On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, a landmark 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 in South India. The industry-first initiative aims 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. Its legacy of excellence and innovation makes it a strong partner for this milestone industrial and human resource development initiative. The Group’s Kaleswari Trust also operates the Sri Kaleswari College and the Sri Kaleswari Institute of Management and Technology.
The center, which is expected to be operational in an early timeframe, will feature a complete suite of MK Masterwork equipment for hands-on demonstration and training purposes. The equipment includes the MK Ecocut 106 CS Die-Cutter, a precision high speed autoplaten die-cutting machine; the Diana Eye Inspection Machine with advanced vision systems for defect detection and quality control; and, the Bestfold FB II 1000 Folder Gluer, a high-speed and versatile folding carton machine.
Samir Patkar, president at Heidelberg India, commented, “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 training to customers across the industry.”
Sri Kaliswari Fireworks has been a long-standing and valued customer of Heidelberg India, with several Heidelberg presses running in its pressroom. Recent additions include a Speedmaster CX 104 4-color 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 high-quality folding carton packaging continues to grow in the country. The Demo Center will become a hub for live demonstrations, capability building, and customer collaboration — reinforcing Heidelberg’s role and commitment as a trusted partner in India’s packaging evolution.
