Two traditional print brands are finding growth with the trend towards electric-powered transport.

Heidelberg is ramping up production of chargers for cars, while technotrans has secured a major electromobility contract involving cooling solutions for regional trains.

At Heidelberg's Wiesloch-Walldorf just outside the German city, a second production line has started to produce the company's Wallbox energy control. The system for simultaneous charging of several vehicles is currently supported by the country's KfW bank.

Private demand for charging solutions is growing rapidly and estimated at more than 20 per cent annually, with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen one of the country's most successful suppliers. The new line will roughly double production capacity by April.

technotrans SE says two new contracts will see it supply customised battery cooling systems for electric trains in Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, and Wales & Borders rail services in the UK. Technotrans says the two projects have seven-digit order volume, with comparable follow-up projects expected.

Currently lithium-ion batteries are used on line sections which have not been electrified, with precise thermal management essential.

Company spokesman Michael Finger says technotrans is a leading manufacturer of liquid-based battery cooling solutions for public transport. "Our long-standing expertise in this area as well as our solution competence were the decisive factors in winning the contract," he says.

Not yet a third of the UK's railway network is electrified, and 36 tram trains and 35 FLIRT trainsets will both use batteries for part of their operation, replacing diesels.