Hunkeler, which is represented in the UK by finishing equipment distributor Friedheim, invited a number of finishing and digital manufacturers to showcase how their equipment can work alongside Hunkeler kit at its recent Innovationdays event in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Pitney Bowes has long been considered as a transpromo specialist, but product line manager for the Document Messaging Technologies division, Simon Illingworth, told PrintWeek that the company now expanding into a new area.

He said: "A lot of customers ask us what we do in the direct mail area and we wanted to give them the option. We see a clear difference in the markets. With direct mail you want something simple and effective. With transpromo you want something with integrity and control."

Three machines, the DPS 150, DPS 250 and DPS 400, form part of the new range, and Illingworth said there had already been a large amount of interest from printers and mailing houses in the UK.

He added: "We have specialised in managing the data and security that comes with transpromo work.

"We wanted to go into this new area with all guns blazing. We think we have best in class, but we can offer our customers the quality of service that they have received from us before.

"Pitney Bowes is set up to help customers. We have a large number of engineers and we can respond quickly."