Nixon left KBA at the beginning of May following a difference in opinion about future strategy at the company.

He made a low-profile visit to Drupa, where he met with bosses from both Scodix and Highcon.

Highcon's Euclid is the first system for digital cutting and creasing in the packaging market without the need for dies. The Scodix digital embossing device for creating tactile finishes is targeted at digital print applications.

Both systems were developed by hi-tech Israeli companies, and were among the "must-see" highlights at Drupa. Nixon's background working at Scitex and Creo meant he already knew some of the executives involved. Highcon is one of the companies backed by Benny Landa's Landa Ventures fund.

Nixon said he was excited at the fresh opportunity for his Watford-based venture. "These products really are revolutionary," he said. "We will be marketing to printers and also to brand owners with the Scodix."

Maria Machera, former marketing manager at Creo UK and owner of consultancy Pure Marketing & PR, will handle marketing and demand generation. Machera and Nixon worked together at Creo, and married in 2005.

Nixon said he is currently dealing with the huge amount of leads generated at Drupa, and Conversion will add service and training capabilities as machines are installed. The first Highcon system in the UK is likely to be installed in the next few months.

Scodix already has customers in the UK and Ireland: RCS Group in Retford and McGowans of Dublin.