The worldwide distribution agreement heralds a major step forward for EBM manufacturer On Demand Books, which released the first version of the machine, frequently dubbed the “ATM for books”, in 2006.

On Demand Books chief executive Dane Neller said that the deal marked a “natural fit” between the two companies, while Xerox claimed it would enable the company to meet “incredible opportunities” in the market.

The EBM, which was featured in Time Magazine‘s best inventions of 2007 list, can produce a 300pp book in less than four minutes and is sold with a copyright software system with access to 3.3 million titles.

Local chain Angus and Robertson became the first book retail company in the world to deploy an EBM when it introduced the machine in one of its Melbourne stores in 2008. However, the machine was removed from the store four months ago, with the company believed to have halted its plans to roll out 50 of the machines across its chain of stores.

Xerox has already begun selling the machines alongside its 4112 printer in the US as part of a phased launch.

Simon Lane, Fuji Xerox Australia national manager for production services, said: “This is an exciting new initiative from Xerox Corporation and Fuji Xerox Australia will review this opportunity to establish its viability in the local market.”

Read the original article at www.printweek.com.

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