Second-quarter orders at ailing German printing press maker Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (HDDG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) were at about the same level as in the first quarter, its Chief Executive Bernhard Schreier told Reuters.

"This is a positive sign, provided that incoming orders don't drop again," the chief said.

Even so, the crisis in the industry could last longer than three years because of the financial markets squeeze, he added.

The company is in possible cooperation talks for its digital printing operations and is also talking to Koenig & Bauer (SKBG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and Manroland over joint production of engineering components, the CEO said. (Reporting by Hendrick Sackmann, writing by Ludwig Burger, editing by Will Waterman).

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