Heidelberg, the German-based printing systems manufacturer, is planning to double its Asian turnover by 2003, as it aims to take responsibility for the marketing of its products. The recent acquisition of Danish-company East Asiatic has given Heidelberg direct access to the market by providing it sales companies and activities for graphics products. Heidelberg, the world's market leader in printing systems, has seen sales in Asia increase from a year-on-year 9.9 per cent in 1996-97 to 11.7 per cent in 1997-98. 'On the Asian markets in particular, we are expecting considerable market growth for our products in the coming years,' chairman Hartmut Mehdorn said. Mr Mehdorn believes the continuing lull in Asian economies provides an excellent platform for Heidelberg's market offensive. 'Sales volume will see particular growth in the field of small and inexpensive printing presses,' Mr Mehdorn said. Financial director Herbert Meyer said Heidelberg wanted to exploit the SAR's mainland proximity.