Date:27/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/10/27/stories/2004102703550300.htm

Back Heidelberg India to open print-media academy in Chennai

Our Bureau

Mr Bernhard Schreier (left), CEO, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, AG, Germany, and Mr Gunter Zorn, President, Heidelberg Asia Pacific, at a press conference in Chennai on Tuesday. - Bijoy Ghosh

Chennai , Oct. 26

HEIDELBERG India, part of the German group engaged in making products for the printing process, is to open a print-media training centre in Chennai to make use of growing business opportunities in India.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bernhard Schreier, was upbeat about the printing industry's prospects because its demand is linked to the performance of other industries.

A company official mentioned that the industry expected to grow at twice the speed of the growth in the Gross Domestic Product.

Mr Schreier is here on the occasion of the group's Indian subsidiary completing 50 years. At a press conference on Tuesday, he said that the printing industry would benefit from the increase in packaging and labelling needs in other industries.

The Asia-Pacific region has proved to be the engine of growth over the last couple of years for the industry. Heidelberger's Asia-Pacific President, Mr Gunter Zorn, said China had replaced Japan as the biggest market.

Mr Zorn said that even though India made only a small contribution to the company in absolute terms, it was important in terms of opportunities.

In response to a question, Mr Schreier explained that the printing industry would not be eclipsed by the growth of the telecommunication industry.