The group, which has six sites across the UK, has invested in the new machinery to cut turnaround times without compromising quality.

Its latest equipment spend comprises a Stahlfolder KH 82 combination model with pallet feeder and a TH 56 buckle machine with round pile feeder.

The folders are installed at the group's Shoreham plant and help finish jobs printed on its 10-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 102-10-P press.

According to Steve Cropper, managing director of Gemini Group, the automation in the knife unit and the ability to preset jobs for repeat work are benefits of the new systems.

"Finishing is a critical element in achieving the quickest turnround times without compromising quality. Having high output safeguards costs and overall competitiveness," he added.

Cropper, formerly managing director of Gemini Press, took on the group-wide position in September last year as one of the changes following the death of the group's founder and chairman, Nigel Holmes.

Gemini’s two main printing plants are located in Shoreham and Brighton, generating more than half the group’s £20m turnover.

The group's other sites are in Bristol and across other facilities in Shoreham.