Blackwell to bring first Espresso book machine to the UK

Able to print library quality paperbacks from digital files in minutes, the Espresso book machine is revolutionising the book world

Blackwell are pleased to announce that we have signed an exclusive agreement with On Demand Books to bring the first Espresso Book Machine to a UK Bookseller this year. The Espresso has now been successfully launched in nine installation sites including The Library of Alexandria, Egypt, the University of Alberta, Canada and several locations in the US including the World Bank and Northshire Bookstore in Vermont.

The arrangement includes a number of agreed trial shops to begin with, followed by a roll-out opportunity across the Blackwell chain as well as possibilities overseas both in future international retail sites and in library supply. Details of agreed trial shops have yet to be finalised. There is a confidential exclusivity agreement in place that will allow Blackwell and On Demand Books to create critical mass and to leverage the exciting possibilities that the technology makes possible

Vince Gunn, CEO of Blackwell UK says

"When I first read about the Espresso book machine in The Bookseller, I was very keen to see it in action. From a retailer's point of view, even allowing for the first generation technology and publisher challenges, this is a fantastic opportunity - we can sell to demand with no risk to inventory and there is an opportunity to create incremental revenue streams for ourselves and publishers. The feedback from Todd Anderson in Canada confirms what is possible when retailers and publishers work together. With our relationship with the publishing community we are looking forward to leveraging our unique brand position and international network to drive this exciting new technology forward. We are very much looking forward to working with Dane and the On Demand team."

Dane Neller, CEO of On Demand Books says

"Blackwell is a superb partner of choice for us to launch in the UK market. They have an outstanding pedigree of book history behind them with a reputation for innovation. Their academic and specialist credentials both here and overseas are well suited for the Espresso book machine and we believe together we can maximise this exciting development in the book market."

The date for launch is yet to be determined but is expected to be in autumn 2008.