Investing in the Future of Books: Zeitfracht and CPI Expand Print-on-Demand Capabilities in Erfurt

Erfurt, October 14, 2025.Zeitfracht Medien GmbH’s logistics and printing facility in Erfurt is increasingly emerging as one of Europe’s most modern print-on-demand centers. Following the successful commissioning of a new web press by CPI earlier this year, the next milestone is now underway: Zeitfracht and CPI are jointly investing in additional sheetfed presses and state-of-the-art finishing technologies.

With four new Ricoh sheetfed presses, production capacity has been significantly increased. This expansion makes it possible to meet the steadily growing demand for just-in-time book print runs with even greater flexibility. The technology used ensures the highest print quality, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. Hardcover production at the facility has also been doubled once again—in the future, several thousand bound books can be produced there each day. This impressive capacity makes Erfurt one of the most productive and modern print-on-demand facilities in the German-speaking world.

More opportunities for publishers and retailers

Both publishing distribution customers and publishing suppliers benefit significantly from these investments. Whether bestsellers or niche titles, softcover or hardcover—the combination of state-of-the-art printing technology and well-designed logistics processes guarantees vibrant colors, precise finishing, and rapid availability.

Thanks to the highly automated production chain, over two million titles can be printed overnight using print-on-demand technology and delivered directly to bookstores the following day. Foreign-language titles are also available faster than ever before. With this new infrastructure, Zeitfracht and CPI are setting new standards in terms of speed, flexibility, and reliability. Small and medium print runs can be produced cost-effectively, allowing both book distributors and publishers to benefit from a wider range of titles.

Sustainable, efficient, and forward-looking

Integrating print-on-demand production into Zeitfracht Medien’s existing logistics processes eliminates overproduction, reduces storage costs, and minimizes waste. Only what is actually in demand is produced—an important step toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient book industry.

“Our ongoing expansion in the PoD sector is increasing the diversity of our product range and actively contributing to a more sustainable industry by reducing overproduction,” emphasizes Thomas Raff, Managing Director of Zeitfracht Medien. “Those who embrace this trend will remain competitive in the long term and operate more efficiently. Furthermore, our PoD printing facility, which is integrated into our publishing distribution logistics, is unique in Germany.”

Robert Höllein, a member of CPI’s executive board, also highlights the benefits for publishers: “The partnership with Zeitfracht is a real boon for the industry—a centralized database enables a level of reach, efficiency, and availability that was previously almost impossible to achieve.”

Joachim Kühn, COO of CPI, adds: “With these additional technologies, we are specifically strengthening our Erfurt facility and ensuring maximum flexibility and delivery reliability—a strong signal to our customers and partners.”

Erfurt as a hub for the future of book printing

CPI’s innovative strength and growth strategy in the print-on-demand sector underscore the strategic importance of the Erfurt location. A high-performance center is taking shape here, combining modern printing technology, efficient logistics, and sustainable production processes.

“The number of units shipped has nearly doubled in just one year,” says Kay Wissendorf, purchasing manager at Zeitfracht. “Our customers can count on us to continue delivering efficiently, reliably, and sustainably in the future.”

With this consistent expansion and new investments in Erfurt, Zeitfracht Medien and CPI are sending a clear message: for greater predictability, diversity, and sustainability in the book market—and for a strong future for the printed book.

Photo: Zeitfracht Medien GmbH. Higher-resolution version available at:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54853039572_a3682c62cb_k.jpg

Photo: Zeitfracht Medien GmbH. Higher-resolution version available at:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54853039567_380c5ae5fe_k.jpg

In the photo (from left): Kay Wissendorf (Purchasing Manager, Zeitfracht Medien), Hans Dietmar Haupt (Sales Specialist, Ricoh), Simon Fastenau (Senior Sales Specialist, Ricoh), Joachim Kühn (CPI). Photo: Zeitfracht Medien GmbH. Higher-resolution version available at:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54853039577_ede241750c_k.jpg