The Cardiff-based specialist in high-quality web and sheetfed printing has spent around £500,000 on the new setup, which includes a Sitma W1005 polywrapping line from Integra International, a Domino Bitjet inkjet printer for addressing, and an AMS offline addressing system for envelopes and carrier sheets.

Managing director Alan Padbury said the new kit was "a nice addition" to the firm’s offering. "It’s quite useful for certain customers who like us to handle the whole job for them, from start to finish," he said. "We’re only going to do mailing on work we print ourselves, and for customer who want us to.

"The more you have under control on your own premises, the more confident you can be about doing a good job on time," he added.

The system went live earlier this month, and four new positions have been created at the £19.7m company as a result.

The mailing line can wrap 15,000 products per hour, and features Sitma’s "tight wrap" system. "This stretches the film prior to sealing it, so it’s really nice and tight. It looks better and works well within the Royal Mail limits," explained Integra sales director Richard MacLean.

"Westdale’s system has a fully-automated backend, so it’s very efficient," he added.

Westdale has made a number of significant new investments this year, including a Goss Purlux saddlestitcher. However, installation of the ten-colour KBA Rapida 106 ordered at Drupa has been delayed until next year.

"We are reviewing our position and hope to sort it out before Christmas," Padbury stated.