Manroland's director of finishing sales Roger Cartwright, as well as three technicians and one temporary employee, will move to Friedheim as a result. The contract officially moves across on 2 November 2009.

According to Friedheim, the addition of perfect binding to its core products was the reason for the move.

Managing director Peter Morris said: "Until now, Friedheim has had a presence in all areas of post-press, except for perfect binding. But with Wohlenberg on board, that gap has been filled and in that respect, this is a very exciting move for Friedheim. It's a strong brand and its products have a reputation in the market for being well built."

He added that Friedheim would push the product range ahead of next year's Ipex and said: "We have already had a lot of positive interest from existing customers to this move."

The Wohlenberg range is manufactured by Baumann, which also manufactures Perfecta guillotines. The Perfecta range is supplied by Graphic Arts Equipment in the UK.

According to Manroland GB, the switch will enable it to concentrate on its core products and services, such as presses, consumables and services.

Norman Revill, managing director at Manroland GB said: "Manroland's strategy of building a market-leading service and support package to complement its press technology requires it to now focus all of its efforts on its core business.
"In Friedheim, Wohlenberg and Baumann have found a natural home in a very professional organisation."