"It's really exciting as it fits perfectly with everything we sell," said Encore managing director Mike Biggs.

The move follows it becoming the UK agency for the range of machines from Purlux, a Shanghai, China-based manufacturer.

Purlux is already fairly well known in Europe, according to Biggs: "There are a couple of machines in the UK already, they've also got machines in Germany, Spain, Italy and quite a few in France."

The entry-level stitcher is the LQD8E line, which has up to eight feeders, plus cover, and starts from around 70,000
Encore, however, will focus on the two most recently launched stitchers, the 10,000cph Nova 10 and 12,000cph Nova 12.

"We'll be moving in the Heidelberg ST and Muller Martini markets, and they'll be very price competitive," said Biggs.

The firm will also be handling the Purlux range of Planet multi-clamp perfect binding lines. "They're aimed at the mid- to high-range market in terms of volume," Biggs added.

Story by Darryl Danielli