Terry Hannam, managing director of the Solihull-based print group, said that quality, automation and innovation were the central tenets of Synergie's philosophy. "Automation allows us to grow the business with our existing high-calibre staff, without having to increase headcount," he said.

"But we're also striving for innovation. We want to be the first to market. We create products as well as servicing our customers' needs."

Synergie's half-a-million-pound spend includes three DC-645 slittercutter-creasers with integrated folder, two DPB-500 perfect binders (one PUR, one hotmelt), two Digital System bookletmakers, a 3500 and a 5000, a DCM-52 creaser-perforator, two DC-10/60 Pro Collators and a three-knife trimmer.

Hannam stressed the growing level of integration in modern finishing kit, with multiple processes now all carried out within a single unit.

"By getting rid of so many standalone processes, it's getting to the stage where it's like a photocopier for finishing," said Hannam. "You press the green button and out it comes, and that's only going to increase."

The equipment will be installed across three of Synergie's six sites, in Solihull, Saltash and Basingstoke.