Unisource and Heidelberg USA Form Landmark Partnership Offering Combined Expertise to U.S. Printing Industry

KENNESAW, Ga., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- 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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

SOURCE Unisource Worldwide, Inc.