On 15 October 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Thomas Frank, managing director, Heidelberg Asia Pacific, and AP Selvarajan, managing director, Sri Kaliswari Fireworks, at the MK Masterwork Headquarters in Tianjin, China.
The strategic agreement marks the launch of the Heidelberg-Masterwork Machinery Live Demo & Training Center at Sivakasi, India – an industry first initiative aimed at empowering the country’s print and packaging community with hands-on access to world-class post-press technology.
Founded in 1923, the Kaliswari Group is one of India’s oldest and most respected industrial houses, with a diversified portfolio spanning fireworks, printing, packaging, education, and hospitality. Their legacy of excellence and innovation makes them an ideal partner for this milestone initiative.
The center will soon be operational and will feature a complete suite of MK Masterwork equipment, including MK Ecocut 106 CS Die-Cutter – precision die-cutting with high-speed performance; Diana Eye Inspection Machine – advanced vision systems for flawless quality control; Bestfold FB II 1000 Folder Gluer – high-speed, versatile folding carton production.
Samir Patkar, president at Heidelberg India, said, “We are delighted to launch this training center. It will enable us to support customers across India with hands-on experience and technical expertise. With packaging on a rapid growth trajectory, this initiative strengthens our commitment to innovation and capability building.”
AP Selvarajan, managing director, Sri Kaliswari Fireworks, added, “We are truly happy to be associated with Heidelberg and MK Masterwork. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our print journey, and we look forward to bringing world-class technology and expertise to the print and packaging community.”
Sri Kaliswari Fireworks has been a long-standing and valued customer of Heidelberg India, with several Heidelberg presses already part of its production fleet. Recent additions include a Speedmaster CX 104 4-colour press and a Diana Easy gluer folding carton line. The company’s in-house printing division caters to the print and packaging requirements of its fireworks segment, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and visually impactful packaging solutions.
Heidelberg India will actively engage its customers across all regions, offering technical expertise and immersive training as packaging continues its upward growth trajectory. The Demo Center will serve as a hub for live demonstrations, capability building, and customer collaboration – reinforcing Heidelberg’s role as a trusted partner in India’s packaging evolution.
