Thurbon hangs up his toolkit a day after his 60th birthday on 9 September.
Heidelberg chief executive Bernhard Schreier dubbed him "the father of PDA" for his lead in the firm's adoption of web-based hand-held technology.
Thurbon joined the firm as general service manager in 1986 and was director within a year. Ian Wilcock, who becomes service development manager has been with Heidelberg five years.
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"Great, maybe now they can increase their 'on-time delivery' rate, because lately it has been shocking."
"I'll give it a week Ray!. I'm sure you won't be able to sit twiddling your thumbs for too long. Thanks for the support you've given over the years, always accommodating and willing..."
"And here's me thinking they bought the Docklands Light Railway."
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