The range includes the MR720 fully automated single-clamp machine and the four-clamp Quadrimax II. Both machines are available with hot melt and PUR glue systems, while the MR725 can also be fitted on-line to digital print engines.

Prices range from £8,500 for the entry-level machine to just over £100,000 for the most advanced systems.

Encore sales manager Paul Davidson told PrintWeek that perfect-binding machines fitted perfectly the company's existing product range, targeted at high-volume digital print companies and B2 lithographic producers.

He said: "We've been looking at perfect binding from a number of different suppliers for the last three or four years.

"You can very easily pick up a distribution contract for machines from anywhere in the world but to find one that's tried and tested, works well and has a number of unique features on the machine is much more difficult, and JUD meets that perspective."

Davidson said Duplo previously held the Europe-wide distribution contract for JUD but this arrangement was ending because Duplo was moving into manufacturing perfect-binding machines itself.

He added that JUD would continue supplying Duplo with spare parts for warranty purposes but Encore would handle future sales in the UK.

Encore's existing range includes an Automatic MB folder, PitStop creasing machine, Shoei folding machine and Perlux saddle-stitching machine.