At the show, Anton announced a £14m spend, including a Speedmaster XL 106, Europe's first Agfa Avalon N8-80 platesetters and eight Kodak Prosper S5 Imprinting Systems.

The Stitchmaster has been bought to bolster capacity and increase end-of-line personalisation capability. it will also pave the way for additional recruitment in the bindery.

Bindery manager Michelle Knight said the machine would be supplied with an "unusual configuration", as it is supplied with a chain for four stations but with just two units fitted because Anton Group will move hoppers between lines.

In line with its three existing saddle-stitcher, the ST 450 will be fitted with inkjet heads enabling it to produce personalised products in this production area.

Knight said: "The ST 450 is a servo-driven, fully automated machine that suits our high volume, full on working environment. We are so busy that we simply couldn’t wait for Drupa before placing this order.

"Personalisation demand is growing and we find this top of the range flexible stitcher performs well in tandem with the inkjet heads we run."