Unisource and Heidelberg USA Form Landmark Partnership
06/24/2010
Agreement Provides Printers Single Source Access To Technical
Expertise, Logistics and Distribution
Kennesaw, Ga., June 24, 2010 - An innovative and
ground-breaking partnership announced today between
Heidelberg USA, Inc. and Unisource Worldwide, Inc. combines
Heidelberg's print media products, service and expertise with
the paper and logistics knowledge of the Unisource
organization for the benefit of printers in the United
States.
The revolutionary partnership is focused on creating
game-changing business practices that will enable printers to
run their businesses more efficiently. Among the benefits the
Heidelberg and Unisource alliance is expected to offer the
industry are:
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A partnership that provides enhanced service,
products, and technical expertise to the print community.
Access to the Unisource nationwide distribution network and
Heidelberg's full product and consumable offering provides
printers an opportunity to achieve pressroom and
operational efficiencies.
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The ability and opportunity for a printer to reduce
costs and achieve economies of scale by managing all
equipment, consumables and paper purchases in the form of
exclusive bundled products and services.
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An agreement that calls for Unisource to deliver the
full line of Heidelberg premium Saphira-branded consumables
to printers across the U.S.
"When two best-in-class companies align to offer their
customers the benefit of their combined expertise, printers
win hands down," said Jim Dunn, president of Heidelberg USA.
"Supplier accountability is key. Printers not only will gain
access to the best products, consumables and paper, but also
will enjoy the security and peace of mind that come from
knowing where to turn for prompt support."
"This alliance between two market-leading brands,
Unisource and Heidelberg, offers printers the best of both
worlds, including convenient access to top-quality products,
combined with world-class logistics, distribution and
service," said Al Dragone, CEO of Unisource Worldwide.
"Both companies are focused on providing greater
efficiencies and tangible value to the printer community."
"We've trusted both Heidelberg and Unisource with our
business for years, so the prospect of being able to receive
both Unisource paper and Heidelberg Saphira-branded
consumables through a common logistics and distribution
network is extremely appealing," said Jay Byars, president
and founder of Brandon's Printing, a 25-year-old commercial
shop in metropolitan Atlanta. "Best of all, I can order all
the supplies I need and receive them the next day, on the
same truck."
The program will roll out in phases, beginning with
printers in the Southeast this fall and expanding nationwide
within the next year. |
About Unisource Worldwide, Inc.
Unisource Worldwide, Inc (www.unisourcelink.com) is a leading
independent marketer and distributor of commercial printing and
business imaging papers, packaging systems and facility supplies
and equipment in North America. Headquartered in Norcross, Ga.,
Unisource is one of the largest private companies in the United
States and offers the most comprehensive suite of products and
services in the industry. With approximately 5,500 team members -
including sales, customer service and technical support
specialists; approximately 85 distribution centers; and a fleet of
"Big Red" trucks - Unisource can deliver what your
business needs when and where you want it - locally, regionally and
nationally.
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, AG
A technology provider and partner in the print media
industry, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is with its
sheetfed offset printing machines one of the leading solution
providers for the print media industry. All over the world, the
name Heidelberg is synonymous with state-of-the art technology, top
quality, and closeness to the customer. The core business of this
technology group covers the whole value-added and process chain for
the 35 x 50 cm (13.78 x 19.69 in) to 121 x 162 cm (47.64 x 63.78
in) format classes in the sheetfed offset sector.
Heidelberg develops and produces precision printing presses,
platesetters, postpress equipment, and software for integrating all
the printshop processes. Environmental protection has an enduring
importance in this regard. Solutions for the development,
production, and utilization of presses help to conserve resources,
reduce emissions, and cut wastage. The Heidelberg portfolio also
provides general and consulting services ranging from spare parts
and consumables to the sale of remarketed equipment, and training
at the Print Media Academy.
Based in Heidelberg, Germany, with development and production
sites in seven countries and around 250 sales offices across the
globe, the company supports around 200,000 customers worldwide. All
Heidelberg presses destined for the world market are manufactured
at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site in line with strict quality
standards. Standardized presses in all standard format classes and
folding machines for the Chinese market are produced by Heidelberg
in Qingpu near Shanghai.
Heidelberg presses worldwide produce high-quality print
products such as business cards, brochures, posters, and folding
cartons.
In financial year 2008/2009, Heidelberg recorded sales of EUR
2.999 billion. As at March 31, 2009, the Heidelberg Group had a
workforce of 18,926 worldwide, including 707 trainees.
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