"We chose the machine for its automation and efficiency, versatility and fast makeready times," said operations manager Keith Everitt(pictured).

The saddlestitcher was specified with Muller Martini's automatic makeready system (AMRYS).

"Computer controls mean we can interrupt a long run to finish an urgent job. The auto makeready remembers previous settings and can be switched over very quickly to the next job," he said.

Everitt said rivals like the Heidelberg ST400 were "lightly built" against the "robustness" of the Muller Martini. It will handle material from its presses.

These include a five-colour Komori system 38S web offset press, installed last year. It formed part of the biggest investment in Ancient House's 160-year history.

The 128-staff Ipswich-based company has a client list that includes government departments and household names like Argos and BBC.

The PrimaPlus is the third Prima stitcher in Ancient House's bindery and Everitt said his operators were clued up on the kit.