The company has vacated its old building, where it has been based since 1972, and moved into what was its parts centre across the road in Mitcham, Surrey.

A team of UK architects, under the supervision of the in-house architect of the MAN group in Germany, has completely refurbished the premises. New facilities include an internet caf for staff and a wireless network enabling the sales team to "hot desk" in the open plan offices.

"My first impression is that it is tremendous," said Finkbeiner. "For the company it's not only a symbol of moving from a traditional to a modern building but it's all about communication."

The company is awaiting confirmation of the new MAN group identity before erecting permanent signage at the building. All companies within the German engineering group will shortly operate under the MAN brand dropping individual company brands.

"The emphasis will be much more on the MAN branding," said Finkbeiner. "It's about developing the visibility of MAN as a group."

Finkbeiner has been spending a great deal of time in the UK lately, as the company is understood to be negotiating large press deals in the newspaper sector. He would not be drawn on detail but admitted: "I have a regular plane ticket from Munich to London every week."

"The UK publishing industry is fantastic at the moment. When you compare it on a worldwide basis it moves like no other. It's what's been missing for a long time," he said.

Story by Lauretta Roberts