The family-run Salford firm has moved into a newly constructed 557sqm site following flooding last September at its previous site, which was around half the size.

The change of location spurred the business on to take a fresh approach to print production.

“We were able to design the factory layout to our own specification and, with the extra space, create an efficient workflow,” said director Helen Docherty.

In the past few months the business has taken delivery of the new Horizon machine to replace an old Horizon collator that was damaged in the flood.

“We had a Horizon before and it’s a staple part of our equipment list in terms of the type of work we produce so we were always going to replace it with something similar,” said Docherty.

“This model just gives us the capacity to put different jobs – and smaller jobs – through it.”

She added: “We wanted something that could produce the finished item in one process. We visited a local printer and saw the machine in operation and then understood the range of sizes and materials the SPF/FC-200A could handle, which has allowed us to add more services to our portfolio.

“It’s got a much quicker setup time and it’s made the work that we have more efficient. As we get used to it, and get to know the different types of jobs that we can put through it, then we can push for new business.”

The 4,500bph, JDF-ready device features a 200-programme job memory storage for instant recall, an icon-based touchscreen for job setup and a 10-station VAC-Turbo 1000 PowerCollator.

although the cost of the investment was not revealed, Docherty said: “As our business grows, and to remain competitive and efficient in a difficult economic climate, we regarded this as a strategic purchase to give us a broader capability.’’

Belle Design & Print, which was established in 1991, has 11 staff and a turnover of £750,000. The business produces items including diaries, booklets and stationery using kit including a Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52, a Canon imagePress and an Océ Varioprint.