SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 3, 2025 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has introduced the new Cartonmaster CX 145, a very large format (VLF) sheetfed offset press aimed at the high-growth folding carton printing sector. The move strategically positions HEIDELBERG as a full-range supplier for packaging print solutions, aligning with its long-term growth strategy and marking a significant milestone in its 175th anniversary year.
Strategic Entry into Format Class 6 Press Market
Folding carton printing for food, beverage, and consumer packaging continues to see above-average annual growth, particularly in long-run production using format class 6 (105 cm × 145 cm / 41.34 × 57.09 in) sheetfed offset presses. In response, HEIDELBERG is broadening its packaging portfolio to include this segment.
“Our new Cartonmaster CX 145 makes HEIDELBERG a full-range provider for folding carton printing,” says the company’s Chief Technology & Sales Officer, Dr. David Schmedding. “As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our range of solutions for the packaging sector and, at the same time, plugging a gap in our portfolio,” he adds.
Digital Integration for Smarter Print Operations
The Cartonmaster CX 145 is based on the Roland Evolution 900 from manroland sheetfed, which HEIDELBERG is incorporating into its digital ecosystem. The press can be integrated into both the Prinect workflow and the workflow solutions of third-party suppliers. What’s more, customers can access performance data for their press in the HEIDELBERG Customer Portal. Besides the actual press in the HEIDELBERG design, the package on offer also covers sales, installation, training, and support, including service and consumables.
Global Support and Reliability for High-Volume Printers
High-volume packaging producers demand maximum press availability, low complexity, and responsive support. With its global infrastructure, HEIDELBERG aims to deliver reliable, efficient service across markets.
“Our performance promise for all HEIDELBERG machines includes local support for parts, the global presence of qualified service staff, and quick response times,” emphasizes Schmedding.
The Cartonmaster CX 145 is available to order with immediate effect. The first customer installation is planned for 2026, with a global rollout to follow. HEIDELBERG expects the greatest demand to come from North America, Europe, and China.
Reinforcing End-to-End Capabilities in Folding Carton Production
With the new Cartonmaster CX 145, HEIDELBERG fills the strategic gap between its existing Speedmaster and Boardmaster platforms.
“Adding the Cartonmaster CX 145 to our portfolio is further proof of our credentials as a system integrator for the end-to-end production of folding cartons,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of HEIDELBERG. “Thanks to our excellent position in the folding carton segment, this new press, too, is expected to be highly popular with customers and generate increasing sales,” he continues.
Comprehensive Solutions for Every Format
HEIDELBERG now offers packaging customers a complete spectrum of press formats and technologies:
- Speedmaster presses in 50 cm × 70 cm and 70 cm × 100 cm formats
- The new Cartonmaster CX 145 for VLF applications
- The Boardmaster flexographic web printing system for peak productivity
The company, together with its partner MK, also delivers optimized postpress solutions including robotics. All presses are integrated into HEIDELBERG’s digital ecosystem of Prinect software, consumables, services, training, and consulting—supporting its goal of fully automated, end-to-end production.
By launching the new Cartonmaster CX 145, HEIDELBERG is now plugging the gap between its Speedmaster portfolio and the Boardmaster. The company has integrated all these presses into its digital ecosystem comprising equipment, Prinect software, consumables, and service as well as training and consulting. HEIDELBERG is expanding this ecosystem step by step as it moves toward fully comprehensive end-to-end production.
Learn more at www.heidelberg.com.