Heidelberg, Sri Kaliswari launch masterwork demo centre in Sivakasi

INDIA – Heidelberg India has signed an agreement with the Sri Kaliswari Group to establish a live demonstration and training centre for MK Masterwork post-press technologies in Sivakasi, a town widely known as India’s printing capital. 

The pact follows a memorandum of understanding signed on 15 October 2025 in Tianjin, China, between Thomas Frank, managing director for Heidelberg Asia Pacific, and A.P. Selvarajan, managing director of Sri Kaliswari Fireworks.

The new facility will feature advanced MK systems, including the Ecocut 106 CS die-cutter, the Diana Eye inspection unit, and the Bestfold FB II 1000 folder-gluer. 

According to Heidelberg, the centre aims to provide print and packaging converters with hands-on experience in live production and technical training, helping bridge the skill gap in the fast-evolving packaging sector. 

Samir Patkar, president at Heidelberg India, described the collaboration as a forward-looking move.

“This training centre is a major step in supporting Indian converters with real-time access to the latest technology. With packaging growing rapidly, we remain committed to strengthening innovation and capability development across the country,” he said. 

The Sri Kaliswari Group, best known for its fireworks, education, and hospitality businesses, also operates a robust printing and packaging division.

The division already runs Heidelberg equipment, including a Speedmaster CX 104 four-colour press and a Diana Easy folder-gluer, which support the group’s packaging operations. 

Selvarajan said the new partnership will empower the region’s manufacturers. “We are thrilled to be associated with Heidelberg and MK Masterwork. This venture marks a milestone for our print journey and opens up access to world-class post-press technologies for our local community,” he noted. 

The Sivakasi centre will act as a hub for demonstrations, technical sessions, and collaboration projects. Heidelberg India plans to organize training programs for converters nationwide once the facility becomes operational. 

Similar initiatives have emerged across Asia, reflecting the growing demand for training-driven innovation.

For instance, Bobst recently opened its Competence Centre in Pune to train customers in flexible packaging and folding carton solutions.

Meanwhile, HP Indigo operates an Experience Centre in Singapore that offers converters live demonstrations of its latest digital presses.

Together, these centres underline the print industry’s pivot toward hands-on learning and technological upskilling as converters adapt to shorter runs, sustainability goals, and automation-driven production.

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