Effective as of 17 May, their retirement follows the company’s acquisition last year by Plockmatic Group.

Working for Sandy, Bedfordshire-based Watkiss for around 40 years, Paul Attew focused on the company’s worldwide sales efforts while Susan Attew managed the administration and finances.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Paul Attew said: “After 40 years with Watkiss Automation I have made the decision to leave the industry; as of 17 May I begin a new life working on projects related to construction and agriculture.

“I have enjoyed my time in the graphics industry and the super people I have worked with. For sure I will miss you all, thank you to all of my worldwide colleagues for your friendship and co-operation through the years, I wish you all prosperity and happiness for the future.”

Ray Hillhouse has assumed the role of general manager of UK operations for the Plockmatic Group and will oversee both the Morgana and Watkiss operations in the UK.

He said: “Whilst we are sad to see Paul and Susan depart from the business I am pleased they are taking the opportunity to do other things which they dearly love and enjoy, including the management of their stud farm. I and all the staff in the group wish them well in their future ventures.”

The Plockmatic Group is currently in the launch phase of its new PowerSquare 160 bookletmaker. Aimed at mid- to high-volume printers, the Watkiss-manufactured device can produce books from a wide range of substrates and sheet sizes including A4 landscape.

In keeping with other products in the range, offline versions of the PowerSquare machines will be branded as Morgana with inline units sold under the Plockmatic and OEM names.

“The order book is full right now, and we continue to focus on increasing production at the Sandy site,” said Hillhouse.

“We have added a great product range into our sales and distribution channels and now have much stronger interest from the print engine manufacturers to integrate the PowerSquare 160.”