Atlanta, U.S.A., Oce Printing Systems USA, Inc. and its DigiStitcher, an in-line automated saddle-stitching device for book finishing, have received the InterTech Technology Award—one of the top industry honours for technological innovation from the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). The unique DigiStitcher device was jointly developed by Oce and the British manufacturer IBIS (Integrated Bindery Systems). The award recipients were chosen from numerous submissions of products and technologies developed during the past year. Entries had to meet stringent criteria for superior technological features and the ability to have a major impact on the graphic communications industry. In the announcement from GATF, Oce was told that the judges recognised the DigiStitcher´s ability to "change book thicknesses automatically without stopping the upstream printing process thereby providing an On-Demand book finishing solution to suit a large range of book run lengths." The DigiStitcher was also recognised for its ability to bind different paper weights while significantly upgrading the appearance of digitally printed and bound publications. "This recognition is the result of Oce´s commitment to develop innovative products that are designed to help companies produce high-quality, automated, digital output quickly and effectively," said Guy Broadhurst, Manager of Product Marketing for Oce Printing Systems USA, Inc. "The DigiStitcher fills a market void for a solution that can produce lightweight booklets while meeting dual demands for quality and economy. It also enables publishing operations to easily manage what has been a difficult in-line binding application." The DigiStitcher keeps pace with some of the fastest digital printers on the market as it delivers up to 8,220 saddle-stitched booklets per hour. The DigiStitcher eliminates the interruptions and manual intervention that slow production and compromise quality in the creation of high-volume, high-quality bound booklets. The system accommodates virtually all finished sizes including A4-A6, U.S. letter, Digest (5.5x8.8), Oblong (8.5x 5.5), Small Watch and Pager booklets. In fact, the system can accommodate almost any size that is demanded of a flexible system. The DigiStitcher also allows for maximum flexibility in that it offers face-trimming as well as top and bottom trim options. It can also be equipped with centre knives enabling the production of small booklet sizes. The system assembles booklets from two to 50 single or double-sided sheets.