Men with Warm Hearts and Strong Nerves

Every four years, Rainer Thielmann and Franz Haaf are given the signal and then it's time. The two "Heidelbergers" and their teams launch an exciting mission: organizing everything needed for a perfect trade fair appearance and for dazzling visitors to drupa. This is not exactly a small task, as a look behind the scenes shows.

Mr. Thielmann, Mr. Haaf, the two of you are responsible for all of the logistics and the technical side of things - from setting up the printing presses, to adjusting air humidity. You even procure the cocktail straws. What was the biggest challenge this year?
Haaf: Setting up the Speedmaster XL 162-6+L in Hall 2. The transportation from Wiesloch to Düsseldorf with heavy-goods trucks needing authorization reminded us of delivering the Mainstream in 2000. We also had to prepare the floor for such weight - one single printing unit weighs 24 tons and workers needed two cranes to position its 30 tons.

This year Heidelberg is once again building the world's largest temporary print shop with more than 50 printing presses on a floor space of 83,959 square feet (7,800 square meters). How is that possible?
Thielmann: It is only possible with the help of a great team. It's not just a matter of setting up the exhibits themselves, such as the printing presses or platesetters, for example. Almost all of the machines are networked. On top of that are things like supplying electricity and air, cooling, catering, or getting the Heidelberg team together.
Haaf: Our expectations of quality - both in terms of functionality and presentation - are extremely high. I had a few sleepless nights at the end of April, particularly because of the short set-up time. This year we've laid 62 miles (100 kilometers) of electric and network cables as well as 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of high pressure hoses, for example. Beginning May 5th, we're now on-site working around the clock in shifts to install over 50 exhibits - that's nearing the limit. I'm still not particularly relaxed, but a healthy dose of nervousness is good for concentration.

How many service employees are at work on the project?
Haaf: There are currently about 100 technicians from all of the German Heidelberg locations working at the trade fair grounds. Colleagues from markets further away are also supporting us. We've carted out a total of roughly 4,000 tons of material on more than 150 trucks. This is done in "portions" of two to twelve tons with the help of forklifts in the halls. If the items are heavier, then we drive the heavy goods trucks directly into the halls and use cranes to unload everything.

With such a huge project, there are certainly things that go wrong from time to time.
Thielmann: Smaller accidents always happen. But thanks to our fantastic team, we are able to easily iron them out so that those on the "outside" don't even notice.
Haaf: The only real danger would be if someone offered us rice pudding with cinnamon and sugar in the catering tent - then we would forget everything else.

What do you think will be the hot-ticket item with customers this year?
Thielmann: Heidelberg always demands perfection right down to the smallest details at each drupa. That doesn't just include all the exhibits, but also the surroundings. This year, the Speedmaster XL 162 will certainly be a real crowd-puller. At the same time, we want to produce a "wow" effect with our customers by offering something really special - a surprise. I can only say this much - it has to do with a print job on this press.

What is your own personal highlight?
Thielmann: That's on May 28th, the night before drupa opens - when everything is finished, still untouched and perfect. That's the moment when I take a deep breath and am proud to be able to offer our Heidelberg guests something so special.
Haaf: You have to imagine - everyone involved has given their best for weeks. And now, when the hall is completely set up and all the finishing touches are on, the creative stand design can really be seen for the first time. In the middle of this amazing environment, our exhibits shine in the spotlights. Then we glance over the area one more time and enjoy the moment before it's time to slowly turn off the lights before opening day begins.

And what are you offering visitors who need a break and want to relax?
Thielmann: The Sternberg Lounge, a space outside of the trade fair, provides a contrast to the hustle and bustle - both in its appearance and atmosphere. There, customers can relax and take a step back from it all - either with a small snack or at a gala event in the evening. We also have a unique bar where you can mix your own individual cocktails from a choice of fruit juices. This idea was modeled after our system service - where each customer can put together his or her own personal package.

What is your personal tip for visitors to drupa?
Haaf: Go on a drupa technology tour in Halls 1 and 2.
Thielmann: If you've had enough of strolling down the shopping mile Kö or walking through the old city, you should visit Kaiserwerth. With its village feeling and cozy cafes, the tranquil district in the northern part of Düsseldorf is ideal for relaxing.