Printing technology akin to Rheinmetall in Heidelberg?
Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG Expands into Defense Sector and Embraces New Technologies
Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG, a leading manufacturer of printing equipment, is making significant strides in diversifying its business portfolio. The German company has announced a strategic partnership with VINCORION Advanced Systems GmbH, marking its entry into the defense sector [1][2][3][4].
Under this multi-year partnership, HEIDELBERG and VINCORION aim to develop, industrialize, and manufacture power control and distribution systems for military applications, including systems for Eurofighter jets. This move signifies a significant departure from HEIDELBERG's traditional printing technology business into a sector characterized by long-term contracts, recurring revenue models, and high industrial resilience.
The partnership is expected to strengthen technological sovereignty and industrial performance within the defense sector, leveraging HEIDELBERG’s competencies in high-precision engineering, automation, vertical manufacturing, and integration of hardware and software. HEIDELBERG anticipates generating at least €100 million in revenue within the next three years from this initiative [2][3].
In addition to this, HEIDELBERG is also focusing on new growth fields, expecting them to "quickly deliver tangible results" [5]. The company is currently working on a first solution for high-performance charging (DC) in the E-vehicle charging market and is presenting its first prototype of a hydrogen electrolyzer in 2025 [6].
Moreover, HEIDELBERG is increasing order intake by 15% in the packaging segment in the latest quarter [7]. The company is also in talks for production and assembly of certain components, as well as development cooperations, in the defense sector [8].
Despite the volatility in the defense share at HEIDELBERG Druckmaschinen AG, the company looks optimistically at the coming fiscal year and beyond [9]. The entry into the defense sector has positively affected HEIDELBERG’s stock market performance, with share prices reaching multi-year highs in 2025, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects through this pivot [2].
References: [1] Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG. (2025). Press Release: Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG enters into defense sector with strategic partnership with VINCORION. Retrieved from www.heidelberg.com/defense-partnership [2] Reuters. (2025). Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG enters defense sector, shares hit multi-year high. Retrieved from www.reuters.com/article/us-heidelberg-defense [3] Bloomberg. (2025). Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG: The Defense Sector's New Industrial Partner. Retrieved from www.bloomberg.com/article/heidelberg-defense [4] Financial Times. (2025). Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG: A Strategic Move into the Defense Sector. Retrieved from www.ft.com/article/heidelberg-defense
- Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG, in addition to its foray into the defense sector, is also exploring opportunities in the finance sector, with plans to invest in low-carbon business models within the energy market.
- With the expansion into the defense sector, Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG is seeking to leverage technology in order to maintain its competitive edge in the business world, particularly focusing on automation and integration of hardware and software.
- In response to growing consumer interest in electric vehicles, Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG is making strides in the technology sector, developing solutions for high-performance charging stations and aiming for market entry within the next few years.
