The Tilbury, Essex-based digital printer took delivery of the machine, which was supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), at the end of September.

Managing director Joe de Wykerslooth said: “We were outsourcing our perfect binding and wanted to bring it in-house to improve turnaround times and our competitiveness.

“We evaluated other pieces of kit and the Horizon system looked to be the best. We also spoke to other people in the industry and they all said it was a good machine.”

He added: “As we are now just starting out with perfect binding in-house, we are looking to build it up. We can be faster and more creative.

“One area it will make a big impact is in proofs. Before we were creating loose examples and the customer had to trust the final look.

“Now we can create a proof that will look exactly the same as the completed job. We can also create samples, adding foiling and embossing, for a very high-end result. It is a winner for us.”

The BQ-270V offers high-quality perfect binding and on-demand production of variable thickness books.

It includes an automated, sensor-activated digital caliper system that measures book block thickness and automatically transfers this data to the binder for quick, automated setup for books of different thicknesses.

It features a 10.4-inch intelligent colour touchscreen, job programming, and a compact configuration.

“I am also in charge of sales and I think being able to complete perfect bound books to a very high quality is going to open doors, start fresh conversations and enable us to target new markets,” de Wykerslooth added.

“It will energise the business with the ability to offer cost-effective stunning results on a wide range of short-run print.”

Five-staff Ashwyk also operates a seven-colour HP Indigo 7900 plus a Heidelberg platen that foils and embosses. It works with a broad client base including schools, design agencies, and brands.