The machine, which will go into production in Japan in the next month, was first demonstrated at Drupa. It can handle paper weights of up to 350gsm and will run up to three times faster than its predecessor, the DC-545.

Duplo International group marketing manager Ashley Whitworth said that prices had not been finalised, but he anticipated that the machine's cost will be around double the DC-545.

He said that one firm order had already been received in the UK from an unnamed client at Drupa.

Whitworth said that the two extra products were "very exciting", but gave no further details other than to say that they were not built by Japanese parent company Duplo Corporation.

Duplo is also in the final stages of developing online consumables ordering, which will be launched in time for the DPW exhibition. "We hope that it will make life easier for our customers," said Whitworth.

Meanwhile, Peter Jolly has joined Esher-based Duplo as marketing communications manager. He previously worked for a PR agency in the construction sector.

Story by Josh Brooks