August 27, 2003 -- Bad Mergentheim, Germany — Book manufacturers seeking new ways to build business can find answers at the VBF Hardcover Forum, which will be conducted September 25-27 at VBF Buchtechnologie GmbH here. The company is the hardcover system manufacturing facility of Muller Martini, which is inviting interested graphic arts professionals in the U.S. to attend the complimentary event. "Book manufacturing is one of the challenging fields where we can provide more efficient and exciting solutions for manufacturers of all sizes," said Werner Naegeli, President and CEO of Muller Martini Corp. "Our new hardcover lines automate the production of quality books, making the application profitable for short to mid range production runs, as well as to continue to provide viable solutions to high volume manufacturers. The VBF Hardcover Forum will provide different solutions." The open house-style event will feature the world premiere of Muller Martini’s new inline hardcover production system. Its components include two new devices: the VenturaConnect integrated book sewing system and the Collibri back gluing machine. Muller Martini’s Diamant Bookline will also be a major player in the automated hardcover line, as will a Merit three-knife trimmer and the BLSD book stacker. The result: a fully integrated production system that produces hardcover books from folded signatures in one continuous operation. Live demonstrations of the innovation will be conducted three times a day — at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Also on hand at the forum will be a BDM Universal case maker, a JackPlus jacketing machine working with a BLSD 650 stacker and Ribbon 60 ribbon inserter. The VBF Hardcover Forum is free of charge. Book manufacturing professionals who wish to register for the event or would like more information about hardcover production opportunities should click on: www.mullermartiniusa.com/mmus/mailings/VBF_open_house_reply.htm