Ilatec will be exhibiting at Fespa 2013 (stand M86N) in London from 25-29 June, while GPT is due to show the machines at Sign & Digital UK in Birmingham at the end of this month.

"The motorised drive is the major benefit, but it really is something that you have to see to believe," said GPT general manager Stuart Cole. "I was sceptical myself until I saw it, as were most customers - 90% are adamant they don’t need the motorised option before they see it, but in the end 90% of sales are for the electric version."

The advantage of the powered operation, according to Cole, is the ability for a single operator to run the machine, which for some jobs has previously been a two-man process. Another claimed unique feature of the LamiDesk is the lack of a "bridge" over the top of the roller. Cole said that this made it easier to flip jobs over and reduced the chance of creasing.

The LamiDesk is 1.6m-wide and available in two lengths, 3.5m and 4.5m denoted as the 3016 and 4016 respectively. The manual versions cost £9,250 for the LamiDesk Easy 3016 and £10,950 for the LamiDesk Easy 4016. The powered LamiDesk Power 3016 costs £12,225 while the larger LamiDesk Power 4016 costs £10,950.

GPT will be showing the LamiDesk Power 3016 at Sign & Digital UK.