The buy, which was first mooted at Drupa, replaces an 8pp Komori. According to the firm the 38S is the perfect addition to its two long perfectors, a B1 Heidelberg eight- and KBA ten-colour, with Mabeg sheeter.

The 50,000cph five-unit web press, one of the first of the Drupa models in the UK, was specified with inline spine-gluing and a rotary trimming facility. The configuration allows jobs to be packed and dispatched without going through the bindery.

"Jobs that used to take 18 hours are now being completed in just four, leaving our stitching and other finishing equipment free for other work," said Ancient House joint managing director Allison Berry.

The 625mm cut-off System 38S, which can handle 55-200gsm stock, was installed with an automatic twin ribbon folder unit. According to Berry the folder keeps makereadies and wastage to a minimum and "the folding options we can produce are endless, from four- to 64-page".

Story by Darryl Danielli