Having long since abandoned hopes of being the world’s biggest maker of newspaper presses, Heidelberg is making inroads into the defence industry.

A strategic partnership with defence specialist Vincorian Advanced Systems has the German printing press manufacturer developing, “industrializing” and building power control and distribution systems.

The low-emissions generator set pictured is to equip European armed forces, delivering output of 20-200 KW.

The cooperation will span several years, with the expectation that industrial performance and security will be strengthened long term. “In this way, the two companies will help boost technological sovereignty and safeguard domestic value chains,” says a spokesperson.

Vincorian has more than 60 years experience in developing and manufacturing power systems for civilian and military applications, as well as other technology including rescue hoists for helicopters.

Heidelberg chief executive Jürgen Otto says the company hopes to establish itself as a reliable partner in security-relevant areas. “Our combination of technological expertise and reliable production in Germany is an important step toward greater technological independence and a stronger industrial base,” he says.

Vincorian managing director Kajetan von Mentzingen refers to the companies’ “complementary strengths” and Heidelberg’s outstanding industrialisation expertise and scaling capabilities: “Together, we can boost Europe’s technological sovereignty in a strategically important area, while also taking our international competitiveness to the next level.”

Heidelberg, which used to spend as much as 10 million Euros (A$17.74 million) on its presence at trade shows such as DRUPA – made a bid for supremacy in the newspaper segment in 2000 with the introduction of the Mainstream press. The 4/1 format of its Mainstream and web-width flexibility of movable folder formers attracted sales, including for the Bangkok Post, leading to the introduction of the Prisma from Koenig & Bauer (then KBA).

Pictured: Heidelberg’s Klaus Braun (left) and Jürgen Otto (right) with Ina Mölln and Kajetan von Mentzingen of Vincorian; (top) the PGM low emissions generator set