The finishing manufacturer opened its purpose-built Addlestone showroom and offices yesterday (14 February).

At the event, attended by trade press and its worldwide distributors, Duplo launched the DBMi Saddle System automated saddle stitcher and FKS PrintBind KB-400 PUR binder. Both machines are expected to be given international debuts at Drupa.

The DBMi has been positioned for users of the company’s flagship System 5000 machine who want a larger machine.

It sits underneath the Alpha saddlestitcher in the range, which the company launched in October 2009, although its commercial introduction has been delayed. The company said it intends to focus on the Alpha in the near future.

The DBMi can handle 9,000 books per hour and features two, three or four Hohner stitching heads and up to six DSC-10/60i suction collators.

The collators feature intelligent feeding capabilities, enabling the user to customise each collator bin, with changeover possible in around 60 seconds.

A 20-station machine is priced at £169,000, while a 10-station machine costs £146,000.

Duplo’s FKS PrintBind is a mid-range binder, incorporating both hot-melt and PUR glue. The hot-melt is used for attaching covers, while the PUR can be added to a spine for a stronger bind.

According to Duplo, the machine is unique because the PUR glue is dispensed through a self-sealing nozzle, which uses dry air to ensure that no glue is wasted, which is often the case with conventional PUR machines. The machine is available for £59,000.

Duplo’s new headquarters has been designed with environmental friendliness in mind, with the company aiming to be carbon neutral. It features sun traps and wind traps for natural light and the eradication of air conditioning and the company has also invested in a number of solar panels.

Group chairman Robin Greenhalgh said: "Esher’s warehouse did not fit with our philosophy. This site is full of technology and is more in keeping with how we want Duplo to be perceived.

"The benefit of a recession is that land prices go down and we were overjoyed to make this move."

A plaque commemorating the opening of the new facility was unveiled by Greenhalgh and Duplo president Tokio Sakamoto.