The Cheshire-based company, which has more than 550 staff worldwide, is to take delivery next month of four Stahlfolders, including two TH56 models, a TH 82 and a combination KH 82. The four Stahlfolders will give APS Group a net increase in capacity over the six machines it is replacing.

APS Group director of print services Rick Snelson said: "We undertake a variety and volume of finishing. The combination machine with the double delivery for section work will take work from press to stitching. The two TH 56s have a six and four buckle first station and a four and six second buckle station which will allow us to handle a wide range of folds. The TH 82 gives us a larger-format buckle capability."

The investment is aimed at boosting efficiency at £60m-turnover APS Group, which committed to Six Sigma and lean manufacturing a year ago in a bid to reduce waste.

Snelson added: "Makeready was a key factor in our quest for efficiency because our runs are quite low. We looked at MBO and Heidelberg and our decision was based not only on the equipment but on the overall service and potential partnership."  

The company is also reviewing the physical layout of its production site in a bid to further improve efficiency.

APS Group opened an office in London in June as part of plans to develop its client base in the south.