Plural CEO. “Our customers are looking for top quality, competitive terms and conditions, and rock-solid delivery reliability – and the fast job changes on the Speedmaster XL 106, combined with the high availability of this high-performance press, enable us to meet their expectations.”
AI-Powered Workflow Drives Efficiency
One of the standout innovations in the Speedmaster XL 106 is its suite of AI-driven features. From coordinating makeready sequences to monitoring press operations in real-time, HEIDELBERG’s AI assistants reduce the need for manual intervention and boost operational efficiency.
“When developing the CutStar generation 4, the focus was on growing customer requirements, particularly for processing thin substrates. Our customers now benefit from production speeds that are up to 30 percent faster, more stable sheet travel, greater automation, and lower maintenance requirements,” added Schmedding.
A New Era of Strategic Capability for Plural
With this investment, Plural not only gains the ability to service new types of clients but also enhances its competitiveness through improved agility, reduced costs, and technological leadership. The transition to include sheetfed capabilities signals a strategic pivot that aligns with market trends and positions Plural as a comprehensive print solutions provider.
Learn more at www.heidelberg.com.