The company invested in a new Corona C12 perfect binder from Muller Martini, which will be installed at the CPI Mackays site in Chatham, Kent.

Mike Taylor, chief executive of CPI, said: "This is the most significant investment for the company in over 20 years and heralds further expenditure, as we re-equip Mackays for the future."

CPI is one of the first printers to take possession of Muller Martini's new blue Coronas. The machine is capable of running at 12,000cph and will replace two older binding lines.

According to Muller Martini, the Corona offers increased running speeds and faster makeready times through automated set-up screens. It also comes with ASIR 3 signature recognition, which eliminates mis-collation errors, the company said.

CPI will use the machine to produce hard case and soft cover books, as well as flat paperbacks. When producing hard cover books, the machine will run at speeds of around 8,000cph.

Ian Smith, general manager at CPI Mackays, added: "We are committed to improving the quality of service to our publishing customers. This investment will ensure that CPI Mackays remains at the forefront of monochrome book production in the UK."